Page 58 of Rush

Not that where I live is crappy. But his building screams money.

Which he has, thanks to his football career.

I walk up to the main door and push it open, stepping inside.

“Hi. Can I help you?”

My eyes lift to the security guy at the desk.

His building has security, and mine has a main door that some of the residents forget to shut.

Shit, did I close it when I left?

“Hi.” I step up to the desk. “I’m here to see Ares Kincaid.”

“Is he expecting you?”

“No. Would you mind calling up and letting him know I’m here?”

“Of course.” He smiles. “What’s your name?”

“Arianna Petrelli.”

I wait while he picks up the desk phone and makes the call to Ares. My leg bouncing on the spot.

What if he doesn’t want to see me?

Then, you’ll go home, eat ice cream, and feel sorry for yourself. But you will be okay.

“Mr. Kincaid, it’s Phillip from security. I have a Miss Arianna Petrelli here to see you. Okay.”

He hangs up the phone, and I’m watching him with my heart in my throat.

“You can go on up.”

I almost crack my face with the smile that hits my lips.

“Thank you,” I say and then, “Which floor? I haven’t been here before.”

He smiles. “Take the elevator to the eighth floor. It’s apartment eight-oh-two.”

“Thank you.”

I walk over to the elevator, pressing the button, and the door opens immediately.

I step inside and hit the button for the eighth floor.

I can barely keep still while the elevator goes up. Fidgeting, I try to figure out what to say…how to say it.

Just start with the truth and go from there.

The elevator pings its arrival. The door opens, and I step out.

I don’t need to wait to figure out which is Ares’s apartment, as he’s standing in the open doorway of it, waiting for me.

Shirtless.

Sweet Lord.