Page 20 of Chasing Me

He shook his head.Those light brown eyes turned serious.“It’s more than that.You actually care.There’s this vibe inside of you that makes people want to be close to you.Makes you feel safe.”

Startled, I looked up.Our eyes met and locked.A current of awareness surged between us, but then it disappeared, and I tried to pretend it never happened.“Oh, my God, what time is it?”

He glanced at his watch.“Ten.”

“I gotta go.”I wiped my mouth with a napkin and began gathering up the cartons to help clean up.“Thanks for dinner.I have to get home.”

“I’ll drive you.”

“No, it’s a short walk.”

I clumsily tipped over the rice, and he grabbed my hand.“Quinn, you’re not walking.I’ll drive you home right now.”

I held my breath, withdrew my hand, and nodded.“Okay.Thanks.”

He dumped everything in the trash, grabbed his coat and keys, and headed out.The air was an arctic blast that numbed my skin, and I was glad for the ride.I shivered in my coat, and he clicked on the button to heat my seat.“Why did you move from Florida again?”I muttered, tucking my head down for warmth.

He laughed.“Too much sun makes you underappreciate a good day.”

“Try me.”

“Seriously, I missed the seasons.There’s something about embracing the changes in the weather, like changes in life.When summer hits, I’ll be able to savor every last drop of sunshine.”

I smiled.“I like the way you think.You’re a very positive person.”

“So are you, Quinn Harmon.”

The silence thickened.I swallowed, keeping my head down, and gave him the brief directions toward my apartment.Finally, he pulled up to the curb.“Thank you so much for the ride.”

“Thanks for staying.”

I slid off the seat, ready to jump out of the car, but he cut the engine and walked around to open my door.“Be careful.There’s ice.”Before I could say anything, he gripped my arm in a firm hold, tucking me into his body.

We reached the door, and I stepped quickly away.“Thanks again.”

Very gently, he touched my cheek.“Any time.”

Uncomfortable with the intimate look and his touch, I stepped back and fell into James’s arms.

Oh, he was pissed.

A mixture of chilly displeasure and hot temper swirled in those blue eyes.“Hello, Brian,” he clipped out.“I see we meet again.”

Brian frowned.“I’m sorry I kept Quinn late at work.”

James stared at him, his face tight.I knew he wanted to blast him, but knowing Brian was my boss, James managed to hold back.“Next time, let me know if she needs a ride.I can take care of her.”

Tension swirled in the air.The challenge was delivered.Brian stepped back as if accepting defeat.“Of course.Good night.”

James shut the door and dragged me inside.“What the hell is going on, Quinn?”

“I’m sorry!I know I texted you saying eight, but I had a patient intake, and it ran late, and then Brian ordered Chinese food, and we were talking, and I forgot about the time.”My explanation sounded lame to my ears, but it was the truth.I took off my coat, turned, and saw the room.

Oh.My.God.

He’d set up a card table with a pretty floral tablecloth.Candles were lit, and the air was scented with apple spice.Two plates lay out with small portions of steak, baked potatoes, and green beans.A bottle of wine was uncorked in the center of the table.A white envelope lay on my chair.Stunned, I walked over to the beautiful table, my heart beating wildly.He’d set up the perfect dinner for me, and I’d ruined it.I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling like crap.

“James, I’m so sorry,” I said again.“I didn’t know you were going to do this.”

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