THIRTEEN

The morning passed too quickly.

Between my dragging Alex back into bed to have sex and then both of us taking showers—separately though I was game to change that in the near future—before I knew it, it was nearing noon.

By the time we got around to eating it was closer to lunch than breakfast and we were within hours of the start of the event, which she still had to dress for.

While we’d been in my apartment, she’d worn a pair of my shorts and a T-shirt. But without any footwear besides the high heels, that outfit wasn’t going to work for the drive to her place so she’d put the dress back on.

Not that I minded. I had a real affinity for that red dress, but I’m sure no woman wanted to arrive home the next day wearing the clothes from the night before.

I, on the other hand, was dressed and ready in a fresh suit as I sat behind the wheel of the Land Rover on the way to Queens and Alex’s place.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw her angled toward me, watching me from the passenger seat. Without turning to look directly at her, I said, “You’re looking at me strangely. Why?”

“Just trying to figure you out, Brent Hearst.”

I glanced her direction, surprised at that answer. “What’s there to figure out?”

“I don’t know. Everything, I guess.” She lifted one shoulder.

“Then that makes us even, because I’m trying to figure you out too, Alexandra . . .” I had started to echo her comment to me but stopped, unable to finish. I laughed. “And I still don’t know your last name.”

That I’d spent a considerable amount of time inside this woman last night yet didn’t know her full name was not ideal. Some men might operate that way. Hell, I had in the past. But not this time. Not with Alex.

I had plans—or at least hopes—to spend much more time with her in the future. 

“Jones. Alexandra Elizabeth Jones. And there’s nothing to figure out. I go to college, I volunteer. And if I don’t get my degree and land a paying job soon my parents are probably going to cut me off and I’ll be homeless. I’m pretty typical I think.”

“What are you majoring in?” I asked.

“Double major in English and Art History.”

Having the Hearst last name could be a double-edged sword at times, but in this situation it might be an asset. 

“Lucky for you, I happen to run not one but two publishing houses and I daresay I have some pull at a few other companies.”

She laughed. “Hearst owns more than a few other companies.”

“Oh, so you’ve heard of them?” I grinned.

Alex let out a snort. “Yeah, you know, in passing.”

“All joking aside. Alex, I’d be happy to set you up with some interviews. You just have to tell me what you want.”

 “What I want . . . I guess that’s something I’m going to have to figure out.” All humor had gone out of her tone too.

I understood what she was saying. I wasn’t that much older than she was that I’d forgotten what it was like to be in college. I remembered being fresh out of school, overwhelmed by a world of choices and the prospect of having to pick just one.

 “Maybe I can help with that too. We can figure it out together.”

“Maybe.”

I took my eyes off the road long enough to glance at her. She raised her gaze to meet mine and I saw something in her eyes. Something deep. Dark.

What was that coloring her tone and her expression? It seemed like more than simple indecision.

Whatever it was, I didn’t like it.

“You have reached your destination.” The GPS announced our arrival at her apartment.

Perfect timing.

I pulled into a spot along the curb and reached out to squeeze her hand.

Determined to erase that dark cloud that had settled over the woman who was currently the brightest light in my life, I leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

It was short but had a lasting effect on my heart and my head.

A knowledge I wasn’t ready for but wasn’t going to fight settled over me. I could fall for this woman. Hell, I was already half there.

And God help me if she didn’t feel the same.

I pulled back. “Shall we go in?”

A frown creased her forehead. “Would you mind if I went in alone? I feel horrible asking that but the place is a mess and I have a roommate who is a bitch and gets pissy if I bring anyone over. There’s a coffee shop right over—”

“Alex, it’s fine. I can keep myself busy. You can meet me at the coffee shop when you’re ready. Or text me and I’ll meet you back here at the car. Your choice.”

“That would be perfect. Thank you so much for putting up with me.”

“Always.” Little did she know I’d do this and so much more for her. “Now go. Get dressed. Do you want me to get you a coffee?”

“No. I’m good. Thanks.”

I watched her disappear inside the building, already planning. Wondering. How many more credits did she need to graduate? I’d have to ask. I didn’t even know which college she was enrolled in.

There was a lot more to learn, for both of us, but I had a feeling I’d enjoy finding out everything about her.

So this was what falling for a woman did to a man. Made him feel off balance and centered all at the same time. Content and anxious. Hopeful and frightened.

It was a hell of a thing and I feared I might already be addicted to the feeling.

With a sigh I unhooked my seatbelt and reached into the console for my cell phone.

I figured I could occupy my time at the coffee shop across the street by checking my email on my phone. Or hell, maybe I’d live a little and not cram work into every moment and listen to an audiobook instead.

I smiled. Maybe love was softening up this workaholic.

Or maybe I was just sleep deprived and lazy today. Given that Alex was the reason why I was up half the night, I wasn’t going to complain.

I slid the cell into the inside breast pocket of my suit jacket and remembered the communicator there that I’d brought with me on Zane’s recommendation.

Could he hear everything now from inside my pocket? Probably. Was he listening? I didn’t know.

All I did know was that I wasn’t sure I wanted Zane listening in on me—not on my date and definitely not in my apartment while Alex was there.

It was one thing if he overheard certain moments when we’d been roommates at boarding school. But him hearing now that we were adults was quite another story.

Knowing Zane, he probably would listen, just to gather fodder with which to tease me.

Considering that, I’d be very happy to get rid of this thing Monday. I’d hit up his office as soon as I arrived in Virginia rather than wait. I was starting to feel like Big Brother was watching me and I didn’t like it.

Inside the coffee shop, I ordered a latte for myself and grabbed a napkin from the dispenser.

An idea hit me and I grabbed another. I’d wrap the damn comm up so tight even if Zane were listening all he’d hear was muffled noise. But I’d still have the unit in case I did need it.

Feeling like a genius from the brilliance of my plan, I carried my coffee and my napkins to a table, settled in a chair and set to work on the satisfying task of smothering Zane’s spy device.

I’d completed my task and was still shopping for a good title on the audiobook site when the door swung open, sending the tiny bell attached tinkling. The sound and curiosity had me glancing up.

“Alex.” My pulse picked up speed at the sight of her. Pushing aside the knowledge that I had it bad for her already, I said, “I would have met you at the car so you didn’t have to walk across the street.”

“It’s fine. I don’t mind the walk.”

It looked like she’d put on a bare minimum of makeup but she didn’t need any at all to be beautiful, in my opinion.

She’d changed into an ivory colored shirt, wide-leg navy blue pants and shoes slightly less high than the heels she’d worn last night, but still sexy as hell.

Although maybe it was just Alex and not the shoes, because she’d made even my shorts and tee look sexy this morning.

“You look great.” I wasn’t just saying that to flatter her. She did look great and she’d transformed herself faster than I’d expected. I hadn’t even finished my coffee yet. “We have time. You sure you don’t want something?” I gestured toward the counter.

“No, thank you. Actually, I wouldn’t mind if we got to the event early.”

“Oh, okay. Sure. We can go.” In fact, I liked that idea.

I grabbed my to-go cup and moved ahead to open the door to the street for her. The sooner we got there, the sooner we could leave and go back to my place.

Another night with Alex. That thought had my spirits soaring.