Undone by the Star by Stephanie Browning Page A

than male company. And you definitely fit the bill,” she added without batting an eye. “Grannie’s bored silly, poor dear, and even though she never complains, I think she’s still a bit uncomfortable.”
    “Then I’ll do my best to distract her.” Marc knew he was grinning like an idiot, but he was just so pleased to be walking down the halls of The Sadler with Alex at his side. It felt completely natural…completely right.
    When the elevator opened and they stepped inside, Marc leaned over and whispered, “I think you have to press the button at least four times to make it go.”
    Alex’s eyes flew to his, ready to do battle, took one look at his face and then she choked back a gurgle of laughter. “You’re never going to let me forget that, are you?”
    “Nope.” They faced forward, gazing at each other in the burnished reflection of the brass walls. The subdued lighting drew out the copper highlights in Alex’s hair, and the air crackled with tension. To deny their attraction was to deny nature. Marc breathed in deeply, trying to hold the essence of her within his lungs.
    They stood silently, communicating in a million little ways, as the elevator hummed its way to the upper floors. A sudden jerk, followed by a grinding noise, and then…nothing.
    “Damn,” Alex muttered. Her eyes instinctively rose again to meet Marc’s. He stared at her blandly, only a slight twitch showing his amusement.
    “You don’t happen to know how to fix an elevator, do you?” Alex asked.
    Marc shook his head. “No. Plumbing’s my specialty. This happen often?”
    “Never,” said Alex. She felt flushed and angry. These things just didn’t happen at The Sadler. And they certainly didn’t happen to her.
    “My advice would be to push every button in sight…repeatedly….”
    “That’s not funny.” She felt close to tears.
    “Hey,” said Marc softly. “It’s not the end of the world.”
    She glanced up at his face. Mistake. Big mistake. “The…the fan doesn’t seem to be working either,” she managed.
    Marc put his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her toward him. “Are you sure that’s the problem?”
    Without a second thought, Alex stepped closer, so that her eyes were level with his chin. He leaned down and brushed her forehead with his lips. Soft. Warm. The stubble on his chin rasping gently against her hairline, the bristles teasing the soft tendrils around her face. Their eyes met for a fraction of a second, and then Marc’s arms encircled her, pressing her hard against his chest, his mouth searching hungrily for hers. She gave a soft moan of desire, of contentment. Her arms reached up around his neck, fingers sliding through his hair. His lips pressed harder, parted, inviting, tongue teasing. Alex responded, offering everything, melting into him, breathing him, feeling him, and then.…
    “ Miss Kirkwood? Miss Kirkwood? Are you in there?” Jeremy’s voice echoed through the small space, shattering the air.
    Alex froze, and after a stunned second pushed herself away from Marc’s arms.
    Marc cursed softly and ran a hand through his hair.
    “Jeremy.” Alex tugged her suit jacket into place. “The elevator stalled. What’s the problem?”
    “ A circuit breaker tripped. It’s fixed now and reset. Just push the button and the elevator will start again.”
    “Thank you, Jeremy.” Alex closed the intercom.
    “Wait,” Marc muttered. His hand caressed the small of Alex’s back. She looked over her shoulder at him, feeling tears threatening to overwhelm her, and shook her head. “I can’t. Not now.” Frowning, he nodded acquiescence and released her.
    All too soon the elevator pinged.
     
    Eugenie Sadler’s eyes fluttered open at their approach. She was ensconced in a deep blue wingchair near the window with her legs resting on a matching ottoman and a cushion to support her injured ankle. A silk shawl was draped about her shoulders and she was surrounded by the memorabilia of a