She closed her eyes and let her head fall backward, the steaming water pouring down over her entire body in gentle, flowing streams. Once the chill she’d felt before entering the tiled space began to dissipate, Cassie got began her normal routine of washing, conditioning, shaving, and rinsing.
By the time she was dressed and her hair had been blown dry, she was finally beginning to feel like herself. After applying a minimal amount of makeup—which had absolutely nothing to do with the attractive bodyguard downstairs—she flipped off the light and exited the room.
As she passed by the oversized mirror once more, Cassie stopped long enough to give herself a final once-over. Knowing she had hours of cleaning and straightening up ahead of her, she’d chosen comfort over style.
The jeans she’d chosen were her favorite pair, the slightly worn and faded material hugging her toned curves with perfection. Her cream-colored crewneck was also a treasured piece. While it didn’t possess a designer tag, nor was it fancy in its design. It was simple. Casual. Comfortable.
And right now, given the massive upheaval of everything else in her life, Cassie craved simplicity and comfort.
That’s not all you’re craving.
Archer’s chiseled face filled her mind’s eye. It shouldn’t be there. With everything going on, thoughts of tall, dark, and seriously sexy men shouldn’t be anywhere near her conscious thoughts. And yet…
I want him.
She couldn’t remember ever feeling such a powerful attraction toward a man. Not even Russ. But here she was, fussing in front of the mirror like some teenage girl with a crush.
Your safety is my number one concern, not making you feel good.
The security specialist’s words came back with a vengeance, the stark reminder apparently needed. Archer was here to help and nothing more.
Nothing more. Right.
Ignoring her sex-starved body’s inexplicable hormonal surge, Cassie left the room and made her way downstairs. Halfway down the curved staircase, she spotted Archer and another man conversing near her front door.
Their backs were to her, and the stranger was doing something to the security panel on her wall while Archer stood to the side. A screwdriver hung loosely from one of his hands, and he appeared to be on standby as he waited to offer his assistance.
On the floor near his booted feet sat three medium-sized cardboard boxes and three white plastic bags. Only two of theboxes were opened, but from her elevated vantage point, she could see cords and what appeared to be electronic equipment packed neatly inside.
The stranger asked Archer to hand him something from one of the boxes. Archer turned to grab it, and that’s when he spotted her.
Stopping mid-reach, his eyes homed in on hers as he returned to a more erect stance. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
Archer’s assessing gaze burned into hers as Cassie resumed her descent down the shiny wooden stairs. Reaching the bottom, she crossed her arms tightly at her chest to keep from fidgeting.
“Feel better?”
“Much.” She moved a few steps closer. “You were right about the nap. Between that and the shower, I almost feel human again.”
“I’m glad.” He rewarded her with an almost smile.
The two stood lost in each other’s gazes. The moment must have lasted far longer than she realized, because the next thing Cassie knew, the other man cleared his throat while giving Archer a not-so-subtle nudge with his elbow.
Archer blinked, whatever spell they’d both been under vanishing in an instant. “Shit. Sorry.” He shook his head as if to clear it. “This is Jason Lucas. He’s the team’s technical analyst.”
“Call me Lucky. Everyone does.” Archer’s teammate offered her a hand while flashing an almost perfect, toothy smile her way.
Cassie took the man’s hand and gave it a solid shake. “It’s nice to meet you, Lucky.”
“Likewise.” Attraction glittered throughout the blues in his eyes. “And let me just say, on behalf of Eagle’s Nest Securities, I’m very sorry to hear about all you’ve been through.”
The firm grip on her hand tightened ever-so-slightly, and Archer’s teammate held it there a bit longer than what would be considered socially acceptable. And if Cassie didn’t know better, she could’ve sworn the glean of his eye held a bit of flirtatious intent.
“That’s very kind of you.” She sent him a friendly smile. “Thank you.”
“Of course.”