Kai thanked the gods for her flat tire. It was as though the fates intervened at just the right moment. He brushed his thumb across her cheek before motioning for her to get in her car. Once they were seated, he asked, “Where to?” He knew where her apartment was located, but he couldn’t tell her that.
“Take the next right. My building is the second on the left.” Kai followed her directions, and when she pointed out the parking garage, he was glad to see she didn’t have to walk to her car in the rain. The drawback was she wasn’t close to her door. Kai turned off the sedan, and told her to wait for him. Her car wasn’t top of the line, but it was a higher-priced model than most people could afford. He would check out the safety rating when he got home.
He opened her door, holding out his hand. She allowed him to help her out. Instead of walking away, she opened the back door and grabbed a briefcase stuffed full of files.
“What’s all this?”
“Work. Instead of sitting at the office working late, I bring it all home where I can work in my pajamas.”
Kai didn’t like the sound of his mate working so hard. “Have you always worked for your father?”
“Yes. I started right out of college.”
Kai took the briefcase and placed his free hand on her back, ushering her to the elevator. Josie held out her hand. “Keys, please.” When he handed them over, she held up a small plastic fob attached to the key ring and scanned it over a sensor. The lift doors opened, and they stepped inside. She waved the fob again in front of a sensor on the panel where the ten numbered floor buttons were located.
“What happens if you don’t have one of those?” Kai asked, pointing at the key ring.
“Nothing. The doors don’t open, and the elevator doesn’t move.”
“Fancy.” It wasn’t nearly as advanced as the gate security Julian had designed, but Kai felt better knowing not just anyone could get to Josie’s floor.
“What about the stairwells?”
“Why, Mister Palamo, are you planning on stalking me?”
“You never know,” he joked. When they reached her door, Kai placed her briefcase on the floor and said, “Phone.” Josie unlocked the screen and held it out. Kai typed in his contact information, including cell and work numbers, as well as his email address. He sent himself a text, then handed the device back. Josie dropped it in her purse then spun her keys around her index finger, catching, then spinning again. Kai moved into her space, crowding Josie against the wall. He leaned over and pressed his lips to her cheek. “Is six okay for our date?”
Josie nodded. “Yes. Do you want me to meet you at the restaurant?’
Kai placed his hand around her throat. He didn’t squeeze; he just needed to touch her. He was doing his level best not to throw up, but the bond was smothering him.
“No. I’ll pick you up. Since I can’t come to your door like a gentleman should, I’ll park by the elevator so you don’t have to wait outside.”
“Okay.” Josie’s voice vibrated against his palm. Kai lowered his head, but instead of kissing her on the lips, he brushed his against the side of her mouth. Josie closed her eyes, her chest rising and falling faster than normal. Yeah, she felt the bond. But he wasn’t going to rush it. He wanted to get to know the quirky female. “Don’t work too hard.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead then stepped back. She stared at him, not moving. He took the keys from her hand and unlocked the door. She sighed, picking up her briefcase. Once safely inside, he handed the keys over. “Lock up, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Josie moved past him to get into her apartment. She looked at him longingly, but he remained where he was. If he went inside, all his plans to take things slow would be out the window in seconds. “Locks, Sunshine.” Kai didn’t move until he heard the locks click and the alarm beep.
Why are you leaving?
Because I’m doing this the right way.
Fuck that. She’s ours.
She is, but she’s precious, and I’m going to treat her as such.
Not bothering with the elevator since he didn’t know if it would work without her fob, Kai jogged down the steps, lighter than he’d ever been. Yes, his dick was aching, but the wait would be worth it. Kai smiled, remembering the wistful look on Josie’s face when he mentioned wanting kids. He could imagine his mate, belly round with their child. He had learned a lot about his pretty little female tonight. So many good things and a few that upset him. A plan was already forming to make sure she got what she wanted from life. He drove home on autopilot as he made a list of things he needed to do. The first thing he did when he got home was find the movie she mentioned.
Two hours later, Kai understood why Josie fell in love with the leading lady. Normally, that wasn’t the type of movie he would choose
