Page 19 of Safer Alone
My heart races, he is still here. “You’re still in town?” I squeak,
He chuckles on his end of the line “I don’t fly out till 10:00 pm this evening, Angela.” That didn’t make a lot of sense. Why would you waste an entire work day hanging around in a town where you couldn’t do anything, and why didn’t the hotel kick him out at 10:00 am, like they do to every other person? The answer, no doubt, was because of who he is.
It’s really none of my business, though. I decide to push on and find out the reason for his phone call. “Did you get the email I sent this afternoon?” Neutral ground, Angela, good work.
“Yes that’s actually why I’m calling. I don’t have a printer with me. If you haven’t left the office yet, would you be able to print them for me, and I can swing by and collect them?” Okay, he still wants to go ahead with the purchase, that’s a positive. My almost-heart attack eases. Going back to the office would be the smart thing to do. I could wait in my office for him to show up. Then again…?
“I just left the office actually, I’m on my way home now.” I pause waiting for him to say something. Instead he stays quiet. I press on. “I think I might have them with me in my folder, though. Let me look.” I pause, knowing they are with me. I guess I could swing by quickly, see him again, for professional reasons, of course. “Yep, I do have them, I can drop them by for you if that’s easier?” I decide against including the remainder of my thought, ‘that way I can see you again.’
“Sounds perfect. I’ll wait in the bar downstairs for you. Thank you, Angela” The phone clicks off.
I sit in my car for a few minutes. Grabbing my lip gloss out of my bag, I apply a small amount. Turning the key in the ignition, I pull out of my spot and drive to the Hermitage. Traffic is heavy at this time of day and it takes me a little over twenty minutes to reach my destination. I park in the same spot as last night. After killing the engine, I scoop up the folder along with my handbag, flicking down my visor to take one more look at myself in the mirror, my eyes look back at me. Albeit a little tired, I look good.
I step out, lock the car and wander into the hotel, past the entrance to the restaurant and straight into the bar. I see Elliot immediately. His masculine figure is positioned on a high-backed black metal stool at the counter. I inhale a breath while I walk up behind him, once I am just behind him I reach out with my free hand and tap him on the shoulder. “Elliot.” He spins around at my touch, and a smile spreads across his face when he realizes it’s me. Is he happy to see me?
“Angela, thanks for coming. Would you like a drink?” I sit down in the stool beside him, appreciating the sight of Elliot, in his suit.
“Thanks for offering, however I won’t be able to stay. I have some other appointments tonight so I will need to get going.” No need to tell him that those appointments included getting into my pajamas and watching a taped version of Fixer Upper.
I pull out the forms from inside my folder and slide them over to him. “You can scan and email these back to me later tonight or tomorrow if you like.” I zip my folder back up.
“I’ll do that. Thanks for dropping these off for me”.
I try to stand up. He leans forward, so he is only a couple of inches away from my face and places his hand on my forearm to stop me. The electrical current running from his palm to my arm feels like a live wire. I feel weak at the knees, so rest against the bar.
“Are you sure you can’t stay? Even for just one drink?”
My heart screams ‘YES’. I really want to stay. However after last night I need some space to ensure I don’t get drawn into the web that this incredibly handsome man was weaving. I can’t let myself get attracted to him. It would never work, especially with Elliot Sands. The longer I stay in this position, the more his scent intoxicates me. He smells so delicious, so masculine. What I wouldn’t give to lean forward the remaining couple of inches and take a whiff of his scent. Maybe I could pretend to fall forward. He would catch me, wouldn’t he?
“I do appreciate the offer, Elliot. However I really must go.” He releases my arm and leans back. With that I feel the fog lift, and with my head clearing I manage to stand without falling. “I’m sure we will speak in the coming days Mr. Sands. Remember, any questions at all, please contact me. I hope your flight is a pleasant one.”
He stands up beside me. “I’ll walk you out.” He collects the paperwork from the bar. Rolling it and holding it securely in his left hand, he follows me to my car.
Once we reach the same spot as last night I speak, “I’ll see you in a couple of weeks with the keys to your new home.”
He smiles in response, “I’m looking forward to that, Angela. I’ll see you soon” he collects my hand and lifts it, pressing his soft lips against the back softly and releases it all too quickly. I open the car and slide in, thankful for the separation the car provides.
I start the engine and wave as I pull the car out its space. Looking in the rear-view mirror, I see him still standing in the same spot, his hand raised in farewell as I merge into the traffic bustling past on the main road, commencing the drive home. The entire way is filled with thoughts of Elliot and the feeling his touch provokes, and the way his scent makes me feel. I know in that very moment that he has the ability to make me question everything I know. The question is, am I strong enough to resist him?
~ Chapter Ten ~
Tuesday morning arrives, and along with it comes another day of work. I do receive the paperwork from Elliot, albeit in a very neutral toned email:
Angela,
Please see attached signed forms as requested.
Regards,
Elliot Sands
CEO Sands PTY Limited
Is he pissed I didn’t stay for a drink last night? The tone suggests complete professionalism and yet I feel a slight tear in my heart. We were getting along so well. Wanting to forget about it as soon as possible, I push on with the many other items on my agenda today.
I phone the owners of the Belle Meade Homestead, who are incredibly happy with the full price offer. “Oh, Angela, that is fantastic news. Why don’t you go ahead and organize a closing for as soon as possible. Please no longer than six weeks.”
I smile into the phone, “Of course, Dawn. I will let the purchaser know for you now and get the ball rolling. Take care now.”
