“Here you go. What floor do you need?” He grinned, his eyes drawing her in, captivating her.
It was as if she were drowning.
His face was familiar, even his woodsy aroma filled her senses and her body clenched in response.
“Are you all right?”
Jodie shook her head, took the binder from him and smiled nervously. “Yes. I’m sorry, thank you. Sixth floor, please.”
“You’re welcome. Looks as if you have a heavy load there.”
She nodded. “Yeah, it’s been a crazy, busy week.”
“You obviously work in this building. What do you do?”
His dark-blue gaze ran over her face, eyes sparkling as they met her gaze again. He was so sexy. White dress shirt and slacks, he was a yummy eyeful. Specks of chest hair were visible in the opening of his shirt.
She wanted to reach out and touch him, make sure he was real. He couldn’t be, though. Sebastian was gone. She missed him terribly but knew he was at peace.
Until we meet again…
Yes, Sebastian believed in the ever after, in the next lifetime and all that, but she never really believed in the sentiments. Not really.
Until now.
The man before her resembled Sebastian so much, save for the glasses on his nose, they could be twins.
“I work at Star Accounting.” She looked at the display of numbers. “You work on ninth, the newspaper office?”
Jodie couldn’t breathe. No way…
“Yes, I just moved to town. I’m a reporter. I’m starting in sports, but hope to move to more gripping stories. I’d really love to write a novel someday.” He laughed. “Sorry, I’m boring you with details of my life and haven’t introduced myself yet.”
Jodie chuckled that sounded more like a shrill, feeling as if she were bordering on hysteria. Good lord, he was a writer too.
The elevator came to a halt and she looked up. They’d stopped on the fourth floor. She was pleased when no one entered.
“That’s okay.” She smiled at the gorgeous man beside her as they started the ascent again. Everything she thought she knew about the world, love and destiny disappeared. “I’m Jodie, by the way. I’d shake your hand, but…”
Chuckling, he reached out and tucked a stray hair behind her ear.
Her cheek heated. He hadn’t even really touched her and she was ready to drop everything and jump his bones.
“Nice to meet you, Jodie. I’m Bastian Hartford.”
Bastian. Sebastian. So similar. She leaned against the wall as the elevator pinged, feeling lightheaded.
“Jodie, are you all right?”
“Yes, yes. Sorry.” She looked up. They’d reached her floor.
How was she supposed to walk away, knowing that in this lifetime, Sebastian had found her? In the form of this man. Call it reincarnation, fate or her simply falling off the deep end. She didn’t care. Her soul knew him.
“Umm, listen, Bastian. I know what it’s like to be new in town.” She moved to the threshold of the elevator and held the door open at her back. “Would you like to get together for coffee or something soon? Umm, maybe I could show you around?”
Bastian smiled, his gaze warm and his smile wide. “I’d love that. Thank you. When are you done work?”
“Six.”
“Why don’t I take you out to dinner instead? I know it’s New Year’s Eve, but I’m sure we’ll find someplace. We’ll get to know one another better.” His gaze met hers. She could see the sparks of interest and attraction shining in the deep blue irises.
“Promise me you’ll open yourself up to the possibility of love, Joey.”
She had made the promise to Sebastian. She couldn’t go back on it, and only needed to believe. “I’d love to have you for dinner. I look forward to it.” Feeling feisty, Jodie winked before she exited the elevator.
At the doorway of the accounting offices, she looked back and her heart skipped a beat.
Bastian still held the elevator doors open, watching her. With a last wave, he stepped back out of sight and the doors closed.
Jodie smiled while her eyes filled. “I’ll keep my promise. Thank you, Sebastian.”
The End
www.kaceyhammellkreations.blogspot.com
Other Books by Kacey Hammell:
www.evernightpublishing.com/kacey-hammell
If you enjoyed this book, you may also like:
Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Vanessa Devereaux
Princes of Charming by Georgia Fox
The Soul Dealer: Deception by Yolanda Sfetsos
Evernight Publishing
www.evernightpublishing.com
A Ghost for Christmas Page 5