Faltering Page 2

  “Okay, sure, that would be great. I really wasn’t sure what I was going to do.” I smile fully back at him. Relief washes over me. I desperately need his help. “I’m Emma.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  As soon as we step through the glass doors a waft of cold, air-conditioned air hits me, erasing any traces of the outside heat. His office is a far cry from the barren dorm I’ve spent the last several months in. It reeks of money, luxury. The name on the door reads Hawthorne Associates, Inc. Surprised, I throw him a questioning look, but he just lifts his chin and motions me inside, his face impassive.

  He leads me down a short hall and then opens a heavy-looking wooden door, standing aside so I can enter first. As I pass, my arm brushes against his chest, and once again the crackle of sexual tension shoots between us.

  He follows me in and closes the door behind him. “Sit down. Let me make a few calls.”

  A large, dark mahogany desk dominates the room. Behind it is a magnificent view of the city skyline. Alec sits down behind his desk and I take the seat opposite. The cool leather seat feels nice against my skin.

  He picks up his phone and makes a call, and I listen while he briefly explains my situation to whoever’s on the other line. It sounds like someone he’s done business with before. As he talks, he fiddles with a pencil on his desk and glances up at me from time to time.

  I shift in my seat, crossing and then uncrossing my legs. The motion attracts his attention and he pauses midsentence, his eyes moving from my high-heeled feet all the way up my bare legs to the edge of my short dress. He visibly swallows and then turns his attention back to the call. I can’t help but smile a little mischievously back at him.

  He finishes the call and I look at him expectantly. Please let this be fixable. “What did they say?” My hands are gripping the sides of my chair and I lean forward.

  He frowns slightly and gives me a serious look. My stomach sinks, waiting for the bad news. But then he chuckles and flashes a devastating smile. “Good news, we’ll be able to get you a new passport without any other identification.”

  “And the bad news?”

  “The bad news is, it’s going to take a few days, maybe a week. They need to have copies of your records sent from the States, and it’s almost the weekend.”

  Crap. I don’t have enough money to last the weekend, never mind a week. And I need to be out of my room by tomorrow. I’ve got to come up with a plan, and fast.

  Several long seconds pass, a jumble of thoughts racing through my head. Alec is watching me across the desk while I chew on my fingernails. He’s probably waiting for me to leave so he can get back to whatever it is he does.

  I stand up quickly, pushing my chair out behind me.

  “Well, thanks, you’ve been a huge help, but I, I have to go now. I’ve got to finish packing, figure out where I’m going to stay for the next couple of days, call and cancel my credit cards…” I trail off. I’m rambling, giving out too much information.

  “Wait, don’t rush out. How can I contact you?” He stands up and comes around the desk until he’s standing right in front me.

  He’s close enough that I have to tilt my head up to look at him. The sexiness is pouring off him in waves. Oh, my.

  Why does he need to contact me? Oh, yeah, my passport. “Right, let me give you my number.” I fumble around in my bag. I know I’ve got a pen in here somewhere.

  He reaches his hand out and stops my search. “Just give me your phone.” I do as he asks and he punches in a number. The phone on his desk immediately starts to buzz. “There, all set.” He gives me another one of his heart-stopping grins.

  “Umm, okay, well, I guess I’ll be going.” I back up toward the door, my eyes still on Alec. God, why am I so flustered? I turn around quickly and then reach out and grab the doorknob, my hand shaking slightly.

  “Emma.” I freeze for a second at the sound of my name. “I’ll see you soon.” My stomach clenches as his deep, sultry voice slides over me, full of promise.

  I head out the door without turning around, not trusting myself to leave if I look back.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  I make it back to my dorm without any further mishaps. Shutting the door behind me, I kick off my heels and pad barefoot over to my bed. I throw my bag onto Freya’s bare mattress and lie back, my head hitting the pillow with a soft thump. I’m exhausted. I close my eyes for a second and take a couple of calming breaths, in and out. I need a few minutes to get my head together.

