Page 10 of Alex

Letting out a sigh, I turn around and head for the door. Right now, my priority is making sure everything is ready for tomorrow.

I can think about Alex when I get home, and trust me, I will because no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to get him off my mind.

I turn off my desk light and head downstairs to retrieve my purse from my locker in the security room, surprised to find the room empty.

Usually Peter, our security guy, is hanging around here watching the cameras. He must be on a stroll around the building.

Wanting to be more comfortable, I grab my pair of flats out of my bag and kick off my heels. Locking my locker back, I throw my purse on my shoulder and head towards the main doors of the building.

Movement catches my attention and as I turn to see who it is, I hear Peter’s voice.

“Hey Elise. Are you finally heading out?” He’s grinning as always, but his short buzzed hair seems a little longer than normal, like he’s due for a haircut any day now.

Not wanting to yell, I wait until I am closer to answer him. “Yep. I had to set up for the meeting tomorrow.”

“Ah. Is that why the boss-man came back? To keep you in line?”

We share a chuckle because we both know he’s just kidding, but underneath the joking, I know he worries about me staying so late and being alone.

“Obviously, but deep down, he knows I keep the company running.”

That’s only a half joke.

Besides making the big bucks and buying the businesses, I do everything to keep the company running as smoothly as possible.

His brown eyes seem to sparkle and his expression softens as he murmurs, “You could have your own million dollar business if you tried hard enough.”

I snort. “Yeah, okay. That’s a far stretch. You need money to start a business, not to mention a business idea and plan. I don’t have any of those.”

“I’m sure you could think of something if you really wanted to. I’d support you and any business idea you had.”

He runs his hand through his copper locks. “Anyway, I better continue my patrol. Mr. Strickland wants me to do strolls around the building every half hour. Nothing exciting ever happens, but maybe all the walking will help tone me up a bit for the ladies.”

Peter seems to flirt more than usual. I wonder if the girl he was trying to date ended up turning him down.

It would be a shame because Peter is a nice guy. He’s smart, funny, and caring. He has a reliable car, a house, and a good job. And he even looks like Captain America. On paper, he’s perfect.

Just not perfect for me.

My heart tries to pound its way out of my chest as my mind conjures up an image of my perfect guy.

My stranger.

My guy.

Alex.

My heart skips a beat. He’s not my guy. Not by a long shot, but my body wants him.

Craves him.

I wave goodbye to Peter on my way out of the building. I lock the door behind me and let my thoughts wander to Alex as I make my way home.

Tomorrow holds the promise of being both nerve wracking and thrilling, but I’m not sure which one seeing Alex will be.

Chapter Three

ALEX