Page 20 of Lies Beneath Secrets (Skeleton Crew #1)

CHAPTER TWENTY

Lauren

Standing on the other side of my now-closed door, I do my best to catch my breath. What was that? The man I just talked to wasn’t Conner. That man was someone else. His authoritative tone sent tingles running up and down my spine. What made it even more exhilarating is how much I wanted to push back. The way he kept me from closing the door and stepped in closer to me? I had completely forgotten why I was so worked up in the first place and forgot about what I had intended to do as soon as I stepped into my apartment. Even now, all I can think of is his scent. Whatever he wears has to be expensive. It isn’t the typical sandalwood masculine smell. It has hints of floral and something fruity mixed with smoke. The combination gets me all turned around. My heart is still pounding over our interaction. “What the actual fuck was that?” I say aloud to myself and walk over to my kitchen to get a glass of water. Then my phone vibrates with a text.

Eli: Hey, you. I heard you have the day off. Would you like to have dinner?

“No, thank you, Eli,” I say to myself instead of texting him, then pocket my phone and walk over to my couch. The thought of being around anyone is unappealing, especially Eli.

Through the thin walls, I catch the sound of a door opening up, then slamming shut. Against my better judgement, I walk over to my spy hole in my door and peer out. Conner is by his apartment but is looking right at my door. On instinct, I quickly move so he can’t see me. “You idiot,” I hiss at myself, then go back to look through the small hole. He’s still there and for some reason, I want him to come to my door again. Why is beyond me.

He doesn’t though. Instead, he stares for a bit longer before walking away. I let out a breath and walk over to my window now, knowing full well I can watch him get into his truck and leave. Which in about three minutes, is exactly what he does.