Catch My Breath

“She’s quite excited to see you. Keeps mentioning how much it would mean to her if the two of you—”

“That’s enough, Brent.”

I could feel the anger and tension seeping out of Alastair’s pores. The room no longer had a defined horizon. Everything swayed and rolled as I let Brent’s words snake through my mind. When I looked around the table it hit me that Stephanie wasn’t there. Neither was Darren. I have to leave. I have to get away from this.

I stood up too quickly, sending the room into a rapid spin.

“Careful,” Alastair said, rising to help steady me. “Let’s go. You okay to walk?”

“I don’t know where Stephanie is. I can’t just leave.”

“She’s over there. Come on.”

I was finally able to make out where Stephanie was standing as we got closer. She was still talking to Cassie. Her face lit up when she saw me.

“Oh my gosh, you’ll never guess,” she exclaimed.

“What?”

“Cassie is the manager of the graphic design team and wants to see some of my work.”

“That’s great, Steph.” Warmth and happiness filled me from seeing her so excited.

“Y’all look like you’re leaving. Where are you off to?”

“Just out for a drive,” Alastair answered. “No need to worry. Have Darren text me when you’re back at his flat and I’ll drop Lia off then.”

Stephanie scrutinized him. Great. She had that over-protective-friend look on her face.

“I’ll be fine,” I said. “Go find out more about this job and fill me in later.”

“Keep your phone on,” she said, raising an eyebrow, before rejoining Cassie.

A blast of chilly night air gave me a brief dose of renewed energy when we walked outside. My brain was still much too cloudy from all the martinis though. I was surprised when Alastair bypassed the valet and went straight for an idling Mercedes SUV. What are the odds this is the one I practically fell onto last week?

I climbed in as gracefully as I could, settling into the soft, leather seat. Alastair climbed in next to me.

“Paxton, this is Lia.”

The driver turned and smiled at me. Yep. It’s the same guy from last week.

“Nice to see you, miss. Where to Alastair?”

“The cottage, please.”

Unable to fight off the boozy fatigue, I rested my head on Alastair’s shoulder for what felt like a split second.

He nudged me gently, waking me up. “We’re here.”

I sat up, looking out the window. He got out of the car and offered me his hand. I stepped onto the ground, my heels sinking into the soft earth. It was dark and quiet, with no discernible landscape. But, oh, when I looked up. The sky was a swirl of onyx and fluorite with bright stars dancing through it. I’d never seen anything like it, not even as a child at the science museum. The dark expanse was huge, stretching far and wide. Staring at it filled me with an even greater serenity than I’d felt last night on the terrace.

“Come inside,” Alastair whispered, holding my hand. He led me toward a small, two-story thatched cottage. The dark wooden front door creaked as he opened it. Once inside, I immediately felt at home. Soft lights glowed from the end tables as Alastair walked through, flipping switches.

“Make yourself comfortable.” He pointed to one of the crimson couches. “I’m going to get you some water.”

I kicked off my heels and scrunched my toes in the plush throw rug before sitting down. I heard him moving around in the kitchen, opening the refrigerator. A few moments later he handed me the bottled water.

“Is this where you live?” I asked, watching him settle onto the couch next to me.

“No. It’s just where I come when I want to get away.”

I nodded, sipping the water. I hadn’t realized how thirsty I was from all the martinis. My lips were still mysteriously among the missing though. Being in this cottage had a soothing, calming effect on me. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but it just felt…right.

“What are you thinking about?”

The look in his eyes made me melt. There was no veil, no hard edge, which had been there earlier. They were soft, almost gentle.

“What was all that with Brent before? Why was he being such an ass?”

“That’s just the way he is,” he said, stiffening.

“Are you dating his sister?” I pushed the words out in one rushed breath.

“No.”

He looked me dead in the eye, not flinching. His stare tore through me the same way it always did, only this time I didn’t want it to stop.

Tilting his head, he leaned closer. The parts of me that weren’t numb from alcohol shivered in anticipation. Swallowing hard, he backed away. I unclenched my hands, not even realizing I’d fisted them. He didn’t want to kiss me. I should be relieved.

Keeping my eyes downcast, I fidgeted with my dress. I felt his hand run over my shoulder and down my arm. His touch was incredible but I had to keep a level head. A one-night stand was the last thing I needed, especially after having so many drinks.

The constant touch of his skin on mine did nothing to help convince me otherwise.

“You’ve successfully lured me to your house, Holden. What do you plan to do now?”

Oh no. The alcohol speaks.

He tilted my chin up so our mouths were just about touching. “Nothing, Amelia. Not this way.”

The logical side of my brain was satisfied with his answer. The drunk part? Not so much. Getting a handle on my breathing was difficult. The fact that he was now stroking my cheek and staring at me with such yearning made it nearly impossible.

That mouth. I wanted it on me.

I’m loaded. This isn’t smart.

“Maybe you should just take me back to Darren’s place. It’s late and I have an early—“

Pressing his mouth to mine, he stopped my rambling. I inhaled his warm breath in shock. Tangling his fingers through my hair, he pulled gently. I leaned my head back, gasping. With stormy restraint, he took advantage and slid his tongue past my lips, kissing me slowly and deeply. My mind went blank. I was lightheaded, unaware of anything but him.