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And he takes one step forward.
Getting close.Too close. His lips tip up in that lopsided smile. A dimple pops deep in one cheek. And he shakes his head. “Big guy?”
Why does he focus on such tiny, little pieces of the things I say?
I press my hands against his chest as we stand in front of each other in the darkened elevator. The glowing phone, long forgotten on the floor, giving off the only dim light. The tension so thick you can feel it threatening to absorb all the oxygen.
I reach my hand out and tentatively cup his cheek. “Yeah,” I whisper. “That’s what I put you in my phone as that night.”
He bends his knees bringing us so damn close, I can’t think.
I can’t breathe.
I can’t focus on anything but how much I need this man.
A sharp trill rings in the space, breaking our connection, and we both scramble to answer the emergency phone. Brandon gets there first and rips it off the wall. “Tell me you’re getting us out of here.”
I step closer until he moves the phone away from his ear and angles it between us. “No, sir. We’re sorry, but the entire area is experiencing the blackout. The hotel has generators but not everyone is as lucky. It’s making things...difficult.”
“What exactly does difficult mean? If the generators are working, why aren’t we moving?” I ask, not bothering to hide the growing hysteria in my voice. I’m done. I cannot stay in here all night.
There’s a noise on the other end of the phone, then a new voice answers. “Ashlyn, it’s Henry. Are you okay?”
Brandon looks at me in question, and I take the receiver from his hand and whisper, “Henry’s the manager,” before jumping into the call. “Henry. Oh my God.No. We’re not okay. Get us out of here. Please,” I beg my friend.
“I’m so sorry, Ashlyn. The repair man hasn’t been able to get in yet. The streets are a mess. Half the city went dark. There are reports of traffic lights out. We’re trying everything we can.”
My heart sinks. “Try harder,” I blurt out, frustrated, and slam the phone on the receiver with tears burning the back of my lids. “We’re not getting out of here.” I crumble.
Suddenly, I’m enveloped in strong arms. Dixon’s crisp clean fresh scent surrounds me as a hand runs over my hair. For a moment, I let myself soak in the safety of his very solid chest. “They’re going to get us out of here,” is whispered softly against my head, and a shiver skirts down my spine.
I try to slow my breathing, but suddenly the elevator isn’t the only thing making my heart race.
When I lift my head, Brandon’s eyes are boring into mine.
Deep and dark and so damn knowing.
Like he can see into every scarred inch of me.
With a shaking hand, I reach out and trace his face. His cheek. His lips. Until he grips my wrist and holds it suspended in his hand. “I’m not out of anyone’s league, Brandon. No one has taken the time to get to know me—therealme—in so damn long.” His lips press against my thumb, and holy hell... I feel it everywhere. Feelhimeverywhere. “I keep it hidden.”
He cups my face in both hands and holds me close enough to feel his heart beating. “Hiding is the easy way out.”
“What if I said I was tired of hiding?” I whisper, my skin warm and prickly as the electricity hums between us.
Slowly... so slowly, he lowers his mouth, gently brushing his lips over mine. “I’d say, thank fucking God.”
BRANDON
The world around us stands still when I finally claim her mouth. Slowly. Savoring her soft lips and sweet sigh. And like a sucker punch to the gut, she’s fucking flawless. Just like I remember.Better.
Ashlyn gasps and melts against me, like she was meant to be there. Wrapping her arms around my neck, her soft curves press in, aligning with every hard inch of my body. Smooth and warm, and so fucking perfect in my arms.
I savor my first taste of her.
Red wine and chocolate cake.
And I know one taste will never be enough.
