Page 39 of Air of Seduction
“Then figure out what you would like and send a text to Ronan.” There’s a hint of amusement in Lucas’s eyes when he looks at me. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to deliver.”
“Sure. Thank you.” My voice is a little high-pitched, and I almost wince at the sound. Has Ronan said something about me?
As soon as the couple has closed the door behind them, Olivia rounds on me. “What’s happened between you and Ronan?”
“Um…” My lips twitch before they curl into a smile. “Not much. Just a couple of kisses.”
She lifts an eyebrow at me and crosses her arms. “That sounds like a little more than you just finding him attractive. He obviously likes you as well. Do I get to meet this guy?”
My eyes widen in surprise. “Do you want to? I thought maybe…”
She smiles. “I think I can handle that. You clearly like him, so he can’t be that bad.”
“He’s not bad at all. He helped me find you, and that alone is enough to give him a gold star in my book.” So did Noah, sort of, but it’s not the time to point that out to her. Or the fact that she met Ronan when we rescued her.
Chapter 23
Ronan
A huge grin splits my face when I see the text from Payton.Lucas told me to text you our breakfast order. Is that okay with you?
I respond immediately.Of course. What would you like?It’s the perfect excuse to see her, if only for a moment, and I think that was Lucas’s intention. I’ll have to remember to thank him later.
Something with bacon. Be creative.She’s added a winking emoji.
I bark out a laugh, drawing the attention of the other people gathered in Aidan’s office, but I ignore them.So, anything goes?
Sure. And bring something for yourself as well (if that’s okay with you). Olivia would like to meet you.
I stare at the text while my heart does a strange little dance in my chest. Her friend wants to meet me? That has to mean something.Okay. I’ll be there ASAP. Hope you’re prepared for a culinary experience you won’t forget.
A big smiley face appears on the screen.
After putting my phone away, I grab the communicator from Aidan’s desk.
“Care to share?” Aidan chuckles.
“No.” I quickly enter the breakfast dishes I would like the kitchen to prepare and hitsend. Then I stand and hurry out of the room, without giving any kind of explanation.
I don’t have time for their questions and comments right now, and since Noah is present, it’s better if I don’t say anything. I don’t think he’ll be pleased to find out I’m having breakfast with his mate, and he isn’t invited.
I take the stairs three at a time and arrive at my suite in record time. My clothes form a trail on the floor as I hurry to the bathroom. I need a shower and fresh clothes. Something nice but casual, suitable for breakfast with the most beautiful woman in the world without being pretentious.
I’m in and out of the shower in two minutes before heading to my wardrobe. There’s not a lot to choose from. I’m not a dressing up kind of guy. Jeans and a T-shirt are my normal attire, with a hoodie if it’s cold or it helps me blend in. But right now, I wish I had something a bit more refined to wear.
Letting out an annoyed huff, I grab my best jeans and a turquoise T-shirt that complements my eyes. It’s the best I can do on short notice.
After checking my phone, I groan. Five minutes. I’ve only spent five minutes getting ready, and the food will take longer than that. Aidan’s kitchen staff is amazing, but they can’t work miracles.
I move over to the window and stare at the people hurrying along the sidewalk outside. It’s hard to believe it’s only been twenty-four hours since I was standing here waiting for Payton to wake up. I didn’t even know her name then, and I thought she had Patricia’s eyes.
But now I’m no longer reminded of Patricia when I meet Payton’s dark-brown gaze, because Payton is nothing like the woman who died almost two centuries ago. Where Patricia was soft and compliant, Payton is strong and determined. And I suspect the difference in attitude is one of the reasons I can’t getPayton out of my mind and no longer understand the appeal of the other woman.
I turn around and stare at the empty couch. My heart rate is elevated in anticipation of seeing Payton again. The effect she has on me is more profound than I’ve ever experienced before with anyone, and having to wait a few minutes is making me restless to the point of irritation.
Losing my patience, I stomp over to the door and open it. The corridor is empty, as I knew it would be, but I’d rather wait out there for the food I ordered than stay in my suite. Leaning back against the wall, I cross my arms and try to relax, but it’s almost as difficult as it would be to tell my body to go to sleep in the middle of a battle.
Finally, after what feels like hours, the elevator doors slide open, and Maria steps out with the cart. I smile when I see she’s prepared it exactly the way I specified. But then I wouldn’t expect anything less from her.