Page 13 of Midnight Kiss
“Sounds like an interesting combination. I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“You just saved my life,” I said. “You can’t impose. Please, let me thank you for tonight. I don’t know how else to thank you other than …”
“Cookies and vodka?” He didn’t smile, but there was a hint of it in his gaze.
And suddenly, I wanted nothing more than for him to smile at me. What would it look like if this surly man cracked a smile? If he looked at me with joy?
“So, what do you say?” I asked.
Alex tilted his head back and looked up at the apartment building. “Sure.”
“Great. This way.” I walked up the steps and reached for my tote, but he grabbed it before I could. “You don’t have to do that.”
“It would be my pleasure,” he said.
I swallowed. “Okay.” I let us into the apartment building, constantly aware of him at my back as we took the stairs up. “Sorry about this,” I said, filling the air between us with chatter. “The elevator’s been broken for months. Or like … sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn’t, but it's better not to take the chance. The last thing you want is to get caught between floors.” The rambling wouldn’t stop. It was like I had no control over it, and the more I talked, the more anxious I got, and the cycle repeated itself.
We reached my floor and proceeded down the cramped hallway. I was about to let us into my apartment when Michael’s door opened, and he emerged from within. Reginald Tailwag barked frantically through the opening, growling and snarling, scratching at the door, and Alexander took a step backward.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“I, uh, have a history with dogs,” he said.
“With dogs?”
But Michael snapped the door shut and leaned against it before Alex could finish the thought. “Sorry about that,” he said, with an easy grin. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him today. Just doesn’t like strangers, I guess.” Michael rubbed his eyes. “How are you, Em?”
“I’m … well, I’ve had a weird night,” I laughed. “Did you just wake up?”
“Yeah, I’ve been trying this thing where I put in earphones and listen to white noise. Sends me right off,” he said. “Anyway, I napped for an eternity. Feels like I have a literal hangover. Do you want to grab some dinner?”
“Actually, I was going to have some coffee with Alex.” I gestured to him. “This is Alex. Alex, this is Michael.”
They shook hands, and the difference between them was so stark, it was difficult not to notice it. Alex was tall, overpowering, with a presence that filled the hallway, and Michael was stocky, shorter, handsome in his own way, but nowhere near as compelling as Alex.
“Alex actually saved my life,” I said.
Michael released his hand instantly. “What? When?”
“I got attacked,” I said. “Outside the apartments. Some guy was waiting for me on top of the—It doesn’t matter. Anyway, Alex scared him off and then called the cops.”
“Are you okay?” Michael drew closer to me, and Alex stepped forward, almost as if he wanted to block him.
The pair stared at each other. A small smile twisted the corners of Michael’s lips. “Is there a problem?” he asked.
“None at all.” Alexander’s voice was deeper, resonant in the hallway.
“Mike?” I frowned. “What are you—? Look, whatever. I’m fine thanks to Alex. I was just going to have some coffee with him.” Why was I defensive over this man that I’d just met? Sure, he’d saved me, but Michael and I had been friends forever, right? Or for a really long time.
“Right,” Michael nodded. “Right. Just, uh, be careful.”
“I’m sure Emily appreciates your care for her after she’s just been attacked,” Alex said.
An awkward silence drifted through the hall.
“Well.” I clapped my hands. “Have a good dinner, Mike.” And then I unlocked the door to my apartment and entered it. The book was where I’d left it on the kitchen counter, and an odd sense of relief settled in my chest.
Gosh, had I been afraid Morgan would take it? Last night, she’d basically called the book creepy when she’d spotted the blood stains on the pages.