Chapter 7 - Eunice
Eunice
DOM’S HAND STAYED at the small of my back as we crossed the lobby.
My legs felt loose, unsteady, but I focused on the Christmas tree in the corner—the red and green lights, the red bows, the star perched crooked on top.
Anything to keep from replaying what just happened.
Because if I let myself think about it now…
about his hands on my hips and the way he’d pinned me like a butterfly, I’d probably collapse right here in the inn’s lobby.
I observed a couple sitting by the fireplace, talking in low voices. They probably spent their evening having a nice dinner, not…
I bit the inside of my cheek and kept walking.
The stairs felt endless. Each step reminded me of how sore I was. I could still feel him.
When we finally reached my door, I stopped and turned. He was backlit by the hallway sconce, almost giving him an ethereal glow. He looked almost surreal, as if the light itself was creating a halo around him.
“Breakfast tomorrow?” he asked.
I blinked at him. “What?” It was as if breakfast were a word I hadn’t heard before.
“Breakfast,” he repeated, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Or brunch. Whatever you want.”
Wasn’t this supposed to be one reckless night that we’d forget? But now he was inviting me to breakfast? Maybe because we work together, and he was being polite. Making sure tomorrow isn’t awkward when we bump into each other.
Don’t read into it.
Easier said than done. I fumbled with my room key; the metal slipping in my fingers. “Well.” I forced myself to look up at him. “I mean, we’ll see each other tomorrow either way, right?”
He looked at me like I'd just insulted his favorite team. Jaw tight and with those blue eyes drilling into mine. “Work together?”
I tilted my head a little, searching his face. “I just meant… we work together, so we’ll be seeing each other for sure.” My attempt at a light tone fell flat, dissolving under the weight of his stare.
He stepped closer. Too close. His hand came up to brace against the doorframe beside my head, caging me in without actually touching me.
“Eunice.” My name sounded different in his mouth. “You think this is work-related?”
“Then…” I started, but when his gaze dropped to my mouth, the words instantly dried up in my throat. I pulled myself together to try again. “What are you saying?”
“I’m asking if you want to go out with me.” His tone cut straight through without hesitation.
I swallowed hard, my pulse hammering in my throat.
“Go out?” The words came out shaky, betraying the chaos in my head.
“Go out as in date. As in getting to know each other. And fucking. I want you, and I think you want me. We should give us a chance.”
Heat flooded my cheeks at his bluntness. The casual way he threw those words out, he gave no room for misinterpretation.
“I...” My voice cracked. I cleared my throat and tried again. “What do you think of me?”
After the question tumbled out, I immediately wanted to crawl inside my room and slam the door. I sounded so desperate, like someone insecure fishing for compliments from a man she barely knew.
But Dom didn’t look at me like I was ridiculous, nor made me feel like my question was stupid… or clingy.
“I think you’re special.” His hand moved a little along the doorframe, and I became hyperaware of every inch of space between us. “I think you’re beautiful.”
My knees threatened to buckle. “And are you interested? I mean, are you sure you're interested in me?”
“Yes.” The answer came fast; there was no pause. “I’m interested in everything about you. I want to know everything about you.” He leaned closer. “I want to worship every inch of you.”
The air left my lungs in a rush. Everything. The word echoed in my head, bouncing around, refusing to settle. This was so far beyond anything I’d ever experienced. Derek never talked to me like this. Never made me feel like I was something he couldn’t live without.
“Okay,” I whispered.
“Okay?”
“I mean, yes. I’d love to go to breakfast with you.”
The words had barely left my mouth before he was kissing me. Not gentle… hard, demanding. My back hit the door with a soft thud as he pressed closer. He kissed me like he’d been holding back this entire walk.
When he finally pulled back, we were both breathing hard. His forehead rested against mine, eyes still closed.
“Goodnight, Eunice.”
“Goodnight.”
I watched him walk down the hallway, disappearing around the corner. Then I fumbled the key into the lock, my hands trembling so badly.
Inside, I leaned against the door, fingers pressed to my swollen lips, shaking like a leaf in a winter gust.
What just happened?
Dating. He’d said dating.
Slowly, I slid down to sit on the floor. Every second of tonight replayed… every word, every touch. No one had ever made my heart jump like this before. Not once.
Oh my God. Is this real?