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Tilly
I see Sebastian immediately when I walk into the waiting room. He’s standing next to the reception desk. He’s still wearing the same clothes he was last night. His jaw is now covered with day-old stubble. He looks amazing.
“Matilda,” he says my name as he sees me approaching. “I’m sorry for bothering you at work.”
“No.” I shake my head slightly. “It’s not a bother at all.”
It’s more of a thrill actually; at least my nipples and other parts of me feel that way.
“I’m on my way home.” He exhales. “I got caught up in a case last night.”
I drifted off to sleep thinking he’d gone back to Axel Tribeca to bed the blonde with the killer shoes. I feel a sense of relief knowing that he was at work.
He looks around the packed waiting room. “You’re actually one of the reasons for the new lead I was working overnight.”
“Me?” My hand darts to the center of my chest.
“I’ve been trying to track down a witness to a case for weeks.” He rakes his hand through his hair. “She got spooked and went into hiding. Apparently, she came out because I spotted her sitting at the bar at Axel Tribeca last night.”
He has to be talking about the blonde I thought he was checking out.
“I’m happy to help,” I say jokingly. “Did you come down here to tell me that?”
“No. I brought you something.”
My gaze drops to his hands and the small white paper bag he’s holding. “What is it?”
“Cake.” He pushes it toward me. “Chocolate cake. It’s from Axel Tribeca. Maya ate most of the piece you ordered last night so I thought I’d pick up a slice just for you. You don’t have to share this with anyone.”
My hands tremble as I take the bag from him. He can’t know how much his words mean to me. How much this gesture means.
“Thank you,” I say softly. “You didn’t have to do this.”
“I was passing the hotel and thought of you.” He leans his hip against the reception counter. “Promise me you won’t share it. You’ll savor every bite yourself.”
My eyes lock with his and I feel a rush of energy I’ve never felt before. “I promise.”
“I’ll see you tonight.”
“I’ll see you then,” I manage in a small voice. “Thank you again.”
His eyes linger on my lips. “It was my pleasure, Matilda.”
My heart pounds in my chest as I watch him walk out of the clinic, wishing that I were going home to bed with him.
***
“I need an umbrella,” I mutter as I race across the wet sidewalk toward my apartment building.
The cold snap we had has given way to spring-like weather. When I left my place this morning I didn’t even bother to grab a jacket. What I could really use right now is an umbrella.
I slide my hand over my hair as I charge into the vestibule of my building. I took the subway home, but the one block walk from the station was enough to make me feel and look like a drowned rat. I got a good glimpse of my reflection in the windows of the building next to mine.
I curse under my breath hoping that Sebastian won’t be standing in the main living area when I walk in. I want to duck into my bedroom, take a warm shower and get into dry clothes before I face him.
“Tilly, you look like you could use a towel.” Junior, the doorman, says as he spots me from across the lobby. “I have a stock of umbrellas for residents. All you had to do was ask for one on your way out this morning.”
I should point out that Junior didn’t even bother opening the door for me when I left earlier. He was so engrossed in a phone call with someone named Sasha that he only offered up a weak wave and a nod of his chin as I passed by.
“I’ll keep that in mind for next time.” I look toward the elevator. “I’m going to head up. It’s been a long day.”
“Your new roommate is a cop.”
I turn and look at him. Junior is at least twice my age, with graying temples and fine lines around his eyes. His face is friendly even when it’s not sporting a smile as it is now. “I know that.”
“I didn’t know until ten minutes ago when he walked past me and I saw his badge.”
My heart drops.
“Was he on his way in or out?” I ask expectantly.
“Out.” He gestures toward the street. “He was in a rush. There must be something going down.”
An image of Sebastian going down on me pops into my head.
Shit. I don’t need to think about that while I’m staring at Junior’s face.
“Isn’t there always something happening in this city?” I quip. “I need to dry off. Enjoy your night, Junior.”
“You too, Tilly.” He taps the brim of his hat. “I hope it’s a night to remember.”
It may be his standard line, but I was truly hoping for a night to remember. Now that Sebastian has gone to work, my night will consist of a bubble bath and frozen pizza.
All it will be is forgettable.
