Chapter Two, Part Three of Forgotten by Marti York
We bundle into our coats and head out. Peter stands slightly in front of me on the elevator, but we don’t speak. Instead, I watch him. He’s tall, so tall he seems like an unscalable wall. His presence makes me feel safe. His dark eyes will warn people away. His broad, muscular body will protect me. The thought of that body on top of me sends an arrow of lust through me. As clear as glass I can picture my hands raking through his lush, black hair, grasping and gasping every time he thrusts into me.
Without turning towards me, he says, “You okay?”
The fantasy bubble I’d created for myself pops. Reality is like a splash of cold water on my face. “Yes. Why do you ask?”
“You’re breathing like you’re about to have a panic attack.”
Or like I’m about to orgasm, I think as warmth infuses my face. “I’m fine.”
He finally looks over his shoulder at me, staring for a moment before a grin stretches across his lips, which I wish were kissing me right now. Kissing me anywhere. I don’t care where. My mouth, my neck, my legs, my breasts, my... I straighten and clear my throat. Nope, can’t go there.
“I’m fine,” I say again.
“That you are, Molly Copper. That you are.”
He turns away again, and I bite down on the inside of my mouth to keep from smiling. The implication that he might find me attractive keeps me happily silent the rest of the elevator ride down.
When the doors open to the lobby, Peter holds his arm across the door frame. “After you.”
I straighten from where I was leaning against the back wall and stride forward, turning my face towards his as I go, meeting his gaze. “Thanks, Peter,” I say as I pass him.
“You are so very welcome, Molly.”
I make my way to the building’s front doors, knowing he follows. But when I reach to push the door open, I freeze.
“It’s okay, Molly. I’m with you.”
“Where are we going?”
He’s behind me now, his hand next to mine on the door’s frame, ready to push us out into New York City. “To the scene of the crime.”
As much as I don’t want to, I freak out. So much so that I back into him trying to get away from my fear. His arms come around me, holding me tight.
“It’s okay. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”
He pulls me closer as he turns us both around. Then he releases me except for the hand on the small of my back, urging me forward. “Let’s sit a minute.”
Somehow, I manage to walk with him, the heat from his hand calming me. When we reach one of the two benches in the lobby, the heat leaves my back, and his hand takes mine. With barely a tug, he gets me to sit.
“I don’t know what happened?” Tears sting my eyes and burn my nostrils.
“You panicked. Not a big deal.”
I choke out a sob as I raise my gaze to his. “It feels like a big deal.”
He reaches up and swipes his thumbs over the tears on my cheeks. “It’ll get better. Give it time.”
“I hate this,” I say as I squeeze my eyes shut.
His hands cup my face. “I know.”
On a hard swallow, I grasp his wrists. “What am I going to do?”
“You’re going to survive. That’s all you can do.”
“Do you think I’ll ever not be afraid?”
“I have no doubt. One day, all the fear with be forgotten.”
I lean back, and he releases me. I miss his touch, but I need to be strong. “I hope you’re right.”
“I am. Come on.” He motions towards the elevators with a bend of his head. “Let’s go upstairs. We can order pizza and watch a movie.”
Laughing, I wipe the dampness from my face. “You really want to hang out with me?”
“Absolutely. You’re my favorite client.”
That just makes me laugh more. “I’m your only client right now.”
With a crooked smile, he says, “True. How about that pizza, anyway?”
Well, crap. Even if he’s only feeling sorry for me, it’d be nice to pretend we’re actual friends for a while. Apparently, I don’t have any close friends except for Benny. At least, none I can remember. It’s not like anyone’s been calling to check on me. Not even family, the thought of which threatens to darken my mood even more.
Before I can sink lower, I rub my hands over my eyes and say, “I would love to eat pizza and watch a movie with you, Peter.”
His smile widens. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
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