Chapter 21

“Nothing’s changed, Alex,” she pulled her gaze away and concentrated on her words.

“I’m not avoiding you, although I think we don’t have anything more to say to each other. There’s still plenty we haven’t said to each other. So much about you that I want to find out. We just met, Alex. Getting deeper without knowing each other is the last thing I can do in a relationship. Besides, I wasn’t even sure whether I loved you or it was just lust. Some kind of romantic nonsense.” She took a gentle gulp of her soda to shore up her courage and calm her nerves.

“Oh?” His hand settled on her right shoulder, branding her with strength and heat, her fitted linen pencil skirt providing little protection for her awakening skin. His eyes scanned her body in a slow appraisal. A flush crept across her face, and she looked away. Her cheeks heated up.

“I like you, Mary, right from the day I saw you at the bar. I’ve been following you. Wanting to get closer, to know you better.” He sipp