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Before I could respond, she got up and walked around the desk to the door. Holding it open, she said, “I think you got your answer. You can leave now. I have to be somewhere shortly.”
“This discussion is not over,” I said firmly, brooking no space for arguments. I rose and strode toward her.
“You can keep trying,” she said with a tired sigh. “But it won’t change a thing.” She gripped the door, leaning on it as if for support. Anxiety settled in my chest at her sudden weakness. I had an urge to have her to lean on me.
“Are you okay?” I asked, noticing her bright red cheeks.
She nodded and sighed, then she swayed a little.
“Woah, woah.” I rushed to catch her and pulled her close to me. Seraphina’s head fell on my shoulder, and her thick, wavy hair fanned out over my hand.
“Sera,” I nudged her, cupping her cheek. Her skin was burning up.
She weakly shoved at my hands as she tried to stand on her feet, but her efforts were as feeble as a kitten’s. She brushed the wild strands of hair off her face, the pushed her glasses once more back on her nose. I’d realized that her glasses were like her armor. When they were in place, she was stalwart.
Lifting her hand, she massaged the back of her neck and rolled her shoulders. “I’m fine. Just…leave me… alone.”
She took another step out of the office and pitched forward toward the floor. I slid my arm around her waist, catching her before she collapsed, then swung her up into my arms. “Not tonight, sweetheart,” I cajoled
“What the fucketybucket!” she exclaimed, and grabbed my neck when I lifted her off the ground. Then, I placed her gently onto her desk.
“I’m fine. See.” Sera straightened her back and slid the dress hem down over her knees.
“I’ll drop you home,” I announced. Clearly, she wasn’t fine. But obviously delirious to think I’d leave her. Mother taught me better.
“No. I've got somewhere to be,” she insisted as she climbed down off the desk and stood shakily.
“Cancel it. You are burning up. You need soup and sleep,” I declared, studying her keenly. Seraphina rubbed her arms, a shiver slid down her back. Sure, enough there were goosebumps.
Before I could protest, there was a knock that echoed in the open corridor behind us. I turned to her in surprise.
“My date, Jackson,” she announced with annoyance.
What? I followed her out of the room. Concerned that she might faint again, I stayed close behind her. Curiosity also played a big part in my following. I wanted to get a glimpse of this date. Not wanting to analyze my annoyance at the word date, I brushed aside the nagging emotion and attributed it to simply being altruistic. It’s what any good guy would do.
She opened the door to a rather good-looking man. Golden shoulder-length hair, vibrant blue eyes and muscular. Did he have to look like a Greek god?
“Oh Jackson,” she cooed, taking the flowers from him. Her smile had me releasing a mumbled curse. Why doesn’t she smile like that for me?
Both of them turned toward me. The man’s smile quickly turned to a frown. He turned to Seraphina with eyebrows raised and she waved me away like I was a stray dog.
“He’s about to leave,” she said, dismissively.
The asshole, Jackson, nodded tentatively, but continued to stare. Recognition finally flared in his gaze and he rushed toward me.
“Archangel Michael?,” he said, giving me a quick bow. “Wow…um thank you for your generosity. We really appreciate it.” He smiled wide, fixing his hair. At least someone knew how to behave around an Archangel. Maybe he wasn’t a complete asshole, after all. Seraphina, though, rolled her eyes but I couldn’t miss how she grabbed the door, secretly seeking support.
“That’s what neighbors are for,” I responded, patting his shoulder. “Jackson, I’m afraid Sera isn’t feeling that well today. You should reschedule.”
Brows hunched, he stepped back to Seraphina who glared at me. Another glare when she showers smiles like sunshine on him? Just my luck with this woman.
She turned away from me to Jackson and batted her eyes, clearly meant to seduce. I’m going to kill that man if he so much of hurts a hair on her head..
“I’m 100% fine and I think we should leave now.” She stepped closer to Jackson, her ample bosom almost touching him.
I closed my fist and focused on breathing in and out through my nose. Jackson leaned in, and curled his hand over her arm to escort her away, then he paused.
“You are running a fever,” he observed. When she started to shake her head, he added, “Let me drop you—”
