Page 57 of A Whole New Trick

I’m so into Dane Larson it makes my head spin. I can’t think of one flaw. Other than showing his temper around Chelsea. But I’d be hard-pressed to find someone who wouldn’t react that way if their cheating ex tried to be friendly towards them. I know it makes me furious when Aaron acts like he didn’t rip my heart out and throw it in the trash.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

I turn and see Dane glance at me before returning his attention to the road.

“I’m nervous.” There’s no point in lying.

“About?” The automated GPS voice comes through the speakers, telling Dane the next direction to my apartment.

“I don’t bring men back to my apartment.”

It’s true. I haven’t been in a serious relationship since Aaron. If I’m seeing a guy and decide to sleep with him, I always suggest we go to his place. I want the ability to make a quick exit if things don’t go well. It’s my safety net.

The fact I invited Dane to my place is additional proof things with the hockey star are different.

That should terrify me. And it does, a little. But it also excites me. It also makes my stomach flutter with nerves that I hope I’ll be able to stifle when the time comes.

“Why not?” Dane asks, turning down the road that leads to my parking garage.

I shrug. “No one was ever worthy.”

“But I am?” He smiles.

I laugh. “Yeah, I think you are.”

Please don’t prove me wrong.

“I’m honored,” Dane sounds sincere.

I just nod.

Dane turns into the garage and my pulse picks up speed as he parks in one of the visitor spots on the first floor.

This is it.

I get out of the car and straighten my dress’s skirt so the slit reveals the least amount of skin possible.

Dane rounds the car and holds out his hand, looking pointedly at my heels. “For balance.”

I could tell him I’m a pro at walking in stilettos. My college clubbing days prepared me well, but I lace my fingers through his instead. “Thank you.”

Anticipation floats around us as we ride the elevator up to the fifth floor. I live five miles away from downtown. While my building isn’t as luxurious as Carlee’s in Midtown, it’s still got some nice amenities, like a garage elevator and interior front doors. Other than that, it’s not the best, but it was the best I could afford while in school.

Mom and Dad had offered to help me rent a better place, but I refused. I’d wanted to make it on my own. Now that I work for the Ranchers’, I can afford a better place. I should look into one.

Dane’s thumb runs over the back of my hand as the elevator rises, drawing my thoughts back to the moment at hand.

Does Dane know he does that? Or is it just an absentminded gesture? How many girls has he reduced to a puddle with his affectionate caress?

Stop it, Morgan.

I’m not an insecure person. I won’t let myself wonder about Dane’s past and ruin this night.

The elevator door opens. My heart thumps in time with each step we take to my front door. I fumble with my wristlet to get my key. Dane waits patiently at my side.

I take a deep breath and unlock the door, stepping inside and pausing to allow Dane to walk past. “Welcome to my humble abode.”

Thank God I cleaned up before tonight’s event.

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