The runner had the same physique, but two times in two days when no one else had seen him? Ever? I shook my head. It was probably the fourth floor guy, and with that decided, I started off at a light jog.
Okay. Well. The first lap took longer than I thought. And I was wheezing. I wasn’t as fit as I’d thought. Still, I could do another lap. My lungs weren’t bursting, so I circled around for the second lap. At the end of it, I vowed to bring my pedometer next time. I wanted to know how far each lap took me. This was longer than a normal track, much longer. I was panting like a beached whale when I circled back around toward the door again, and that was when I saw him.
He’d stayed.
His arms folded over his chest, and he was watching me.
A thrill coursed through me. He wasn’t even stretching. He was just waiting for me. I slowed, forcing my breathing to calm as I walked in. I needed time to adjust because it was him—Mr. Mystery Gorgeous Man from the back elevator. Like last night, as our eyes met and held, my blood started buzzing. A whole host of emotions circled like a tornado in me. I didn’t like it, but as adrenaline and excitement zipped through me, I had to admit that I didn’t not like it either.
He wore a warm smile, and his sweatshirt clung to him, showing his broad and muscled shoulders. God. His body—it was toned. Even under black sweatpants and a sweatshirt, I could tell how ripped he was. His hood was pushed back now, and as I got closer, I noticed his hair had been cut since yesterday. It was buzzed short. It fit him. His hair didn’t seem as dark as before, yet somehow, it made him seem even more primal and dangerous. He could do damage. I didn’t want to know what kind of damage, but I knew without a doubt he was not someone I wanted as an enemy. I didn’t fear him; I actually felt drawn to him, my body sizzling. Yet I was wary of him, and of myself at the same time.
His dark eyes never left mine. He studied me, and I got the feeling he knew exactly what kind of sensations and thoughts were going through my head.
A glimmer of a grin showed on his face before he held out his hand. “I’m Cole.”
I eyed his hand. I’ve never been a hands lady, but his showed strength. Fitting my palm to his, I learned his hands weren’t rough. He gave me a firm handshake, and a rush of blood went through me. My knees nearly buckled. I closed my eyes. What was happening? I’d never reacted like this—ever. Not to Liam. Not to any guy.
Get yourself together, Addison.
“Addison,” I managed to respond.
He nodded as if he already knew. His eyes sparked, and I got the distinct impression he was laughing at me. He glanced down the running track. “You did good. Almost a mile.”
“Is that how far two laps go?” I asked, my voice too loud. “I was trying to figure it out. I’ve never run here before.”
I wasn’t a schoolgirl, but he made me feel like one. I was too old to be reacting like this. Shifting on my feet, I reached over and kept one arm across my chest like a barrier. I grabbed my other arm, which was pressed into my side. There. I felt some semblance of control now, which was ridiculous. My arm over my chest wasn’t a barrier at all.
“Do you live here?” I asked.
One side of his mouth lifted, and if I’d thought he was gorgeous before, the half-smile made him breathtaking. I wasn’t prepared for the sight, and I rocked back on my heels.
Good God. That was enough. I could hear Sia’s voice in my head saying, You need to get laid. She was right. That was why I was reacting like this, so even a damned half-smile made me wet. It was time to do the deed and suffer through a one-night stand. Apparently my hormones were making this announcement in the most embarrassing way possible.
“I’m a friend of Dorian’s.”
Lucky Dorian. He hadn’t answered my question, but I didn’t push it. “Okay.”
“You must be the new resident? He said someone new moved into the third floor.”
“Yeah. That’s me.” I had to avert my eyes. It was like he could stare into my soul. I didn’t like that.
His head moved with mine so he could still see my eyes. “Am I making you nervous?” His voice softened.
“A bit.” I’d admit that. A wry laugh followed. “I’m, uh, to be fair, you’re…” I waved my hand at him. “…a lot. And I haven’t been around guys like you in a while. My, uh, husband—”
Stop, stop, stop! I yelled silently at myself. “Guys like him?” What the hell was I saying? And I was about to tell him about Liam? Not first-time meeting material. I shook my head, grimacing, and managed to stop.
“I’m sorry. I’m, I saw you last night in the elevator.” I looked up. He had inched back a step, putting a bit more distance between us, and my chest loosened. “Is your friend okay? He was bleeding.”
He continued studying me, and he seemed more closed off. A wall that hadn’t been there a moment ago was erected between us. “He’s fine. Dorian patched him up.” His half-smile faded, but it soon sparked back up, just another glimmer. “He had a bit too much to drink last night, took a bad spill on the street.”
“That’s good that he got fixed up.”
I was confused. Did Dorian live on the top floors? Jake said the owner did, though Cole made it sound like that wasn’t the case. Cole was obviously connected to the building somehow, but I wasn’t going to figure it out here.
I pointed to the door. “I’m meeting a friend for lunch, and I still have to change. I should get going.”
He nodded. “Do you run every day?”
