For the first time in ten days, excitement flutters in my chest.After my call to the police station, an officer had come by, looked at the note, and basically shrugged.No explicit threat meant no real action.His brilliant advice?Ask the landlord to install cameras or stay with friends.Like hell I'm running to my friends with my problems.
"Are you serious?"I follow Amanda into the kitchen, hope warring with suspicion.
"Yep.They've got top-notch security.Twenty-four-hour surveillance, restricted access, the works."
My heart rate picks up."That's exactly what I need.Where is it?How did you find it?"
"A friend of mine owns this apartment."Amanda suddenly finds her water glass fascinating."Never thought of that possibility until Nick pointed it out."
I raise a brow."You spoke with Nick about my problems?"
"Girl, he's my brother who's married to one of your best friends."
I let out a huff."Fine.Back to the apartment.Who owns it?"
"Y-You've met him."
I narrow my eyes as Amanda fills a glass with water and hands it to me.Her teeth worry her bottom lip—never a good sign."What are you hiding?"
"Nothing!This place is perfect.Non-residents can't even get in without permission."She sees my expression and caves."Okay, I'll tell you, but promise not to freak out."
I stomp my heel on the floor."For fuck's sake!Spill it, Amanda."
She crosses her arms."The apartment belongs to Cole.I've called him, and we're going to visit him together so you can ask about renting it."
Cole?
The name hits like a shot of tequila—burning all the way down.Images flash through my mind: piercing blue eyes, broad shoulders, that infuriating smirk...
"No!Not in a million years."
"Alisha, Stop being such a goddamn stubborn mule."Amanda's finger jabs the air between us."You want a new apartment, and I found you the perfect one.You only need to ask him nicely.What's the problem with that?"
I pinch my nose and close my eyes.Everything is wrong with that.That man's presence affects me in ways that confuse me, and living in his building means...Fuck.
"You need to set away that goddamn pride of yours and accept help.That apartment is perfect for you."
I rub my hands over my face.My wish to feel safe in my house is sky high.But why Cole?That man's presence affects me in ways that confuse me, and living in his building means...Fuck.
"Please, Alisha, do this for yourself and your friends because you can't keep living here.And you'll thank me when you see the place.I promise."
God, this is a bad idea, but Amanda is right.I can't stay here much longer, and living in an apartment building with security would provide me a sense of safety that will help me sleep at night.
"Fine," I grunt."Wait here.I need to put on my heels."
A friendly uniformed doorman greets us as he opens the door.I follow Amanda through the luxurious lobby, our heels clicking on the marble floor.My eyes drift up to the giant chandelier dangling from the sky-high ceiling.After Amanda registers our arrival with the concierge, we're granted access to the elevators.
"Are you shitting me, Amanda?"I wait until we're inside the elevator before opening my mouth."This is the most luxurious apartment building in Boston.I can't afford this place."
"You want protection," she declares with a shrug."This place has a twenty-four-hour concierge service and security."
I let out a huff."Didn't you listen?I can't..."The ping of the elevator cuts me off.Amanda gives me a side glance and cruises out when the doors slide open.
My throat gets drier with each step, and the knot in my stomach tightens when she knocks on a massive wooden door.It only takes a minute to open, and my heart hammers when Cole fills the doorway.
"What took you so long?"he asks Amanda."Get in.I need your help."With that, he turns and walks back.
Amanda shrugs at his weird behavior, and we enter.Cole stands midway in his enormous living room, facing the grand glass panels with an unobstructed outside view.He's wearing a plain white t-shirt that clings to every muscle.Never did I find a man in a simple white t-shirt sexy.But I just found an exception to the rule.
