The Build Up (38)

“Something like that.” Porter folded his arms across his broad chest as he eased closer to me. I smelled the heady scent of his aftershave the closer he came to me. Combined with the scent of the roses, it all made me delightfully dizzy. “I don’t kiss other women if I’m in a relationship. I wouldn’t play those types of games with your heart. Especially after what you told me about Maurice. I wouldn’t play with a woman who remembers my coffee order. Seems dangerous.”

I tried to hide my smile. It was sweet of him. A bit much but sweet. “So, you spent a mint on flowers!”

Porter shrugged. “It’s just money. And it was worth every dime to see the look on your face.”

Geesh. Maybe this dude really was as loaded as Greer claimed he was. Not that it mattered.

“But, Porter, I thought we talked about this. I...we...we can’t be together. Not like...three-hundred-dozen-roses level together.”

“Actually, it was twenty dozen. I was going to send you thirty-five dozen. For every day you’ve been here. For every day I’ve been lucky enough to know you.”

I bit my bottom lip as the tears I’d been holding back finally came. “Shit. You’re good.”

With a smile, Porter gently took the pad of his thumb and wiped a tear from my cheek. “I guess my signals are still a little crossed. You can’t blame a brother, Ari.”

My brain was scrambled like an old TV signal as I struggled to find the words. “Why?”

“Because, despite vowing to be on my best behavior, kissing you again is all I can think about.”

I leaned back in the chair as Porter eased his chair next to me, his eyes piercing me with longing and need. I knew that look. I invented that look. Porter wanted me. Bad.

Damn.

“Weeks? Really?” I stroked the back of my neck, my fingers twirling damp coils at the nape with nervous energy.

“Mhmm. Do you know how hard it is to be near you and not want to close the door and kiss you for hours?” Porter’s teeth grazed his bottom lip, sending a current of electricity to my clit. He looked over his shoulder. “You do realize the door is closed right now, don’t you?”

My eyes darted past Porter. Shit. It was. “Porter, we can’t kiss in the office,” I asserted. I needed to put an end to any more talk of kissing for the sake of my sanity and my vagina. “We can’t. Period.”

“I know we said we’d keep it professional. And that we both said that we don’t date coworkers.” Porter’s voice lowered to a seductive rumble that I felt in my belly. “But I really like you, Ari. I do. I can’t turn my feelings off like a faucet.”

Porter reached out for my hand. I pulled my hand back, looking into his eyes. They were bright and dancing, excitedly expecting another kiss. Another touch. Another answer. I wanted him to touch me all over until I was a putty in his hands. But I couldn’t. I wouldn’t.

“Porter, seriously. I can’t.”

“I know. I’ll wait until you can.”

I looked at Porter, a level beyond shock registering in my brain. “Are you serious?”

Porter rolled his eyes and put his hands in his very fitted slacks pocket. “Yep. I’m serious. I’ll wait for you. And when the time comes, I’m going to show you off. I’m not going to treat you like some dirty secret. I’d be honored to be your man. But...for right now. I’m your friend.”

This man was unreal. I rubbed my temples. “Porter, that’s ridiculous! You can’t just wait for me to change my mind. What if I don’t change my mind? Then you’ve wasted your time.”

“I can and I will. I’m a grown ass man. It’s a risk I’m willing to take. Besides, you’ll never be a waste of time to me.”

“Grown ass man or not,” I sighed. “You really aren’t making it easy, but I really want to just be friends...for now.”

A smile slowly returned to Porter’s face. “Fine. Like I said, I’m your friend.”

I looked around my office. “In the meantime, are you going to continue to shower me with more flowers or what? Because that would really make it weird!”

Porter laughed, then waved his hand. “Nah, girl. You closed the door on any more showering. Trust me, I was going to shower the hell out of you.”

I reached for Porter’s hand, gently stroking the tops of his knuckles. “Well, I’m going to relish it for now.”

Porter took his other hand, placing it on top of mine. “You should. Because this is the stuff you deserve. Every damn day. Not just from me. From anyone who adores you.”

Oh my God. This man was like a walking greeting card.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Porter and I quickly released hands and stood up.

“Come in,” I said, leaning against the table attempting to look normal.

The door slowly opened as Ms. Gayle peered around its massive frame.

“Hey, I was looking for the two of you! Porter, did Ari tell you who sent the flowers?”

Porter smirked. “No. I think she’s being coy with me about her secret admirer. Dude spent a few paychecks on these flowers.” Porter let out a whistle in faux appreciation.

“It’s just a guy trying to get my attention. It was over the top, but it worked. You can take one or two vases to the front desk if you’d like, Ms. Gayle. Liven up the space.”