Chapter 7 Invasion

He kissed her. It wasn't rough or hurried- he simply leaned in while she gazed at the dresser and pressed his lips softly to hers, catching Vasti completely off guard. She blinked, stunned, as she stared at him.

The coffee's getting cold, he said with a quick wink, then turned for the door. Before stepping out, he paused, hand on the knob, and glanced back. "Get changed and come eat something."

When the door shut, Vasti found herself frozen, staring at the wood as if it might give her answers. What on earth had just happened? The reason Vasti had woken up finally hit her, and she glanced at her phone. If she wanted to see her grandmother and still make it to work on time, she had fifteen minutes-tops!

She bolted for the shower, making sure the door was locked this time. That man roaming around on the other side? Not exactly trustworthy. Vasti threw on a dress and heels, brushed her teeth and hair at lightning speed, and darted out of the room.

Down the hall, Adônis MacGyver stood with a cup of coffee in hand. He had never brewed coffee for any woman-not once. Usually, his mornings started with a hangover and a quick exit. But now, he was here, still fully clothed, and he hadn't even slept with the apartment's owner.

She rejected me... he muttered, the words sour on his tongue. Still, after tossing and turning all night, Adônis MacGyver had dragged himself up, gone for a run, showered, and ended up at Vasti's place. By pure luck, her door had been unlocked, and when he called to ask if he could come in, she'd mumbled yes. Sure, he knew she was half-asleep, but he wasn't about to let that stop him. She had said "yes," and that was enough for him.

Adônis MacGyver had planned to make coffee for her, steal another kiss, maybe share a decent conversation, and-if luck was on his side-have a little fun before heading to the office. It was barely sunrise!

I must be out of my mind, he'd thought, pouring the coffee. Why did he want to play these games with her? His mind kept flashing warning signs-this one was different. He could see himself getting married if he wasn't careful. "No way. I'm not getting married," he'd grumbled to himself.

When Vasti walked out, fully dressed for the day, he let his eyes roam over her, unable to help himself.

And that's why we're here, he joked, flashing a grin as he handed her the coffee. He'd half expected her to come out in a nightgown-or at least something designed to tempt him. Maybe she was planning to seduce him. Maybe not.

No, no. We need to go- I'm running late! Vasti's tone carried a hint of impatience, prompting Adônis MacGyver to frown as he glanced down at his watch.

We've got plenty of time, he insisted. "We're not going to be late. Eat something..."

You won't-I will. I've got somewhere to be before work, so let's go!" she urged, her voice tight with impatience as she hovered by the door. Adônis MacGyver sighed and placed the cup in the sink, knowing there was no point in trying to change her mind.

I'll drive you, he offered, but Vasti shook her head.

No, that's not necessary. I just need you to come with me so I can lock up. Her patience was running out. Adônis MacGyver let it go. He would head down with her, and once they hit the lobby, he'd make sure she got to the car.

He sighed. "What a waste. A little cardio in the backseat would've been the perfect start to the day..."

He brushed past her and pressed the button for the elevator while she locked the door.

Better make sure it's locked tight. This building's not exactly safe, Adônis MacGyver said, earning a glare from Vasti sharp enough to cut glass. He just laughed. "What? Am I wrong? Anyone could waltz right in."

Vasti had plenty she wanted to say, but decided to keep her mouth shut. She didn't have time to argue. The elevator showed up fast, probably because the building was still quiet this early. They stepped in and stood in silence. Adônis MacGyver cast a quick glance at Vasti, but she was far too tense to even notice.

When they reached the lobby, Vasti spotted the doorman, Parsley, still on his shift.

We'll talk later, Mr. Russell, she called out.

The doorman gave Adônis MacGyver a look, but Adônis MacGyver only shook his head, clearly unimpressed. The man just stared, baffled.

What a shameless guy, the doorman muttered. "You blaming me for this?"

Adônis MacGyver ignored him. "Let's go, the car's right outside."

I already told you, I don't need a ride, Vasti said, veering off in the opposite direction. "Thanks, but no thanks!"

Adônis MacGyver frowned and reached for her arm. "Where exactly are you going that I can't drive you?" he demanded.

To the bus stop! Vasti shot back. "It'll be here any minute. I have to go or I'll miss it!" She tried to wriggle free. The bus stop was only a few steps away- she could practically see it. But Adônis MacGyver pulled her in and kissed her, warm and lingering. Vasti was too stunned to fight back. The second he let her go, she heard the rumble of the bus speeding past. She stared at him, mouth hanging open.

Hmm. Looks like you missed your bus... he said, faking a pout as he watched the bus disappear down the street.

I... I can't believe you did that on purpose! Vasti burst out, barely holding herself back from smacking him.

Need a ride now? he asked, with a smirk that made her want to strangle him. If she hadn't actually needed the lift, Vasti would have told him exactly where to shove that offer!

No, it wouldn't have. He's still my boss, and until I find another job, I can't let this happen! She thought to herself, seething.

Vasti rolled her eyes and strode past Adônis MacGyver, heading straight for his car.

Where to? he asked, turning the ignition.

The Royal Marsden, Vasti answered, barely glancing at him. Her sour mood just made him more smug-at least he'd managed to win one round.

It's a good hospital, Adônis MacGyver said, frowning. "Best in cancer care." Was Vasti sick? "Are you visiting someone?"

Uh-huh, she replied, eyes glued to the window.

Who?

Vasti finally looked at him, lips pressed tight.

I'm pretty sure that's none of your business, don't you think? she snapped. Adônis MacGyver bit back the urge to remind Vasti that she was sitting in his car, taking his ride. Then again, he kept quiet. After all, she was only in his car because he'd stopped her from catching the bus- intentionally. That hardly counted as doing her a favor.

Thinking back to last night, Adônis MacGyver felt his frustration rising. Even a freezing shower hadn't helped, and twice he'd had to calm himself down. He'd even shown up to make her breakfast, and she was still treating him like the enemy!

Not even a lousy thank you. Not one ounce of gratitude, Adônis MacGyver grumbled to himself. "You'll pay for that, Miss Cortez. One day, when I've got you right where I want you, you'll pay for every bit of that sass- starting with that mouth of yours!"

He couldn't help feeling disappointed, mostly because he didn't even understand why he cared so much. What was it about this woman? Sure, she was stunning, exactly his type-flawless, really. But beautiful women weren't exactly a rarity in his world. He'd seen plenty. He'd had plenty!

Maybe it was because she'd turned him down, he reasoned. Still, he wasn't convinced that one night with her would satisfy him. If anything, he suspected it'd just make him want more.

Texting her about her panties, he'd expected her to know it was him. After all, Heidi had given Vasti the documents with his number on them. He'd actually been surprised when Vasti didn't seem to have saved his contact at all. It was strangely impressive.

That, more than anything, made him think he might have a shot at getting closer. Vasti didn't want anything from him except the job-and maybe a few kisses, even if she pretended otherwise. She'd never flirted, just responded to his moves. Vasti wasn't playing games, and she definitely wasn't out to use him.

It had been a long time since Adônis MacGyver felt this sure of himself with a woman. Not since Greta, anyway. The second her name crept in, he shook his head, forcing the memory away. Thinking about Greta always left a bad taste in his mouth.

His gaze slid over to Vasti. Was she on her way to see a boyfriend? Maybe a nurse or doctor? A woman like Vasti-someone this gorgeous-couldn't possibly be single. Maybe that explained her attitude.

No, that couldn't be it. She'd been about to sleep with him, and she was a virgin? Who was the idiot dating a woman like her and not making a move?

Are you single? he asked.