Elevator Pitch (Hapless In Love #1)

3. What Floor?

3

what floor?

Selah

Manhattan, NY | September 2, 2023

“What floor?”

My book is getting good, and now I’m trapped in the elevator with the ‘Smell Good Man.’

Is he talking to me? If so, that’s just my luck.

“I’m sorry?” I ask without looking up.

I swear I’m not usually this rude. I’m just on the last two pages of this chapter, and I must know what happens.

The enemies are about to become lovers, dammit!

His voice is smooth and husky.

“Excuse me, Miss. I don’t mean to interrupt, but I’m not sure where you’re headed?” I see his hands motion to the buttons beside the door from the corner of my eye. “You didn’t press a button, so we’re sitting in limbo here. Not that you aren’t good company,” he chuckles.

My eyes are still focused on my book.

“Why didn’t you press your floor? You could’ve left me in limbo while you went home.”

“Ladies first.”

I snort, reading the end of the chapter .

“I’m sure limbo would be better if I could see your face, but I’m not as interesting as your book.”

“Sir,” I say flatly.

“Ma’am,” he says sternly.

I finally glance at him, and I wasn’t prepared at all . He’s in an all-black suit that’s tailored to perfection, and I wonder where he just came from.

What’s his story?

He’s tall with broad shoulders and bulging arms. He obviously works out often.

I bet he could pick me up.

His hair is dark and tousled like he’d been running his fingers through it. His face is incredibly chiseled, and his skin is glowing.

I’m almost certain he could cut glass with that jaw .

What’s his skincare routine?

His striking brown eyes sparkle with warmth. I usually avoid eye contact, but my curiosity takes the lead. I can’t pinpoint what it is about him, nor can I look away.

This man is gorgeous.

He stares at me with confusion before he notices what I’m doing. He’s so expressive that you can see his thought process on his face. He focuses on my mouth. Instinctively, I start swiping at my lip in case I’m drooling, and he smirks.

“You’re not drooling. If that’s why you keep wiping your mouth.”

“I know I’m not,” I say defensively.

“Listen, ma’am. I don’t have anywhere to be, but if you’re going to keep eye fucking me…I’d appreciate it if you’d ask me my name.”

My jaw drops, and I cover my face with my hand.

“Don’t be shy now,” he says in a playful voice.

I smile wider, shaking my head.

It’s annoying that I’m enjoying this interaction.

“What floor?” he asks again.

“Six.”

He doesn’t move and holds my gaze. He’s intense, and I’m curious about him. I ask if he’s going to press the button, and he tells me he’d like to know more about the book I’m reading.

He can’t be serious.

“Why is that important?”

“I’d like to know what captivates you.”

“Hmm. Okay,” I say. “It’s a romance. Enemies-to-lovers. They meet in traffic when the woman is running late for her first day at a new job. She initiates a road rage incident with a man, where they exchange words and part ways. She makes it to work on time and learns the man she just snapped at in traffic is her new boss.”

He listens with intent and asks about the author. I tell him this is her debut, and she’s anonymous. He pulls out his phone and claims to order the book. Says he’s intrigued and hasn’t read a romance before.

This man is different, to say the least.

I snort. “Surely you’re joking.”

He raises an eyebrow. “I’m not,” he replies matter-of-factly and puts his phone away.

He turns around and presses two buttons: six and twelve. The elevator jostles beneath our feet, startling me after being still for so long, and begins moving upwards.

“I would say that you look beautiful tonight, but you probably get that a lot.”

I tilt my head and respond, “So you won’t pay me a compliment because I’m used to them?”

“Did I say that? For someone who reads, I’d expect you to wait for the words before you reacted to them.” I scoff.

I think I may be turned on right now.

We’ll circle back to that.

“I was saying, before you rudely interrupted me, that you’re enchanting.” His eyes meet mine. “I’ll admit I was trying to distract you. You grabbed my attention and held onto it, all while you were focused on that novel. I wanted to earn your gaze.”

How the hell do I respond to that?

I am not prepared, and why are my cheeks hot?

“You wanted to captivate me?” I say curiously.

“Absolutely,” he responds confidently.

I was right. A man who goes after exactly what he wants.

“How do you feel now that you got to see me ?”

He stares adoringly.

“Very fucking fortunate.”

Well, shit.

I try hiding my smile and fail miserably.

“My name is Greyson, but you can call me Grey if you’re nasty,” he adds with a disarming smile.

The audacity of this man.

My eyebrows shoot up, and I chuckle to myself.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Greyson,” I say, drawing out his name.

His smile falters.

“What? Disappointed that I’m not nasty?” I say in a mocking tone.

“No, I’m certain that book you’re reading is nasty, and I’ll know soon enough,” he states with a wink.

I throw my head back in laughter.

Alright. He’s cute and funny.

“I’d only be disappointed if I didn’t get your name.”

“It’s Selah, if you’re naughty or nice,” I tease.

I reach out my hand awkwardly to shake his. He zeroes in on it before returning my handshake. Looks like he’s curious about my tattoo. Happier than ever inked on the side of my right thumb. His large hand engulfs mine in a firm shake.

“Selah,” he repeats to himself in a softer tone.

Testing it on his tongue, savoring it. I feel goosebumps erupt throughout my body at the sound of my name on his lips.

Fuck .

“ Did you move in recently? I’ve never seen you before.”

“Yeah, I moved in about three months ago. I work from home and don’t leave the house much.”

He looks intrigued. “What got you out of the house tonight?”

“A date,” I respond flatly.

“Wasn’t a good one?”

I shake my head and say, “they never are.”

The elevator stops on the sixth floor.

“That’s me.” I chuckle nervously.

I get off, take a few steps, and stop in my tracks. For some reason, I’m not ready to part with him just yet. Weird. Once he notices me, he holds the doors open and waits.

“I know you were just making conversation, but thanks for asking about my book. I know you’re not going to read it.” I stare down at my feet.

“You thought I was just saying that? You sold me. We’ll discuss it when I see you again.”

I look up at him with a playful smile.

“What makes you think you’ll be seeing me again?”

He stares at me deadpan.

“You live here. I’ll have the pleasure of running into you again.”

I stifle a laugh.

“I suppose you’re right about that. Not that a man could be right about anything.”

“Of course not. I wouldn’t dream of being right,” he responds sarcastically with a smile. “Have a good night.”

“You too, Greyson .” I add extra emphasis on his name again.

He takes a step back and reduces his grip on the door.

“See you around, Selah. I hope to hear you calling me Grey sometime soon.” He flashes a kilowatt smile before the elevator doors close.

My eyes widen as I stand there for a moment processing that encounter.

This man .

Greyson.

Once I’m inside my apartment, I sink to the floor, holding my knees. My cat, Peach, saunters up to me, rubbing her head against my legs and meowing loudly. I remove my shoes and lean up against the door while she snuggles up to me.

Home .

I text the group chat, telling them that I made it back safely. I fully intended to have a good cry once I returned, but I don’t feel the urge anymore. Greyson’s words replay in my head.

I’d like to know what captivates you.

I wanted to earn your gaze.

I hope to hear you calling me Grey sometime soon.

I wonder when I’ll run into Greyson again.

Maybe I won’t throw in the towel just yet.