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“Yes, it is safer to have the doors locked. As soon as I leave, promise you will lock it behind me.”
My shoulders relax. “Yes, of course.”
Satisfied, he turns around, walking down the hallway. My back tenses as I realize he will need to look around my room. I don’t know why that makes me… uncomfortable.Is that even the right word for it? Hot is more like it.Grabbing the hem of my shirt, I pull it away from my overheated skin as images of kissing him and falling onto my bed run through my head.
Running a hand through my hair, I exhale a long breath.What is wrong with you tonight, Irelynn?
He checks Vanessa’s room and bathroom, then nods at me as he walks past, continuing to my room. As his broad shoulders step through my doorway, my gaze takes in his ass in those jeans.He definitely squats a lot. Just look at those perfect…I cut the thought off.What in the actual fuck is wrong with me tonight?
Following behind him, I look around my room. Nothing is amiss, and there are no panties on the floor, or anything else embarrassing lying around.
I spin around slowly, examining everything in my room. Max comes out of my bathroom, so close to where I’m standing. My breath hitches as I meet his gaze, those intense blue eyes feeling as though they are gazing into my soul.
He swallows hard. His voice sounds a bit raspy as he says, “Everything seems fine.” His gaze moves away, and he clears his throat, running a hand through his hair.
Nodding, I step back, my hands going into my back pockets. I’m acutely aware of his presence behind me as he exits my room, following me. When we get to the living room, my heart rate has calmed slightly and I face him, a smile on my face.
“Thanks for checking things out. I feel a lot safer.”
Max nods, his eyes on my face. “I’m glad.” He looks slightly uncomfortable as his gaze drifts around the room. He takes a breath, and on the exhale, he says, “Are you going to be okay here alone?” He stares at me intently, worry lining his face.
I swallow hard, nodding, but inwardly, I’m nervous as hell.Does William know where I live? I have no idea. I didn’t even know he was in Lockwood until I saw him on campus.
“Where’s your phone?” Max asks, studying my expression.
My hands immediately go to my back pockets, then I realize it’s not there.Shit, where is my cell phone?
I quickly turn away, heading to my purse, my phone lying beside it on the table. Grabbing it, I turn, facing Max. He’s standing so damned close to me. I jump slightly, startled that I didn’t hear him come up behind me. Especially considering his muscular, sizable presence.
He takes a small step back, muttering, “Sorry.”
I shrug and wave a hand, not trusting myself to speak. His nearness is affecting me in the most pleasant way.
Clearing my throat, I hold my phone up. “Here it is. Why?”
“Let me give you my number. If you get scared or think there’s any danger, don’t hesitate to text or call.” His eyes are serious and intent, boring into me, full of promise. “If there are signs of any trouble, call me.”
Biting my lip, I nod. That’s so sweet of him, but I really hate to be a bother. He’s already done so much tonight.
As if he reads my thoughts, his hand reaches out, gently tilting my face up to his. “You won’t bother me at all. I’m serious. If you are scared at all, text, or call. And if there’s anything that seems… not right… call me.” He stares at me for a few beats until I nod. His voice lowers, his face intense. “Promise me, Irelynn?”
I blink a few times, wondering why that is so important to him. “I promise, Max.”
His shoulders relax, and his expression lightens. “Good. Well, um… I should go.” He jerks a thumb toward the door.
Nodding, I follow behind him as he heads to the door. He stops and turns, his hand on the doorknob. “Lock this behind me, okay?”
“I promise.”
His smile widens and he unlocks the door, stepping outside. His back is still to me as I call out his name. He turns around, meeting my gaze.
“Why was it so important I promise you?”
A slow smile spreads across his face. “You strike me as the type of person who keeps her promises.”
His words sink into me, and my smile matches his as I nod. “What gave you that impression?”
Max’s eyes lock on mine. “Your eyes.”
