Seduction Under the Southern Stars by Serenity Woods

Author:Serenity Woods [Woods, Serenity]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Linc

My eyes nearly fall out of my head.

The elevator dings and the doors slide open, but neither of us moves.

My mouth opens, but no words come out. Jesus. What do I say to that?

The doors begin to slide shut, and I throw a hand to stop them. Without a word, Elora walks out, and I follow her. Together we cross the foyer, which is relatively busy, with guests checking in and making their way to and from the restaurant.

It’s only when we exit the building and start walking toward our apartment that she speaks. “Cat got your tongue?”

I look across at her. Her cheeks are a little pink, and her eyes are bright.

“Kinda,” I say. “I’m speechless.”

The pink deepens. “It’s okay. I don’t know what made me say that. It’s been an emotional day, that’s all, and Edmund told me that he had a cancer scare a few years ago, and he’s fine, but he was thinking about getting a tattoo that said ‘carpe diem’, and it made me think about the jump today, and how sometimes you have to take risks. But I shouldn’t have said anything. I know you kinda told me you won’t get involved, and I respect that, and if you don’t want to I completely understand—”

“Lora,” I say. I stop walking and catch her arm. She turns to face me, pink and flustered.

“Of course I want to go to bed with you,” I say softly, cupping her face with one hand.

Her eyebrows shoot up. “Really?”

I give a short laugh. “Yeah. But… I promised myself I wouldn’t get involved with you.”

“Because of what Fraser said?”

I tip my head from side to side. “Partly. But more because after the cruise I’m leaving the country, and it’s going to be hard anyway, and I don’t want to make it even more difficult for either of us.”

She chews her bottom lip. “I understand.” She keeps her gaze fixed on mine, though, and gradually, we both smile.

“Stop it,” I murmur, stroking her cheek with my thumb.

“I’m not doing anything.”

“You’re using your womanly wiles.”

That just makes her laugh.

She looks so beautiful tonight. And she’s been so lovely, coming with me to see Edmund, carrying the conversation whenever things felt awkward, and being like Aloe vera for my poor, wounded soul. I adore this girl. And I want her so badly. But equally I don’t want to hurt her. Aaahhh… what do I do?

Follow my head or my heart?

“Why?” I ask.

She blinks. “Why what?”

“Why ask me, when I’m leaving soon? You know it can’t lead to anything. Why not use your newfound courage to start dating, and meet a guy with whom you have a chance of something long term?”

Her eyes are clear and honest. “Because trust takes a long time to build, and I’m not sure any guy will be interested in waiting that long for me. And I’m afraid a man will hurt me again. But I trust you. With all my heart. Is that crazy? I haven’t seen you for so long.

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