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Liv’s look of intrigue surprised him. “Steak sounds wonderful. I haven’t had a steak – well, in more years than I can count. It’s not considered one of those lean proteins, you know? Maybe we could have a baked potato too?”
Paul grinned. “Loaded with sour cream, butter, and chives. And don’t forget the Texas toast dripping with garlic butter.”
Liv closed her eyes and groaned. “I haven’t eaten anything so sinful in ages.”
“Honey, if you think that’s sinful then you’ve got the wrong idea about food.”
Liv’s eyes snapped open and she raised her brow at him. “If you think all those calories aren’t bad, then you don’t know anything about a dancer’s life.”
Paul grinned as he turned back to the lock. He secured it into the door then tested it. “True. I wouldn’t know the first thing about dancing. I’ve got a couple of left feet and no rhythm.” He glanced at her with another grin then paused when he noticed her look. She eyed him thoughtfully and if Paul didn’t know better he’d say she was checking him out from head to toe and liked what she saw.
“You move with more grace than you realize, Paul. For a large powerful man, you have a lot of finesse.”
The lock was forgotten and Paul was on his feet in an instant. “I had to keep on my toes for a long time. Being able to move fast kept me alive more than once.”
“I guess we have that in common,” she murmured as he closed the gap between them. She put her hand on his chest to maintain a comfortable space. “Do you miss it?”
“Being a cop?” He gave a casual shrug but he suddenly felt anything but casual. Yes, he missed his career in law enforcement because it was a part of who he was, but he couldn’t make himself go back. He invested himself too deeply – cared too much – and then people died when he couldn’t save them. “But I don’t want to talk about it.”
She studied him thoughtfully as her eyes darkened. He knew she was reading into the unspoken silence and seeking answers he didn’t want to give right now. “I don’t want to talk about my stuff either,” she whispered as her fingers fisted his shirt and she pulled him closer.
“Yeah? You want me to help you forget the past?” He covered her hand with his and completely closed the space between them. Her light flowery perfume filled his senses and something in his heart shifted as she gazed up at him with such trust. She may not realize it yet, but she did trust him and he would prove himself worthy of her faith.
“Please,” she whispered on a sigh as his lips met hers.
***
Olivia stepped out her front door and crossed the few paces across the shared porch to Paul’s door. With only the briefest hesitation she knocked. Over the past few days they had gained a newfound rapport. By unspoken agreement, she let down her guard around him – it was no easy thing. And he stopped asking intrusive questions that made her freeze up and back away. With all that tension out of the way, Olivia really liked Paul. And if she wasn’t careful she could easily fall in love with him. He was Ethan’s opposite in every way.
She’d never been swayed by a good looking guy. She was surrounded by plenty of them in ballet. Many weren’t interested in her, but there were plenty of straight ones who would have jumped at a casual fling. But all of the men in the dance company were like her, focused on their career and unwilling to put a personal relationship first. Nothing meaningful and lasting would have worked. Dance was the priority, everything else was secondary. So these feelings for Paul were new and terrifying and she didn’t have ballet as an excuse to hide behind. In some ways she was tempted to pack it up to avoid being so vulnerable. Yet she wanted more. She wanted what a lot of people had – a spouse, kids, a stable loving home like the one she grew up
in. Someday she might have the dream but right now it was pointless. She would have to leave Paul soon before Ethan caught up with her. And then she would only have memories to console herself. Yet the memories would be priceless, of a wonderful man who briefly touched her life and cared for her as no other.
Since changing her locks and securing the windows, Paul came over daily to check on her. He also drove her to work since her car needed an overhaul. Apparently several parts that she couldn’t afford had to be special ordered. Paul said he had it covered. She didn’t like being indebted to him but for now she couldn’t do anything to repay him. And he seemed happy to do things for her. Her sister would tell her to relax and let Paul help her. It wasn’t easy, especially after Ethan had taken over every decision in her life, but Paul went about it differently. She couldn’t even compare the two men. While Paul acted like an alpha on occasion, he never made her feel less than an equal, and he never took away her rights. If she pushed back a little then he completely backed off. He never pressed her for more than she was willing to give, especially when it came to the attraction between them.
She was about to knock again when Paul’s door finally swung open. They hadn’t made any formal plans for the evening. She knew he was working on a security system that day and she wondered if he was done and might come over for dinner.
Her smile slipped into a frown of dismay when a woman stood in Paul’s doorway. She was petite, with long dark hair pulled back in a ponytail. She wore skinny jeans and a snug red sweater. She was beautiful with curves to die for. Olivia felt like a gangly willow tree towering over her. “Oh, um, hello,” she stammered. Paul never discussed the exclusiveness of their relationship so she had no reason to feel jealous – but she did. Maybe she’d read more into things than she should have.
“Hey,” The woman eyed her up and down then a smile lifted her lips. “You must be the neighbor I keep hearing about. I’m Janice, Paul’s sister. He isn’t home yet. He’s upgrading the system in a bank downtown. One of those skyscrapers. It’s pretty impressive but I’m sure he’ll be tired and cranky when he gets home. You know how it is dealing with fussy customers. Come on in.” She motioned for Olivia to follow her into Paul’s condo.
All of Olivia’s jealousy evaporated as she followed Janice inside. She seemed friendly and chatty and immediately set Olivia at ease.
“Would you look at this place?” Janice motioned to the clutter. It didn’t bother Olivia so much but apparently it was a crime as far as Paul’s sister was concerned. “He needs a maid service, but why would he do that when his sister is willing to do it for free?” she muttered as she picked up a forgotten glass off the coffee table and his shoes and socks tucked beneath.
Olivia hung near the doorway as Janice bustled around tidying everything. Paul’s home was drastically different from hers. Where hers hadn’t been updated since it was built in the eighties, Paul’s had been completely renovated. He told her he’d done most of the work himself. His kitchen was new with granite countertops and stainless appliances. Recessed lighting cast a warm glow in all the rooms. His family room had a fireplace, newly buffed wood floors, and his furniture was comfortable leather. Olivia glanced at the couch and blushed. That’s where Paul had done amazing things with his mouth just last night.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Janice called from the kitchen. “I stopped by to drop off a casserole Mom had made for Paul then I noticed he hadn’t done laundry for a week. It’s probably stupid, but I always clean up after him. Maybe because he always does things for me. You know he drives deliveries for me when Dave or Jason call in?”
“Yes, he did say he helps you out from time to time.”
“You sure you don’t want a soda?” Janice asked from the doorway. She carried two Pepsis.
After abstaining her entire life it felt wrong to accept, but Olivia took the offered soda. She didn’t have to worry about weight gain and training any longer. And she didn’t have Ethan controlling what she ate and drank.
Janice eyed her speculatively as she took a sip from her can. “You look familiar to me, you know that? What are you, about twenty-six, twenty-seven?”
“I’m twenty-seven,” Olivia answered uneasily. She hoped Janice didn’t recognize her – it would make things awkward if she started connecting the dots. Too many questions and internet searches would put Olivia on the run again.
