Page 30 of Destined Chaos
The limo was replaced with a Town Car, and the driver was waiting with the door open as we neared. Libby smiled in greeting, “Hey, Granger.”
“Ms. Slaughter, it’s a pleasure to see you again. Here let me take your crutches.”
“Thanks,” Libby said, climbing into the backseat.
I followed her onto the leather seat. She sighed and rested her head on the headrest. “I’m already tired, and we’re not even done.”
My hand brushed against hers. “Sounds like you need a nap.”
“After I deal with Peter, I might just take one.”
The twenty-minute drive to her apartment didn’t take long. The apartment complex wasn’t high end, but neither was it cheap. What it lacked in new age, it made up for with the security access points at the doors and cameras stationed around each entrance. The parking lot was filled with cars.
Granger got her crutches out and handed them to her. “I’ll be parked in the back of the lot. Just call when you need me to pull around to pick you up.”
“Thanks, Granger. I appreciate it.” She walked to the security entrance, where she punched in her code.
“I’m guessing the ex knows your code?” I had to ask.
“Yep, and he has a key.”
“You two were serious?” I asked, heading to the elevator.
“I gave him a key because I was going to be home late and he wanted to cook me dinner. Not because I’d invited him to stay.”
An out-of-order sign hung on the elevator with tape crossing it off to block the usage.
She sighed, and her head drooped like she was getting a headache.
“What floor do you live on?”
“Third.”
“Okay.” I took her crutches and leaned them against the stair railing before scooping her up in my arms. She was slight and skinny, and it wasn’t hard.
She squeaked, not expecting it. “You don’t have to carry me. I can make it up the steps. It just might take me a while.”
“Don’t worry. I’m getting used to carrying you.” I made it up the two flights of stairs and lowered her to her feet. Her gaze held mine and her face softened, unlike the first time we’d met.
She smiled, and my gaze dropped to her lips. She placed her hand on my neck and lowered my mouth to hers in what was probably meant to be a quick kiss, but I found myself lingering.
My hands were resting on her hips, steadying her stance and in no hurry to pull away. She tasted like peppermint. Her soft lips were like heaven against mine. A soft murmur vibrated from her chest as she leaned into my hold. I could have kissed her for days and never had my fill.
She eased away. Her eyes were still closed as her racing heartbeat matched my own. “Thanks for the lift.”
“If that’s how you show your appreciation, your feet won’t touch the ground again.”
A genuine smile filled her lips, and a blush crept on her cheeks.
“Let me grab your crutches.” I held up my finger and jogged down the stairs and back up.
When I reached the top, she was no longer standing at the steps.
She was standing in an open doorway, staring into an apartment as I approached.
“I knew you’d come back.” The six-foot linebacker in front of her was holding out his hand. He looked like he could take on the whole football team and probably win.
“Peter. Why are you in my apartment?” she asked while trying to shove the mountain aside as she passed him. He moved with ease against her touch.
