The Mysterious Mr. Hastings

likely in his early thirties. He was fit and striking, and when those green eyes of his caught mine, it felt as if he were trying to see right into my soul. His light

vanished into the crowd. Once I was off the plane, I looked inside. It contained some cash, two cards, a photo of a five-yea

d in the musty hallway, and shouting echoed from several apartments. I stopped in front of the door number from the slip and knocked. No a

ped out wearing a grimy tracksuit. The odor clinging to both the apar

e steady. "Do you know the gentleman

none of 'em ever waited for him." He laughed, a raspy, unple

man stepped into the hal

ed myself into the door behind me. I desperately needed to use the

ed, "I'm fine

his hands against the door on either si

myself. I was ready to drive my knee between h

" a commanding voice e

stepped back. I fin

t keeping her company. Seems you knocked her up." The man laughed, and I turned red all ov

calling the super," Chris said coldly. "Get inside

o his apartment an

of yours," I said defensiv

me; the top of my head

d with a soft smile.

anding it over. He took it and glanced inside. "This wa

o come in for a few minutes?"

" I asked. "Just for a minu

is said, swingin

ed by a kitchen island. The living area held a sofa, a TV, and a desk. In the other corner was a large queen-size bed, p

id, pointing to the only one

eful. I finished quickly, washe

ater?" Chris asked, sitting

d. I was thirsty, but

ntire flight," Chris said pointe

myself directly between the counter and a barstool

g the glass. He simply nodded

much space," Chris said. "

was on my way from the airport.

ou went to the trouble of coming

necessary,

as a personal compliment," h

sily have been your friend's address; I would have returned the w

ly one you saved on th

that was a good idea," I teased. "The dog in the

cute?" he asked with a

e in the picture,"

s expression softening. "He was alread

og," I

ou have one?" he

thing I need righ

n silence. I quickly finished the res

ay. No need to rush,"

touch me, but the momentum sent me right into the tall bars

stifling a laugh as I scrambled to get back on my

d, my face heatin

ghted the chair. I sl

," I said. "I have to go

headed toward the stai

h you," he stated firmly. "This neighborhood

you,"

of the corner of my eye, I saw him scan

er my dinner inv

t of dining with womanizers-not that I date much anyway. And it w

plied with that heart

d in relief, while he let out a frustrated sigh."G