  As soon as my eyes close, flashes of seductive golden-green eyes and broad muscular shoulders invade my brain. Alec Hawthorne. Holy hell. I let my mind wander for a couple of minutes, imagining the feel of those strong hands exploring my body, sliding slowly up my inner thighs. That big, hard body pressing into me, pinning me to the mattress. My skin flushes as one hand reaches below my waist, the other making slow circles around my nipples.

  Just when the tension begins to build, my phone rings. I jump, startled out of my daydream, and sit up clumsily to reach for my phone. I don’t recognize the number.

  “Hello?”

  “Emma.” The deep, sexy voice washes over me and I have to bite my lip to stop from crying out. Did he know what I’d been doing? I shake my head to try and clear it. Of course not, how could he know?

  “Yes?” I try to sound normal but my heart is suddenly racing.

  “I just wanted to make sure you made it back safely.” In the background I can hear traffic noises, like he might be in the back of a taxi.

  “Yeah, thanks, no more problems.” I smile into the phone. It feels good to have someone worry about me.

  “Let me take you to dinner.”

  The offer is tempting. My stomach is empty and the only thing I have are some stale peanut butter crackers from the vending machine. But . . . the effect he had on me was a little intimidating. Do I trust myself around him? I don’t want any romantic complications.

  “Say yes, Emma. I’ll pick you up at seven.” His tone is confident, commanding even. It didn’t leave a lot of room for debate.

  “Sure, okay. Where are we . . .” The phone clicks before I can finish my question. He cut me off! But I can’t stay annoyed; I’m going to see Alec again.

  ****

  After a quick shower, I make a couple of calls reporting my credit cards lost. Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to get new cards reissued until I get back home. To make matters worse, I’ve just gotten off the phone with the university housing office, and they flat out refused to allow me to stay past tomorrow morning because the building is being closed for renovations.

  “I’m sorry, Miss Gardner, but I’m afraid we cannot extend your stay any longer. Your building is being closed for renovations.” The voice on the phone was sympathetic but unyielding.

  I’ve found about forty dollars stashed in a drawer. Enough for a room at the local youth hostel for a couple of nights and some food, but that’s about it. The reality of my situation crushes my chest. My dream to explore the ancient ruins along the Nile is shattered. I’m going to have to change my plane ticket and head home early.

  I sag into the wooden desk chair and rest my forehead on the cool metal desk. I sit like this for several minutes, contemplating my options. But I have none. Eventually, I get up and head down the hall to the vending machine. The place is eerily quiet, so unlike the noisy, bustling atmosphere that has been the norm all semester. I must be the only student left on this floor. Placing some coins into the machine, I wait for the clunking sound of my Coke dropping. I take a long sip. It’s ice cold and the jolt of sugar and caffeine is just what I need to shake me out of my despondent fog.

  I head back to my room, thoughts of my dinner date swimming through my head. My stomach twists into a knot. It’s been a long time since I went on a date. A very long time. In fact, Dean was the only other guy I’d ever been on an actual date with, and he didn’t really count since we’d grown up together and known each other forever. A pain shoots through my hea
rt at the thought of Dean. Even though it’s been over a year, his betrayal still stings. Not because I still love him, but because he squandered my trust so completely. And left me permanently scarred. I push Dean and the psychological damage he did out of my mind. I don’t want to deal with that mess right now.

  I was naïve, but not anymore. I learned to guard my heart after Dean. Anyway, I’ll be heading home soon, so my dinner tonight can’t lead anywhere.

  Then why this huge case of nerves? Maybe because Alec has me completely hot and bothered. The man is seriously gorgeous. I’m sure he has his pick of women. So why is he interested in me?

  I sigh. If only Freya were still here.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Right at seven, my phone buzzes. He’s here. I head down to meet him, flutters of anticipation coiling low in my stomach.

  Alec’s slouched against the side of the building, hands in his pockets. He straightens up as I approach, and his eyes slide over me. I’ve changed into a simple floral dress with thin spaghetti straps, and the silky material clings to my figure before flaring out slightly and stopping just below mid-thigh. I’ve put my hair up into a loose chignon since the night is hot. The slight evening breeze brushes across my bare neck and shoulders.

