Unforgiven(24)

“Soooo… Michael.” I say his full name, eliciting an eye roll. “How long have you been with Javier?”
“A little over a year, but we’ve been friends for over five years.”
“He’s adorable.”
“I know.” He winks at me.
“One vodka cranberry for you and one appletini for me,” Nick announces as he sets down the drinks on the table. “A toast to new friends.” Nick raises his glass. I grab my drink and meet the rim of my glass with Nick’s and Mike’s, and we all toast.
“To new friends,” I say, letting the vodka slide down my throat. Something about the slow burn makes me feel better.
“Let’s dance!” Mike says, pulling me off my stool, and I don’t argue. I need to let loose and have fun.
 

 
Four hours, six vodka cranberries, and endless minutes on the dance floor later, I’m done. I’m ready to go home.
“I need to call a cab,” I announce, reaching for my cell phone, which has been tucked away nicely in my clutch all night.
“We will give you a ride. Javier doesn’t drink, so he always gets to drive. Just call me tomorrow and I’ll come pick you up so we can get your car.”
“I don’t want to inconvenience you. It was nice enough of you to invite me to come out with you tonight.”
“No trouble at all,” Javi says as he holds out his arm for me. I’m unsteady in these heels and tipsy after my over indulgence of vodka cranberries this evening. We weave through the still standing-room-only crowd and find the front door. Javi pulls me out into the warm air, guiding me toward his car. For being in the middle of a major metropolitan area, you can still see the bright stars against the crystal clear night sky. Javier opens the front door and I slide into the front seat. Mike sits in the back like a gentleman.
“Where to?” Javi asks as he puts the car in reverse.
“Central and Washington, the condos on the corner.”
He whistles. “Someone’s living the good life.” He glances in the rearview mirror to Mike.
“Hardly,” I mumble. “It’s just temporary anyway.”
“Why temporary? Not staying long?”
“Not planning to,” I admit honestly. “My agent thought it would be a good career move…”
“It is,” Mike pipes in from the back seat.
“But I gave up a lot to take this job.”
“Sweetheart, if you’re miserable, no job will ever make this move worth it.” Javier’s voice is sympathetic.
I nod my head, knowing that he’s right. “I know,” I whisper.
 

 
Javier pulls up to the curb outside my building and parks. He meets me at my door as I’m getting out. “Thanks again for driving me home.”
“Call Michael in the morning. We’ll pick you up and take you to your car.” He walks with me toward my building.#p#分页标题#e#
“You don’t have to walk me to the door.” I nudge him with my shoulder.
“Well, I’m not dumping you on a street corner in downtown Phoenix and driving off.” He laughs. I reach out to give him a hug.
“Goodnight, Javi.”
“Night, Lindsay. It was really nice to finally meet you. Mike talks a lot about you.” He gives me a hug in return and a small wave as he jogs back to his car. Crossing the lobby, I wait for the elevator when I hear a commotion in the lobby. In walks Jonah with a group of people. Loud, billowing laughter fills the open atrium and I press the up button for the elevator again, hoping to catch a ride before the group gets near. The elevator chimes its arrival and I quickly step inside, when I hear Jonah’s deep voice. “Hold the door, beautiful.”
Shit.




 
 
My feet move quickly, carrying me forward into the solitude of the elevator. I push the door close button quickly, but a large hand reaches in and holds the doors open. A small, defeated sigh escapes me.
“Perfect timing,” Jonah says as his group of friends filter into the elevator.
“Yeah, perfect,” I mumble under my breath. My fingers fidget with the small clutch in my hand. With the elevator full, Jonah nudges himself in behind me. I can feel his warm breath on the back of my neck, telling me he’s closer than he should be. I try to focus on remaining steady in these heels.
Jonah’s friends are discussing the evening’s events and laughing as the elevator glides upward. One of them carries a case of beer, another holds a paper bag with what appears to be a bottle of alcohol. As the elevator slows to a stop, I stumble, and a firm set of hands grabs my hips, steadying me. His chest presses against my back and I shiver again when I feel his warm breath on my ear. “Easy there.” His voice is raspy.