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His head whips up, and he caresses my cheek. “How are you so sweet?”
The gentleness contrasts with the tension raging under the surface. He pretends to be calm when I can tell something bothers him.
I’m not afraid of him but I’m fearful to ask what’s wrong. Like not poking a bear as they say. I don’t want to make him more aggravated.
“I’ve never been jealous before in my damn life, and I’ve only known you two days. How am I not going to fucking murder him?”
Oh! Now I get it. He’s being silly.
Thank goodness. I wilt against my seat and laugh. I must have misread him.
He’s right—we’ve only known each other a short time, and we’re still getting to know each other.
I turn and kiss his wrist before facing him again. The intensity of his questioning scrutiny leaves me no choice but to explain everything. “You don’t have to worry about Casey. I’m going to tell him that it’s not going to work out. He’s just not right for me. I should—”
“Who’s right for you, Seraphina?”
An uncontrollable shiver engulfs me from his gravelly tone. Almost as if he demands I acknowledge the inferno burning between us already, despite us still learning about each other. I swallow hard. “You are.”
He groans and clenches his eyes shut. “Angel.”
I don’t know how to respond so I say nothing. My heart still races, and I feel like I’m struggling for oxygen. He sucks in a deep breath too and then whispers a long string of swear words that make me blush.
After a few seconds, he punches the ignition, rams the gear shift intodrive, and grabs my hand. We speed off like nothing happened. He doesn’t speak so I don’t either. Despite our fabulous afternoon, I feel like I’m back to where I started—intimidated and insecure.
When Balthazar parks in front of my building, he remains quiet. All I can think of is to show my appreciation before I hop out. “This may sound corny but today was one of the best days of my life. I really had a good time. Thank you for taking me.”
The funny look on his face doesn’t bode well for me. Maybe my honesty is too much. The date too lame. The activities too boring.
I push the embarrassment down deep and smile while I dig my keys out of my pocket. “Okay, well I better let you go. I know you’re busy, so I’ll—”
“Seraphina.”
When he uses the growling tone that sounds like he’s scolding me, my body tingles. Because I know he’s not angry. Well, he is, but not in a mad way. More in adon’t try to get away from meway that’s utterly wrong but feels so wonderful.
I sit still, waiting for him the way he seems to like. True to his nature, he nods in approval and confirms that I’m a good girl. Which also makes my lady bits flutter and clench. How can two simple words be so powerful?
Maybe because they’re voiced by such a powerful man. Physically proven as he climbs out of his fancy car and strides around to my side. Mentally proven when he opens my door and tugs me to him, embracing me tight as if he knows I need reassurance that he still likes me when I get up in my head and doubt myself.
The rich aroma of leather and wood with slight hints of fragrant fruit engulfs me, and I breathe deep. I love his cologne. The smell feels safe and comforting. Masculine too—like he’s all man with his broad body and strong arms that feel so secure. I don’t think I could ever get tired of him or his scent. “You give the best hugs.”
His chuckle vibrating in his chest warms me more than his body. I like making him sound so happy.
“Let’s get you inside.”
A hoarseness I don’t expect strains his voice. Maybe I shocked him by clutching his waist so tight. I need to be more careful. I think guys hate when girls seem clingy. I don’t want to be that way. I’m independent and not desperate. Although when he holds me like this I can’t get enough.
He keeps me close as we walk up the steps. Inside the vestibule, the man from earlier, with the tool belt and clip board, waits by the stairs. He clenches a thick pamphlet in his hands.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Wiseman. Everything is finished and this has the instructions if you need them.”
Balthazar barely acknowledges him, offering only a head shake. “I don’t need them.”
The guy jerks his hand back with the booklet. His gaze flits to me and then to Balthazar.
“Not a problem. Just let me know if you need anything else.”
Again, Balthazar pretty much ignores him. That is so weird. The man jogs out the door, almost as if he’s thrilled to get away.
