Harper's eyes darted to his in concern.
“It's okay,” he said, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Let’s go back and set up.”
Ten minutes later, Daniel dragged Harper’s mattress out of her bedroom and into the hallway. They were heavy fuckers, but it was better than sleeping on the floor.
“I hate this,” she said, wrapping her arms around her middle.
“Trust me, if those windows blow, we’ll both be covered in glass. So let’s hightail it, okay?” he said just as the wind howled, making Harper jump.
“Jesus,” she said and ran to the door.
“Hold it open. I’m coming through.” Daniel gripped the mattress and pulled with all his strength, grateful for his weight training. In one effort, aside from navigating it through the doorway, it fell to the floor in a bang.
Harper raced inside and dragged the covers and pillows out, then the door closed behind them. When they had set up the bed against the far corner of the hallway, they both flopped down on it breathing hard.
After a few minutes, she turned to him in question.
“Are you going to...” her eyes darted to the end of the hall, and he frowned.
“You want me to leave?” Daniel asked in disbelief. The building swayed and creaked, and Harper jumped into his arms.
Much better.
“No. Will you stay with me tonight?” she asked, just as the lights flickered off and they were plunged into complete darkness. “Oh, my god!”
“Give it a second,” he said, rubbing her back. Daniel knew there would be hundreds of scared guests right now, but in five, four, three, two, one...and the lights flickered back on as the generator kicked in.
“Oh, thank god,” she said, burying her face in his chest.
“You’re safe, Harper. Nothing is going to bring this building down.” Well, maybe an earthquake, but there was no point scaring her with those kinds of facts. “I’m going to turn off the lights at this end so we can try to sleep.”
He climbed off the mattress and found the switch. The lights at the other end were still bright and disturbing, but it offered some relief.
“I doubt I’ll sleep,” Harper said as Daniel pulled his wallet and phone out of his pockets and kicked off his shoes.
Beside him, Harper removed her sandals and bra.
They lay down, and Daniel placed his arm under her head. It felt strangely comfortable. Strange in that he never simply lay down with a woman and cuddled or chat, but here he was.
The lust hadn’t disappeared, but the odd circumstances they found themselves in had pushed pause on things for a bit.
Plus, since that moment in the kitchen, Daniel had felt different.
“Hi,” Harper said, turning to him shyly.
He ran his hand over her face. “Just so you know, this isn’t a normal date.”
She let out a small giggle and he grinned.
“I had fun tonight,” he said, surprising himself.
“I bet I know your favorite part.”
“I bet you don’t,” he said, feeling the now familiar desire for her begin to stir. His eyes traced every inch of her face and its perfection. She was simply beautiful. Especially the three nearly invisible but matching freckles on her cheeks.
“I meant our meal in the kitchen,” Harper said, her eyes sparkling. Daniel lifted on one arm and stared down at her. Suddenly, she turned into the vulnerable and feminine goddess he’d kissed.
“No, you didn’t,” he said, his lips close to hers.
Her hand reached up, and she ran her fingers through his hair. Daniel closed his eyes, feeling her touch through his whole body.
He wanted her so badly now but couldn’t risk fucking her out here. If one of his staff stepped out of the lifts, they would see them. There was no way he’d let anyone see her naked. Would he have given any other woman in the past the same respect? He’d like to think so, but his need to fuck them would’ve likely dominated all else.
Hell yes, he wanted to fuck Harper, but this Kiwi girl had gotten under his skin.
Daniel opened his eyes, and two blazing blue globes were staring back at him, rich with need.
Soon, Harper, soon you will be mine.