  “Hi.” He smiles slowly at me and my insides do a little dance.

  “Hi, yourself.” I grin back at him.

  “You look beautiful tonight.”

  “Thanks, you’re quite the charmer.”

  “Hungry?”

  I’m starved, actually, since I’ve had nothing but a soda since this morning. “Yes.”

  “Good, let’s go.” He takes my hand and we start walking down the sidewalk.

  I stop for a second, pulling my hand out of his grasp. “Wait, are we walking?” My knee is still hurting from my earlier fall, and I’ve once again foolishly chosen to wear heels, going for style over comfort.

  He turns and a flicker of amusement crosses his face. “No, darling, don’t worry. My car’s just around the corner.”

  He opens the door of a shiny black sports car and I slide in and sink into the soft dark leather as Alec goes around the car and gets into the driver’s seat. The engine starts with a soft purr and he steers us smoothly out into the flow of traffic. He reaches out and turns on the stereo. A woman’s bluesy voice emanates from the speakers, surrounding us with smooth, silky notes, which fill the silence of the short drive.

  We pull up in front of Sequoia, one of the best and most expensive restaurants in the city. Not a place I could ever afford to come on my measly student budget.

  Before I can reach for the door handle, Alec has come around and opened my door.

  We enter through large, ornately carved wooden doors. His hand on the small of my back, he guides me to a table overlooking the Nile and the bright city skyline. I sink into a plush, oversized chair. The flickering glow from the candles dances off the polished brass tabletop.

  “This place is amazing.”

  “Wait till you taste the food.” Alec looks even more handsome tonight, if that’s possible. He’s freshly shaven and wearing a pale grey dress shirt and dark pants.

  The waiter comes by and fills our water glasses. Alec orders a bottle of wine and we both choose one of tonight’s specials for dinner.

  “So, how did you end up being all alone, so far from home?” He raises a questioning eyebrow.

  I take a sip of water before answering. “I’ve been here for several months, studying art history.”

  “But why Cairo? Isn’t this kind of a dangerous part of the world to choose?” Alec seems genuinely interested in why I’m here, so I elaborate.

  “Yeah, I guess it is, but honestly, I didn’t really think too much about that part when I decided to come. I wanted to get away. . . .” I close my eyes for a second, remembering my real reason for wanting to leave. “I’m working on my dissertation, which is on ancient Egyptian sculpture, and my advisor told me about this program. So I applied, was accepted, managed to get a scholarship, and here I am.”

  “And now what? What are your plans when you return home?” His voice is rich and smooth and my eyes are drawn to his mouth as he speaks.

  By this time, the waiter has returned with our bottle of wine and appetizers. I pick up a small phyllo-wrapped morsel and pop it into my mouth, chewing and swallowing before answering. “I’m moving to Boston, continuing to study for my graduate degree. I’ll be working, too.” I take a sip of wine; it feels warm on my tongue.

  “Your family, are they from Boston?”

  I shake my head. “No, I grew up in a small town a couple of hours away. My mom and grandparents still live there. My younger brother’s going to be a freshman at Northeastern this fall.”

  “And your dad?”

  “He’s not in the picture, hasn’t been since I was very young.” I try to keep the bitterness out of my voice.

  Alec’s been gazing intently at me while I speak, his amber eyes seeming to follow my every movement. A warm flush starts to spread through me, whether from the wine or his gaze, I’m not sure. His eyes seem to penetrate my thin clothing. His plate of food is untouched.

  “What’s the matter? Why aren’t you eating?” I ask. The food is incredible and I’ve been savoring every bite.

  “I like watching you eat. You have a good appetite. It’s very sexy.” He smiles with a twinkle in his eye.

  How does he keep doing that? Everything he says turns my thoughts back to sex. I can’t help but imagine what it would be like to have his mouth on mine. His hard body pressed against me.

