As we stand side by side, I can feel she’s uncomfortable nearme.
When the elevator opens, we step in, only the two of us,alone.
“Hey,” Iventure.
“Hey,” she murmurs, avoiding mygaze.
“I’m sorry I snapped atyou.”
She says nothing, only looks up at theceiling.
“Right. Well, there’s that,” I snapagain.
Damn it, dude. You’re never gonna get anywhere with her if you can’t stop being adick.
The doors crawl open once we reach the top level and she stompsout.
“Daniella, wait.” I follow close behind her and the elevator door seems to slamshut.
She pivots to face me and jabs her fingernail into my chest. “You know what I don’t like about you, AntonioMichaels?”
Too intimidated to talk, I just shake myhead.
“I don’t like how you can besofucking dismissive.” She jabs again. “I sensed something was bothering you and wanted to help. And instead of allowing me the opportunity, you just dismiss me, like I’m a little piece ofshit.”
Okay. I may deservethis.
But I can do without all of thejabs.
“My set director broke his leg and shattered his elbow while skiing. So now with the show literally a few days away, I have no one to help coordinate backstage activities.” I lean back against the hallway wall, beginning to feelnauseous.
“Oh my, Antonio. That’s horrible.” She approaches me and places her hands on my shoulders—no jabs to my chest this time, thank goodness. “Let mehelp.”
“How?” I ask, mesmerized by the thick lashes that cradle hereyelids.
“Lucky for you, when I worked at Fashion Week in New York three years ago, that’s what I did.” Her hands move from my shoulders to mychest.
“And you’re confident you can take on this project to thefullest?”
She cocks her head to the side and her eyes sparkle with a hint of playfulness. “Antonio Michaels, haven’t I told you once before I never leave home without my confidentpanties?”
