Page 22 of You + Me – Against the World

“You’d make a terrible cop, Alma Lancaster.”

I’m too stunned to speak.

As if saying nothing is enough to make me invisible.

“I knew you were there all along,” he says, turning in my direction.

“I wasn’t hiding.”

“Oh, were you trying to climb the tree? That would have been funny, given your legendary agility,” he teases, staring at the huge stain on my jeans. “What did you knock over this time?”

“Why do you care?”

“You’re right, I don’t care. I’m not the one waiting outside your place.”

He shrugs one shoulder and enters his building. I follow him up the stairs. He is already in his apartment when I reach the landing. I take a deep breath and lift my hand to knock, but the door opens before I even reach it, revealing Vadim’s mocking expression.

The teasing look on his face only makes him even more attractive.

For a second, I’m tempted to slap him.

But the truth is, I’m dying to kiss him.

“Can I help you?”

“Yes, I’m looking for my project partner, Vadim Arcadi. I haven’t been able to find him since very early this morning.”

“Don’t know him. I reckon you’ve got the wrong address.”

“Oh, I think you do know him. Pretty tall. Dark, wavy hair. Always runs his hand through it when he’s uncomfortable. A bit like you’re doing right now.”

“I’m still not sure who he is… What else can you tell me about him?” he asks, slipping his hand into his pocket.

“Oh one of those cocky types, very sure of himself. Doesn’t like to be contradicted.”

“So, basically a total asshole?”

“Well, more like highly intelligent. A good conversationalist, but only at night, apparently. And he kisses like a god, but turns into a goddamn devil when the sun comes up.”

We challenge each other with our eyes. He studies me, and I shoot daggers at him.

Then, he pounces on me, slipping a hand behind my head as he presses his lips against mine.

“You ass—”

My attempt at rebellion fails. His mouth wins. His other hand moves to the small of my back, and he guides my tense body against his. I suppress a shiver and surrender to this sweet whirlwind. It feels so good.

I almost melt, but he stops too soon. Much too soon.

He steps back inside his apartment.

“Alma, where is this going? We’re so different…”

“You don’t have the guts to let me in?”

My sassiness surprises him. Pleases him.

He steps aside, leaving my path clear. He remains planted in the middle of the living room, while I settle into the same spot on the couch where I sat yesterday. My empty mug is still there.