I started to step around him, but paused. “What?”
He watched me with those intense eyes. The feeling of being exposed to him returned. He was looking into me, through me.
“Uh. No. Ken suggested it today, but I liked it. I’ll do this again.”
“I’ll be here every day at this time, if you want to run together.”
My eyes widened. At the suggestion, my heart pounded against my chest. “Um.” My face was heating up. I averted my eyes, trained them on the door behind him, and lifted a shoulder. “Maybe. I’ll see if I can. I’m not sure, you know, about my calendar. I might have something going on.” My eyes darted back to his, and they widened once again.
He hadn’t moved, but he felt closer to me. His presence was overwhelming. “Okay,” he murmured. “Well, you’ll know where I am, if you want a running buddy.”
Then, just like that, I felt him pull away. He didn’t move, but I could breathe easier again. Now that he’d said what he wanted to, he released me. My legs were unsteady as I forced myself to walk forward.
I spoke over my shoulder, my heart racing, “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.”
My heart thundered as I approached the exit. As I touched the metal door handle, I heard him speak. “Yeah. Maybe.”
I sucked in my breath. That voice, those words spoken so softly—they reached inside me and wrapped around my heart. I felt him. He had power over me, and none of this made sense. He’d branded me, claiming me. I looked back over my shoulder, air suspended in my throat, but he wasn’t watching now. His hood was back up, and he kicked off, starting another lap.
My shoulders sagged. I twisted around so my back was against the door and watched him go. This man, whoever he was, whatever kind of man he was, could affect me like no other had in my life.
Something had happened here, and I had a feeling everything was going to change. I just didn’t know if it would be for the better or for the worse.
Straightening from the door, I shook my head. I was being ridiculous.
Gianni’s was already busy when I got there. Nearly every table was filled, and unlike the last time we were here, the restaurant was brightly lit. The shades over the front windows had been raised, and men in business suits, women in suits and dresses had taken over the space.
I gave the hostess my name and went to the booth reserved for us, not knowing what I’d say to Sia. I was kind of a mess. All the while I’d been showering, changing, and getting ready to meet her, my mind had still been back on the running track with Cole. I was pretty sure I’d washed my hair with my face cleanser. It didn’t have its regular volume after I dried it, but then it was too late. I’d wasted too much time in Cole La La Land, so I put it in a braid and clipped it up. It looked messily rumpled, just the way Sia loved it. She went nuts when my hair was like this, calling it “a sexy mess.”
I expected the same reaction this time, but instead, Sia rushed over, a scarf wrapped around her neck, and slid in across from me. Her sunglasses stayed on as she reached for her water.
“Oh my God.” She leaned back and let out a loud sigh. “You have no idea how thirsty I am today.”
“Hung over?”
She nodded, gulping half the water and scanning the table. “Why’s there no coffee yet?”
I raised an eyebrow. “That’s my job?”
She groaned. Her head fell to the table, cushioned by her arm. “I’m sorry. I’m the worst best friend. You’re right.” She sat up and took her sunglasses off, squinting from the brightness. “I’m hung over like no other.”
“You didn’t seem that bad when I left.”
“Oh no. Because I wasn’t.” She shook her head. “But we kept drinking. After the first really hot round in bed, we decided it was a great idea to have shots. So the shots started, and kept going. Then we broke the table. That meant more shots. We did it on his couch.”
My nose wrinkled. “I liked that couch.”
“On his kitchen island.”
“Too much information.”
“On his kitchen counter. Against the elevator doors. And then, with all the sex and all the booze, you’d think we’d be tired this morning. Nope. We did it in his shower, too.”
“Is that possible? I thought guys took forever to get it up again.”
“Not him. He’s got the penis of a racehorse. And I am so fucking exhausted.” Her eyes shifted over my shoulder, and she straightened up. A transformation came over her. It was like the bags under her eyes diminished. She pulled out a lip gloss and fluffed her hair back.
I narrowed my eyes. “Your scarf is sideways.”
With one quick tug, it jerked back in place, and Sia smiled as she watched someone coming to our table. I had a sinking feeling I knew who it was. This was confirmed when she gushed, “Jake! How are you feeling?”
He sat beside her and dipped his head rather than answering. They kissed. No, they weren’t kissing. They were devouring each other. They were trying to say hello with their tongues in the literal sense. Jake tried to pull away, but then their mouths opened wider over each other.
I averted my eyes. A moan started. I cringed. He groaned. I bit the inside of my lip. This was a tad bit awkward, just a bit. I shifted on my seat, feeling a tightness in my chest. It was growing. Nope. Don’t say anything. Let them be. It’ll be over real soon…maybe now…no, not yet. Okay, now. Nope.
“Okay.” I planted both my hands on the table, fingers spread out. I leaned forward with a forced smile on my face. “That’s lovely, you know.” They broke apart, shooting me guilty grins. I rested against the back of the booth and waved a finger at them. “The two of you. My neighbor.” My finger moved to Sia. “My best friend. All kissing and giving me way too many details about your sex-fest night.”