  Mentally shaking myself, I attempt to turn the conversation onto him.

  “What about you? Why are you here?” I’m genuinely curious. He hasn’t mentioned what type of business he’s in and it seems like he’s been here a while. He knows the language and the city pretty well.

  He looks at me for a few seconds before answering, as if debating what he wants to tell me. He runs a hand through his thick hair and then leans forward a little, putting his elbows on the table. The table is so small that his face is only inches away from mine now; I’m breathing in his scent, overpowered by his physical presence. Instinctively, I lean back a little, yielding my space to him. His eyes flicker for a second as he registers my acquiescence.

  “I’ve been here for a while. A couple of months. My company does a lot of business here, so I’ve been back and forth several times in the last couple of years.”

  “And what kind of business would that be?”

  “We’re in several different industries. Private investment, mostly. This is a turbulent area right now so I need to keep a close watch on everything.” He leans back in his chair and takes a bite of his food. He doesn’t seem inclined to say more.

  That’s vague. I’m curious to know more, but I don’t want to pry. I take another long sip of my wine.

  “And your girlfriend, what does she think about your traveling so much?” The question slips out before I can stop it. I get the feeling there’s something he’s not telling me, and a man like him would have a tough time staying single.

  A flicker of something crosses his face before he responds. “There’s no girlfriend. At least no one serious.”

  “Why is that? I can’t imagine you don’t get plenty of offers.” The wine must be making me bold. Or maybe it’s just being so far from home?

  “Why so interested?” He sounds amused. “Maybe you’d like to make me an offer?” He raises an eyebrow suggestively.

  “No . . . that’s not what I meant . . . I was just . . .” I’m not really sure where I’m going with this. Luckily, Alec doesn’t press further. He changes the subject instead.

  “So, what are you going to do, Emma? Were you able to make arrangements?” He’s referring to my lost wallet, of course.

  I’d been trying not to think about it, but the reality of my situation can’t be denied. “No, not really. I’ve still got to be out of my dorm by tomorrow. I guess I’ll check into a hostel until my passpor
t comes through.” My dream trip down the Nile is completely dashed. I look down at my plate of food, my appetite gone.

  He reaches out and gently lifts my chin. “What if I said I have a better idea?” I look up, straight into his eyes. My breath hitches for a second. One side of his mouth curves up into a sexy half grin.

  “What do you mean?” My voice comes out soft, breathy.

  “I want you to spend the week with me.” His hand is still holding my chin; his thumb flicks out and brushes slowly across my lower lip, his eyes never leaving mine. I resist the urge to let my mouth fall open.

  “Why?” Why me?

  “Because you need help. Because you’re lovely. Because I want you.” His voice is a low, soft rumble, and a surge of heat rushes through me at his words.

  I’m a little startled at his directness and I’m not sure how to respond. No one has ever been so forward with me before. My heart is pounding so hard in my chest that I’m sure he can hear it.

  He doesn’t say anything else, just gives me his slow, sexy grin again as he rakes his gaze up and down my body before returning to my eyes. My pulse is racing and I am mesmerized for a moment by the way his eyes are devouring me. The chemistry between us is thick, and I have no doubt the sex would be amazing. Still, I hesitate. I’m not sure about this, about him. There’s something about him that’s almost predatory and I’m afraid of getting sucked in too deep, getting lost under his power. I don’t want to get hurt again. And with the way I respond to Alec, I might not be able to stop myself from falling for him completely.

  Alec leans forward again, his hand brushing up my thigh under the table. His lips skim the side of my face and his breath tickles my neck as he whispers in my ear: “Say, yes, Emma. I promise you won’t regret it.” The huskiness in his voice coupled with his slow stroking of my inner thigh has me completely undone.

  “Okay.” It slips out of my mouth before I can stop myself.

  Alec inhales a sharp breath and his eyes widen for a brief second. Then he signals for the waiter to bring the check, and before I know it we’ve left the restaurant and he’s leading me toward his car. I still haven’t had a chance to catch my breath by the time we’re pulling away.