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“Scared isn’t the right word. Unnerved, maybe,” I say with a shrug.

“Do you want to stay with me tonight?”

My first instinct is to yell yes. I would’ve if he’d followed through at the restaurant, but after Jen left, Alden pulled back from the teetering edge, and now he’s inviting me for the wrong reasons.

I bat my eyes and think about him hard for me at dinner, ready to take me right there.

“I really appreciate the offer, but I think it’s best if I just go to my place. I’ll make sure to lock the door.”

He frowns, and I can tell he wants to argue. I lay my other hand on his to reassure him.

“By the way, I don’t know what’s gotten into my landlord, but I received an email saying that the new price hike is too steep and it’ll be lowered. On top of that, they fixed the lights and installed a new elevator. He’s like a whole new person.”

If my suspicions are correct, Alden bought my building. I watch him closely as he nods. He is trying too hard to look casual.

“That’s great,” he says.

Just hand me your undying love, and say you want to spend the rest of your life with me, Alden. It’s really that simple.

But he says nothing.

He drives around to the back parking lot, and I pull out my keys.

“Thank you for tonight. It was an incredible meal.”

Alden tucks one of my curls behind my ear, then cups my cheek and kisses me. The move is possessive, and I deepen the kiss until we’re both out of breath.

“I’m really looking forward to this weekend.”

He looks from me to the building, and I know he’s hoping for an invite to finish what we started, but it’s not happening. I have a much better idea to drive him crazy.

“I’ll pick you up Friday. We’ll leave as soon as you close the shop.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

I give him one more chaste kiss before getting out, and only once the door to the building is unlocked and open do I look back and smile. Then I close it behind me.

The elevator is smooth and doesn’t smell at all. According to one of the other tenants, a full inspection of the wiring, plumbing, and more will be done next week. When Alden decides to do something, he really does it right.

Back in my apartment, I lock the door like a good girl. Not that it will keep Alden out if he wants in, but I suspect he’ll head straight home. He’s annoyed with himself for almost losing control.

I get prepped for the next bit of my torturous plan, and I lie down on the bed before opening my tracking app. Sure enough, he is almost at his condo. I wait until his car has been still for a solid ten minutes, then I take a sensual photo.

This is just the warm-up to see how he responds. Sexy position, mostly covered with just one breast showing as I bite my lip. I add a little note.

Emily: Thank you for tonight. I walked into my apartment, looked in the mirror, and realized it was such a shame you didn't get to see what I was wearing under my dress.

I hit send and wait. His response is immediate.

Alden: I could’ve come up for the night. Are you trying to torture me?

Next photo. Back arched, silver silky robe open to my waist, giving him an unobstructed view.

Emily: Maybe…is it working?

Alden: I can come back over and kick down your door.

Emily: LOL! So very possessive of you, Alden. Better be careful. I might start to think that you meant what you said in the closet and it wasn’t just the heat of the moment. And a busted door will be very awkward for me to explain to the landlord.