Holly had a change of heart as they stood in front of a faded brown door. The apartment was on the fourth floor. The waft of Chinese food from the restaurant on the ground level still reached them. The dark and dingy hallway had stains on what she assumed was once beige carpet and a cracked window was sealed together with silver duct tape. What must Ethan Doyle think of her staying in a place like this? She didn’t miss the way he’d screwed up his nose and avoided touching anything when they’d entered the building. He was used to mansions with maid service. She was too, it had become pretty sad when she was closer to the staff than her own parents.
“We’re here now. Knock on the door, grab your things and we can take off. The quicker you do so, the better.” Ethan searched the corridor like he was worried someone would pounce from the shadows and mug him.
“Fine.” She pounded on the flimsy timber door.
Ethan’s mobile rang. “I have to take this. I’ll be over by the window if you need me.”
Awesome, drag her here and conveniently leave. What happened towe’re getting your things?
After a few moments, the door swung open.
Declan wore a sleepy expression as he scratched the back of his head. Grey boxer shorts hung low on his narrow hips and he wore no shirt. Yes, he was good looking. Compared to Ethan Doyle, he didn’t come close.
“What’re you doing here?” he mumbled.
“I’ve come to get my things.”
“I’m busy. Come back later.”
God, he made her skin crawl. What had she ever seen in him? “I don’t care if yourbusyI can’t come back later. Give me my stuff and I’ll go.”
“It looked like you cared a lot last night. I’ve never seen you so mad.”
Yes. Mad at herself for being such an idiot for thinking she could move on from Oliver with Declan.
“If you’d stuck around, we could’ve made it really fun.” He gave her a sleazy wink. “It would’ve been hot. Sorry you missed out.”
“I had my ownhotdate.” The lie slipped out easily.
He raised a disbelieving eyebrow.
“I got a better offer.” The fibs kept rolling off her tongue.
His jaw tensed when she mentioned thebetter offerlike it wasn’t possible and a moment of satisfaction at denting his ego made her smile.
“Look Declan,” she sighed. “I have to be somewhere soon, let me get my things.”
“I said, I’m busy.” He made to close the door but Ethan Doyle reached over her shoulder and slapped a hand on it preventing him doing so.
“What the fuck?” Declan spat and then his eyes widened with recognition. “Holy shit! You’re Ethan Doyle!”
Ethan didn’t so much as crack a smile or acknowledge Declan’s excitement.
“I’m a huge fan!” Declan said.
“Holly wants her stuff—now,” Ethan’s tone was harsh. Then he slid an arm around her waist and pulled her to his side. “She doesn’t want to stand around all day waiting. She’s tired because she’s been up all night,if you know what I mean.” And mimicked Declan’s wink. “Pack it all for her anddon’tforget anything.”
“So… you were…Ethan Doyle?” Declan couldn’t form a coherent sentence.
Ethan Doyle jumped in and said, “Yep, you missed out on someone special.” He stared at her with bright, green lust filled eyes and trailed a finger along her jawline. “She’s made me so happy.” Tilting her chin, he placed a light kiss on her lips.
Suddenly, he gripped tighter around the waist and slammed her against his chest. He cupped her face in his hands and sealed her mouth with a kiss cutting off her surprised squeal. Firm lips encouraged her own to open and she wouldn’t object or stop to ask questions. When his tongue swept inside, heat pounded in her veins and she threw her arms around his neck to pull him closer. She was right about the stubble on his chin being soft as it brushed against her skin.
His tongue licked her bottom lip right before he pulled away. Thank God for the supportive arm around her waist holding her tight, because her knees turned to water and she would’ve collapsed onto the floor.
Declan’s eyebrows disappeared into his hairline at their display of affection.
“Now, pack her bags so we can get back to what we were doing.” He gave her a smouldering gaze that practically burned off her underwear.
