With all the restraint I can muster, I take Cleo by both arms and kiss the top of her head.
“Good night, Cleo.”
She gazes at me and blinks slowly. There’s disappointment, but something else also flickers across her face. Respect.
I get the feeling I just passed a test, maybe one she didn’t even know she was giving.
“Goodnight, Kray,” she mumbles.
Then she’s out of my arms and heading to her room.
I watch her go, wondering if I’ll get another chance, hoping like hell that the next time I have Cleo in my arms she’ll be stone-cold sober and wanting me as much as I want her.
7
CLEO
My head feels fuzzy and my tongue dry. I lick my lips, but there’s no moisture in my mouth. Slowly, I swing my legs over the bed and stumble to the bathroom.
My eyeliner is smudged because I forgot to take it off before bed, and my hair is sticking out at funny angles.
It’s not my best look.
Cupping water in my hand, I take a few greedy gulps and immediately feel better as I hydrate. I’m not a fan of hangovers, but I don’t regret drinking wine with Kray last night.
He’s a nice guy underneath the heavy ink and intimidating biker jacket. The conversation flowed easily, and the night went by so quickly I didn’t realize it had gotten so late.
Luckily, I don’t need to be in the office today.
After a long shower I’m feeling better and venture out to the living area.
“Morning.” Kray’s smile lights up the room and makes me remember that I almost kissed him last night.
Almost but not quite.
“Stupid girl,” I mutter to myself.
Kray gives me a sympathetic look and runs me a glass of water. He must think I’m telling myself I’m stupid for being hungover. I’m not going to correct him.
I take the water and slink back to my room, not ready to face him.
It was stupid, throwing myself at a man because he showed a little bit of kindness. But it still stings that Kray rejected me.
Or maybe he was being a gentleman. I snort at the thought, almost spilling my water. Not likely. There are no gentlemen left in this world that I’ve ever come across.
I spend most of the day in my room working and avoiding Kray. But in the afternoon, I get ready to leave the house. I take my time with my makeup, telling myself it’s what I usually do. But somewhere inside me, I hope Kray notices my figure-hugging tights and how good my lips look in this wine-colored shade.
He’s not in the apartment when I come out of the room, and I feel a pang of disappointment. I find him working on his bike in the parking lot and chatting amiably to Fitzy. She gives me a pointed look when she sees me come out of the elevator and floats off in her zebra print shawl that looks far too cold for this weather.
My heartbeat goes up a notch as I watch Kray’s grease-stained hands tighten something up on the bike.
I know nothing about bikes, but I can tell this beast is his pride and joy.
“Fixed enough to take you home yet?” I ask pointedly, even though I’m not sure I want Kray to leave now.
“You trying to get rid of me?”
His eyes sparkle and I look away. I’m not sure I am anymore. Kray is good company. I like having him around.