Cisco Boyd believes in fortune cookies and horoscopes. Despite his lack of success in finding a steady boyfriend -- or at least, a date who doesn't think Denny's is the epitome of haute cuisine -- Cisco never doubts that eventually, the stars will lead him to the man of his dreams.
One day after a meal, Cisco reads the little piece of paper inside his cookie which says "red is the color of your heart's desire." So, when Cisco's date turns up wearing a red shirt, he's ecstatic. But then, things turn ugly in his apartment, and Cisco has to call the front desk for assistance from his bathroom, where he's locked himself in.
Benjy McCrae, head of security, comes to his rescue and Cisco is very grateful. And then he notices Benjy's red tie. Cisco's "heart's desire" has been under his nose all along. The stars are finally in his favor.
"He wouldn't go. I told him to get out, then he started walking toward me, and the argument escalated. I locked myself in the bathroom, and then he banged on the door, yelling at me. That's when you entered the picture."
Benjy finished typing and then put his phone away. "I'm glad it wasn't worse."
"Me, too. Thank you, Benjy. I owe you my life." I clasped my hands under my chin and smiled.
The corners of his mouth lifted into something resembling a smile. "Ever the drama queen, aren't you, Mr. Boyd?"
"Born and bred. I have a tiara in my closet as proof." That earned me an actual chuckle. He was breathtaking like this. "Why don't you call me Cisco, Benjy? It's easy on the tongue. So am I," I added, unable to help myself, apparently.
I mentally slapped my head. What was wrong with me? This man could make minced meat out of me in the blink of an eye, and I was flirting. Control yourself, man.
He ignored my innuendo, thank the Lord. "It's easier if I keep things professional." He suddenly became very interested in his attire, smoothing his red tie and adjusting his jacket. His red tie ... the thought came to me ... Red will be your heart's desire. Hmm... I wonder.
I decided to gather my nerve and test the waters. What could it hurt? I had just narrowly escaped a bad news date, and my savior was before me, as scrumptious as ever. Maybe my "heart's desire" was closer than I thought, and had been all along, long before I'd ever read that stupid fortune cookie. Hell, I was curious, at the very least, though that had killed many cats before me. I was never one to pass up an opportunity for love.
"Am I so hard to get along with?" I asked, walking slowly over to where Benjy stood next to the wall that separated the kitchen from the living room. I saw him try valiantly to not notice the extra oomph I added to my hips as I approached. He was definitely interested, but trying to be a gentleman. Score.
His expression turned wary as he watched me. "Not at all, Mr. Boyd."
I stopped a foot away from him. "So, why don't you call me Cisco?"
"It's easi --"
I cut him off. "You said that. Why, Benjy?"
He turned and walked to the door, his firm stride getting him there quickly. "I have to get back to work. Paperwork, you know." He opened it and headed down the hall with a purpose.
I went in hot pursuit and got ahead of him at the elevator. "Not so fast, mister. I know you're man enough to face me." I blocked the down button by standing in front of it, staring him in the eye. "Am I so hideous that you can't give me a straight answer?"
"God, no!" he burst out. "You've got to know you're hotter than --" Benjy clamped his mouth shut and leaned to the left to press the button hidden behind my back.
I smiled. "Now we're getting somewhere. So, you don't think I'm ugly. You think I'm hot, and you want to keep things professional because it's easier." I waved the nonsense of those words away. "I don't see why we should. You don't work for me, you work for the building. And," I stepped closer and placed a hand on his very finely made chest, "if it helps at all, I read a fortune cookie the other day that leads me to believe you may be my heart's desire. Who are we to argue with the universe, right?"
His eyebrows raised at that, and then he blinked. Benjy fought a grin before saying, "A fortune cookie, huh? Well, I suppose that says it all, doesn't it?" He shook his head and let out a gusty sigh. "I'm still on the job. Perhaps we should discuss this over breakfast. I'm working the night shift for one of my security guards. I'll be off at seven o'clock. Too early for you?"
"Nope, I'm usually up by six, even on a weekend." I placed my other hand on his chest and smoothed my way down to his waist. Fuck, there wasn't an ounce of fat anywhere. Very nice. "What will you be in the mood for, besides me?" I teased as I slid my arms around to caress his back.
"Coffee and eggs, if you got 'em." Benjy gently removed my hands from his lovely person.
"Done. How about a quick kiss to hold me over?" I asked, fluttering my eyelashes.
Benjy's eyes danced at me. "You move fast, don't you? I've seen you work that magic on many a man, Mr. Boyd, but while you are a very tempting morsel, I'm still at work. Patience, Cisco." He didn't leave me hanging, though. Benjy took my hand and turned it face up to kiss my inner wrist, causing me to gasp in pleasure. "That should hold you over."
The elevator dinged, and Benjy walked around me to enter it, his face back to being the bland professional as was his usual demeanor. "Until the morning, Mr. Boyd."
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