“Nothing. I just… I was expecting a letter from my niece and nephew. It’s nothing, really…”
Something flashes in his eyes, then he smiles widely, pulling something from his pocket. “So this is you, then?” he winks. “Who would’ve figured?” He hands me a bright blue envelope with a couple of rainbow and unicorn stickers on it. “Not just a great runner,” he reads, “best uncle, too. Aww.”
I frown, accepting the envelope, and our fingers briefly touch. It’s just a light brush, skin against skin, but heat courses through me. I’m suddenly too aware of everything, like how close he is and how he smells like he just showered, fresh and clean. Then my traitorous mind wanders to thoughts of Wes in the shower, water cascading down his tight body.Great.I shake myself and focus on the letter. On the front, just above myaddress, it says in childish print, ‘To the best uncle in the world.’ My chest squeezes.
“It ended up in my box. I’m an only child, so…” Wes shrugs, then rushes out, “So, this is you? I didn’t know, since there was no name on it. I was gonna drop it in the returned mail box.”
“Thanks,” I mumble, clutching the stack of letters against my chest.
“No worries.” He smiles, then nods at the elevator. “Anyway, I’m gonna head up.”
“Yeah, me too.” I trail after him. He presses the 11th floor, then lifts a questioning eyebrow at me, his finger hovering above the floors.
“I’m on the 12th.”
“Ahhh, you’re right on top of me.” He waggles his eyebrows, then presses number 12.
I don’t know what comes over me, but heat shoots down my spine at his words. Before I can stop it, I blurt, “Suits me just fine.” And there it is, my damn libido, back in full action.
Wes’ eyes widen, and I realize they’re the nicest shade of blue I’ve ever seen, light, almost translucent. His mouth falls open, like one of those cartoon characters. Then he laughs, his entire chest rippling behind his T-shirt. His lofty voice fills the small space, and I laugh too. Not as loudly as Wes, but a laugh that grows from my belly and bubbles all the way through my chest. I usually hate being this close to other people, especially in a confined space like this. It can be suffocating. But this feels oddly…nice.
“Really?” he asks, his smile crooked. I just shrug, then look straight ahead at the elevator doors. I don’t trust my mouth if I keep looking at him.
“Interesting,” he hums, then demonstratively uses the book to fan himself. “Very interesting.”
Way too soon, the elevator stops, and the doors slide open. Wes walks out, then turns, clutching the book against his chest. “Goodnight.”
I lick my lips. I want to say it. Say his name.Wes. It’s right there, on the tip of my tongue, but something holds me back. “Goodnight, Wilson.”
Something flashes in his eyes, then he shakes his head, looking at me blandly. He mumbles something that’s lost forever as the elevator doors slide closed.
Chapter 5
Wes
It’slaterintheday than I usually run, but I’m agitated as hell. I’m so tired of Jett misnaming me. What the fuck did I ever do to the guy? Nothing. I’ve been nothing but friendly, and he shits on it.
God, why did I show him my book? Reading romance novels is a secret even Dennis doesn’t know about. I don’t care really, except I don’t want to hear all the teasing he’ll cast my way.
My feet hit the dusty trail through the woods close to home. It’s not overly hot, but the sun is high, making me sweat underneath my baseball cap.
I don’t run for long, slowing to a walk as I try to control my breathing. The run didn’t help at all. I don’t understand why I’m so annoyed. Why do I even give a shit? Usually, I brush people off and don’t let them get to me.
There’s only one reason for my reaction. I worshiped Jett, and he ruined it. I tried to be fucking nice, but no…Not everyonehas to like you, Wes.Get over it. No, they don’t have to like me, but they don’t need to be dicks either.
I remove my cap, rub the sweat off my forehead with my forearm, and jog home.
Jett’s confusing as fuck. I thought things had changed between us when I handed him his letter. For a moment, he seemed tender, holding it lovingly. Then, in the elevator, we joked a little before he went all asshole on me again. I’m so over this hot-and-cold routine. I’m not a doormat. We’re co-workers… sort of. If we’re going to be seeing more of each other, we need some damn ground rules and boundaries.
I make it back to the condo and step into the elevator. Instead of heading up to my floor to get back to my book, I stop at the twelfth floor and step out. It’s time to have a word with Jared ‘Jett’ Cordier.
I walk along the corridor until I find number 1217. With a deep breath, I pound on the door, then step back.
My arms are folded across my chest, and I tap my foot while I wait. There’s no answer, so I knock again.
The thought of him not being home deflates me a little, but then the door whooshes open, and I’m hit with the intoxicating scent of vanilla, almonds, and amber. Jett’s shirtless, exposing smooth skin and defined muscles, all glittering with droplets of water.
Surprise moves across his face, his dark eyes scanning me up and down. He takes a step back, frowning. “What do you want, Wilson?”
