“Ah, not too late—I do it all on-line—but you don’t have to that, Alison. You should sleep in tomorrow. Enjoy yourself.”
I leveled a steady gaze into his eyes. “Maybe I’d rather spend my time talking with you some more than sleeping.”
He didn’t answer immediately, but when he did, I heard the cautious note in his tone. “I’d like that, too, if you’re sure you don’t mind.”
“Not a bit.” I reached for my purse. “But if we’re both hitting the road at eight, you’re right. We should call it a night.”
“Hey, I got this.” Noah laid one large hand over mine. “It’s the least I can do if you’re going to haul me home tomorrow.”
“Okay. Thanks, I appreciate it.” I inclined my head, watching silently as he lifted his finger to get Carol’s attention. We were both quiet as she cashed us out.
“Thanks, you two.” She slid a folder with Noah’s change across the bar. “It’s not often that I get to enjoy customers like you. You made the night go faster.”
“All of that’s for you.” Noah nudged the folder back toward her. “You were a good sport.”
“Dude, that’s a massive tip,” she objected. “I know I didn’t make your drinksthatstrong that you can’t add anymore.”
“You earned it, and I’m glad to give it to you.” Noah grinned. “Besides, some of those bozos at the table might forget to appreciate you, so call this some coverage.”
This time, Carol’s smile was even bigger. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“That was really sweet of you,” I said as we waited for the elevator.
“She’s a good bartender, and people like that don’t always earn what they should.” He said as simply as if everyone should understand this simple truth.
“Noah Spencer, correcting the injustices of this world one at a time,” I teased.
He didn’t respond until the elevator doors had opened and we were inside. I pushed the button for my floor, and the car began to lumber upwards.
“I can’t correct all of the world’s problems,” he said slowly. “There are way too many for any one person to tackle. But if I have the ability to make even one person’s life a little better, I do. Why not? I’ve been incredibly blessed. I have this career that I always wanted. I won’t lack for anything in my life, not ever, not even if I make some really crappy decisions. I like to share some of the blessings.”
“I didn’t mean to tease you.” I touched his arm. “I really do think it was a wonderful gesture. And I admire a man who wants to use his powers for good.”
The doors opened again on my floor. I stepped forward and then hesitated, seeing Noah move with me.
“Are you on this floor, too?”
He shook his head. “I’m one more up. But I’m going to see you to your door.”
I tilted my head. “You don’t need to do that. I’m a big girl, Noah. I can take care of myself.”
“Honey, I have not one single doubt that what you say is true, but I was raised to see a lady home. Or to her hotel room, as the case may be. It doesn’t mean I think you’re less than capable. It just means I’m a gentleman.” He took hold of my elbow and steered me out of the elevator car. “Besides, maybe I want the chance to talk to you a little longer.”
“Not that much longer, because my door’s right here.” I stopped in front of my room and fumbled for my key. “So not too far out of your way.”
“No.” He turned to face me, leaning his shoulder against the jamb. “Not far enough.”
“Oh, really?” I played with the keycard in my hand. “I could’ve taken us around the long way if I’d known you wanted to drag out good-night.”
He stared down at me, his eyes clouded with what looked like indecision. “The crazy thing is, Alison . . .” He stopped and dragged one hand through his hair. “Maybe I am nuts. You’ll probably think I am if I tell you that . . . I’m not sure I want to say good-night at all.”
My breath caught. “I won’t think that at all. It’s highly possible that I was thinking the same thing.”
Noah’s gaze was steady on my face, dipping only briefly from my eyes to my mouth. As if in response, I ran the tip of my tongue over my lips.
He lifted his hands to my upper arms, gripping me with such tenderness that I sighed softly. Noah touched me as though I was made of eggshells, and although I knew I wasn’t, his care was an incredible turn-on.
His face lowered to mine, and I stood on my toes to meet him partway. When his lips touched mine, all of the blood in my body surged in a symphony of want and need. With a muted cry, I dropped my purse and my key card, my arms reaching up to pull him closer.
