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“I don’t know what to say right now.” I fidgeted with the hotel key card in my hand, not sure if I could look Adam in the eyes.
We’d taken a cab to a hotel because he only had one helmet for his bike, and I wasn’t about to get on the back of one of those death traps, anyway. He’d been texting someone the entire way over, and I did my best not to peek at his smartphone. He had a right to his privacy, after all. But his face had been tight, and anger rolled off him in waves. Whatever kind of trouble Les was in had Adam riled up. And I still couldn’t help but wonder what it was.
It was all so strange. A few weeks ago, I was at my parents’ farm, riding Java, wondering what I’d do with my life. And now I was standing in some ritzy hotel at the city center of Dublin, swapping numbers with my boss so he could protect me from the thugs who were after my roommate.
What a mess.
“Are you good?”
I glanced over at his large hand on my shoulder, and he immediately retracted his arm.
“Aside from the fact that two sasquatches cornered me at my building, um, yeah, I’m peachy.” I puckered my lips and made a strange, half-growling noise. I suspected it was completely unattractive, but he still smiled.
“I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
“I appreciate that you want to keep me safe.” I perked a brow as his lips parted, but no sound escaped. “But—”
“Oh no. There’s a but?”
I slapped at his chest, and his eyes darted down to my hand. I pulled it back like he was on fire. I hadn’t meant to do that. Jeez. How could I already feel like I was on a touching basis with my boss?
“I’m nervous someone at work will get the wrong idea about us. If anyone finds out you’re helping me pay for this place . . .”
He dragged his gaze up to meet mine. “My name’s not on the room—yours is. And I paid in cash.” He took a step back and scratched the back of his short black hair, which was close cut around his ears, but a little longer on top. “And to be honest, I’d tell someone to go eff themselves if they said anything to me.”
“And what about if they said something to me? Or if I’m offered a job at the end of this, and they think it’s because . . .” I tipped my shoulders and pulled my lip between my teeth, tasting sweet cherry lip gloss on my tongue.
“Because of what?” His right brow lifted, and there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Oh he loved to make me uncomfortable, even after everything that had happened today. “I won’t give you the satisfaction of saying it.” My lips spread into a smile, and I almost forgot about what had brought us here.
“No worries. Nobody would ever think you and I would be together.”
My lungs deflated at his words.
The back of his hand touched my cheek, and I sucked in a breath, my head reeling. “You’re far too innocent. Too good. No one would ever believe you’d put up with a man like me.” His voice was raspy enough to harden my nipples.
Before I could say anything further, he took a step back. “Goodnight. I’ll see ya tomorrow.” His hand dropped, and he turned. My eyes remained on his back until he disappeared around a corner.
Once he was out of sight, I tilted my head back, staring up at the ceiling for a moment, trying to find my bearings in the sea of Adam. I wasn’t the type of girl to lose control over a guy’s looks—these were uncharted waters.
I realized I was just standing in the hall, which was not exactly the best idea after what had happened only an hour ago with those two assholes. I quickly swiped my key card and rushed into the room, dragging my bag behind me.
I flicked on the lights, and my eyes widened at the size of the suite. Adam had said he’d get the smallest, cheapest room.
Ha. What a liar.
The suite was bigger than Les’s apartment, not to mention nicer. This wasn’t just a hotel room—it looked like a corporate rental, complete with a large kitchen, dining area, and living room. There was another door off the living room, which I assumed led to the bedroom and bath.
I grabbed my cell and scrolled to his number. My fingers moved in quick, angry jabs.
You’re in so much trouble!! Whatever you have me doing tomorrow better be good!!
I was about to chuck my phone on the couch, but it started to vibrate against my palm.
That was quick.
