The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. I got the designs done, but I was distracted every time my gaze caught on his note or on the now empty box of bagels. The laptop was still in its packaging, but as I noticed the afternoon turning into early evening, I unwrapped it and once again went through the process of setting both computers up to transfer the files.
Once that was done, I saw the time and cursed under my breath. I would still be able to shave my legs, but I was going to have to do it fast and hope that I didn’t shave off parts of my skin in the rush.
Thankfully, I made it through the shower without any blood. Then I got dressed in a nice, nude-colored dress that looked great with my complexion. I was just finishing up with my hair and makeup when the intercom buzzed.
Taking a deep breath, I gave myself a final look in the mirror and got up from my dressing table, picking up my clutch before I headed to the door. When I opened it, Tanner was already waiting on the other side.
He wore a suit that looked tailored, and he dipped into a low bow when he saw me, taking my hand and pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles. He slid his fingers between mine and straightened up again. “Milady. You look stunning, as always.”
I laughed, feeling a little flustered. “What’s with the gallant, gentlemanly act?”
“It’s not an act.” His blue eyes sparkled with humor as he waited for me to close my door and lock up without ever letting go of his hand. “In case you haven’t noticed, I can be quite the gentleman when the occasion calls for it.”
“And this occasion does?” I asked.
He nodded, pulled me into his side, and slung his arm over my shoulders. We started walking down the hall, and he held me close, almost hugging me as he dipped his head toward mine. “Every occasion with you calls for it. It just took me a little while to realize it. From now on, though, you’re only getting the best of me. I promise. I’m done with all that other shit.”
“You say the most romantic things to me,” I said with a laugh. I didn’t want him to know that he was already chipping at the tiny bit of armor that remained around my heart when it came to him. “We’re on the same page, though.”
Or at least, I really hoped we were. If I opened myself up to him and things went south again, I really didn’t know if I’d be able to give him another chance.
Again.