“Oh come on, don’t be. She and I weren’t meant to be. As far as I’m concerned I totally dodged a bullet and now I get to stand here with you.” He flashes me a dazzling smile. Elijah’s charm sucks up all the air in the hall and for a moment, I forget where I am.
Elijah, my friend, my on-again-off-again crush. The man who stood by me through hobbies, jobs, and boyfriends who were never meant for me. Elijah West is standing in front of me and quite literally taking my breath away. My heart pounds in my chest.
Creak.
A door opening down the hall jolts me back to reality. “I uh, I should go. I am still at work after all.” I let out an exhale and try to get ahold of myself as I turn to head down the hall.
Elijah grabs me by the wrist and tugs me back toward him. “Let me take you to dinner.” It isn’t a question and his words stop me in my tracks.
My face flushes with heat. The thought of a date with Elijah sends goosebumps rippling down my arms. My voice catches in my throat. “I’d love to.”
He gives me a slight nod. “Come up as soon as you get off tonight. I can hardly wait to see you.”