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With a shake of her head, she goes for the stairs and starts climbing up.
Well, talk about a hundred and eighty.
She’s been right here in this building, from day one, and I missed it.
Then again, socializing wasn’t exactly on my to-do list when I came here—only getting my muse back.
She goes to the left side of the hallway, sticking her key in the doorknob.
202.
I look across the hall as my hand slides in my pocket, and I pull out the other key, my gaze falling at the little chain with the apartment number still hanging from it.
203.
“I’ll see you in—”
“I can help you with the list!” I yell after her, the words coming out before I can think them through.
Penelope comes to a stop, so I know I’ve got her attention. I move, closing the distance between us, but I barely come to a stop before she’s shaking her head.
“I don’t want or need your help.”
She starts to enter into her apartment, but my hand shoots forward, stopping her from closing the door in my face.
“You need help. Tonight was the perfect example of that.” Letting my hand drop from the door, I slide my fingers under her chin, lifting her face so I can look at it. Her skin feels silky under my fingertips, her pink lips slightly parting as I whisper, “Let me help you.”
It was the perfect solution, really.
I didn’t have to look at the rest of the list to know I could do it. And considering tonight’s fiasco, she clearly needed somebody to look out for her. And, in return, she could help me find my muse.
She shakes her head softly. “That’s not a good idea.”
“Quite the contrary, it’s the perfect solution. I’ll help you with your bucket list, making sure that you don’t flirt with inappropriate men and whatever else you need me to, and you’ll help me with my music. It’s a win-win for both of us.”
Her teeth sink into her lower lip, and I can clearly see her wheels turning until, once again, she shakes her head and shoots me down.
“Goodnight, Bash.”
And with that, she takes a step back and closes the door in my face, and this time I don’t even try to stop her.
I stare at the door momentarily, listening to the key turn and her feet gently pad away.
Letting out a sigh, I lift my hand and run it over my face as I go over our conversation.
What I don’t miss is the fact that she hadn’t said no.
CHAPTERTEN
PENELOPE
My fingers are flying over the keys, the music building to a crescendo filling the room. My body moves along with my hands; it’s like I’m one with the beat of the music. There is nothing quite like playing. Immersing myself so deep in the melody, it becomes a part of me.
The only thing I can hear.
The only thing I can sense.
The only thing I can feel.