Jake frowned and glanced sideways to Sia.
She pressed her lips together, shooting me a look.
I ignored both reactions. “Enough with the kissing in front of my face.” I held up my hand. I’d put my wedding ring back on after I showered. It was a last-minute decision, and it felt right. I felt comforted. “Remember.” I wiggled my finger. “I lost the love of my life a year ago. I’m happy for you both, but please, stop. Just…stop.”
Time seemed to stand still for a moment as they stared at me, and I realized what I’d done: officially thrown a tantrum, right here in Gianni’s Restaurant.
My hand covered my face. Where had that come from? “I’m so sorry, Sia.” I shot Jake a pleading look. “I’m sorry, Jake. I’m not normally like this.”
He perked up. “You mean Sia makes out in front of you all the time?”
She whacked his arm. “I do not.” She gave me a meaningful look. “I do not. Tell him that.”
“No.” I shook my head. “She doesn’t, not normally, but I have no excuse for having a fit.”
Jake frowned before a slight smile showed. “Pretty sure we were making the scene, not you, Addison. You have no reason to apologize.”
“Maybe not, but I’m still embarrassed.”
“No, really. I’m sorry.” Sia laid a hand on my arm. “And I know we were going to have our own lunch. I meant to explain earlier that Jake was coming too, but I was beyond busy this morning, and well, you know how rude I was when I first got here.”
Jake gave her a look.
She waved him off with her free hand. “I was annoyed we didn’t have coffee, like it was Addison’s job to read my mind and have it ready. I was a bitch. I’m apologizing right now.” She squeezed my arm once before pulling away, and tucked her hand in her lap. “Being beyond exhausted, hung over, and sore in places I never knew I even had isn’t putting me at my most gracious.”
I snorted.
Her eyes went to mine. “Having said that, I want to apologize again and also say you have no need to apologize. I should’ve been more sensitive. Way, way, way more sensitive. I’m a huge asshole. The hugest! And selfish. I am beyond selfish right now.”
Okay. She was going to start flogging herself. She apologized. Jake apologized. I apologized. I considered the whole sorry-fest over. Picking up my water, I brandished a smile. “Can we toast to that?”
Sia reached for her water, but Jake beat her there. They gave each other another adoring smiles and raised the glass together. It was almost sickening; that was how cute it was.
I was having a hard time not smiling. I liked this stage in Sia’s relationships. Despite the initial irritation today, she was kinder and softer. I already knew what I’d be hearing once Jake left: she was in love. She had the best night, ever. He was The One.
She’d downplayed him the night before, calling him her perfect booty-call soulmate, but things were clearly already past that, and as I watched them gaze into each other’s eyes, I had to admit that this seemed like more. When Sia proclaimed her love, I might believe it this time. And good for her. I meant that. Truly.
Sia and Jake laughed and talked with each other, and I had a feeling there would be no space for me to interject about meeting Cole. And that felt fine. I wasn’t ready to say anything about it, not yet.
A waiter brought water for Jake and refills for the rest of us. Sia got her coffee, hallelujah! The food came soon after we ordered. It was a light lunch, but the salad filled me up. Sia and Jake ordered sandwiches and devoured them, probably starving from their cardiovascular activities the previous night. Not long after we finished, Jake slid out of the booth to head back to work. Sia went with him to say goodbye. They walked out holding hands.
Young love. I remembered those days… Then Cole flashed in my head—the image of him standing there, watching me, waiting as I walked toward him. My mouth watered, and my stomach flipped over on itself.
Cole, whatever his last name was, affected me and in a big and intense way. And thinking of his invitation, I knew I couldn’t do that. My body was tired after just one brief meeting with him. If I ran with him, next to him the entire time—my hand pressed into my stomach, trying to forcibly calm the nerves.
A server distracted me, reaching for my glass to refill it.
“Could I get the bill?”
“It’s on the house.” He set my water back down.
“What?”
But he turned and moved on to the next table.
Sia slid back into her seat at that moment. Folding her hands over each other, she leaned in close. “I’m so sorry, again. I know I apologized before, but this really was supposed to be our lunch, and you had no idea he was coming. And then you had to sit and endure our whole gushy-gushy stuff just now.” Her hands pressed against her chest. “I’m not that selfish friend. I don’t want to be. I owe you HUGE. What can I do to make it up to you?” She sat up suddenly. “Friday night! I have Friday night off for once. No event. No fundraiser. No showcase. Nothing. We should do a slumber party. You. Me. Lots of wine.” She winced, then waved that away. “I’ll be back on the wine bandwagon by then. Ooh. Can we do that? Are you up for it?”
“No Jake showing up in the middle of our slumber party?”
“Only if we start drinking tequila. You know how I get frisky when I drink that stuff.”
“No tequila.”
“Just wine.” Sia beamed at me.
I nodded. “Just wine.”