Dash’s heart was pounding. Would Thorne want this man to know Dash was with him? Dash didn’t usually feel like a common prostitute despite the fact that men hired him for sex. But this man was making him feel cheap. Who the fuck was he to do that? “I don’t believe that is any of your business. I have a key.”

The man jerked it out of Dash’s hands. “Only residents of this building or guests they’ve listed with us should have keys.”

“Look, I understand that you don’t know me. But I’m supposed to deliver these groceries.”

“Those can be sent up. We have a—”

“No. I’m delivering them and then making breakfast which I can’t do if you don’t let me in.” Dash held out his hand for Thorne’s key.

“I’m sorry, sir, until I verify—”

“You mean to tell me that people always register friends before giving them a key? That—”

“I know everyone in the building, and I’ve not seen you here before, therefore—”

“Fine.” Dash turned and walked down the street until he found a bench where he could set the groceries. Hand shaking, he pulled out his phone and dialed Thorne’s number. He didn’t expect an answer. Thorne was probably still asleep with his ringer off.

But he was in luck. Thorne answered on the first ring. “Dash?”

“You’re up.”

“Technically no, but I’m awake enough to check e-mail and to be very impatient for coffee.”

Dash grinned despite his predicament. Have-everything-his-way Thorne was back. “You’d have it now, but the doorman won’t let me in.”

“I thought I gave you my key.”

“You did. He took it from me.”

“What?” Dash had never heard such anger in Thorne’s voice.

“He said he knew everyone who should have a key and—”

“I’ll be down as soon as I find some pants.”

“Thorne, if you don’t want him to know I’m with you, then I—”

“Are you kidding me? That man is an ass, and if I have my way—and I usually do—he won’t have a job after today.”

“Thank you.” Dash didn’t know what else to day. He almost felt sorry for the man.

“Should I be insulted that you doubted I’d handle this?” Thorne asked.

Dash decided not to answer that. He shouldn’t have doubted, but he had. He heard muttering and sounds that indicated Thorne was moving around. “Why the fuck are there no clean pants here?”

“Laundress on strike?”

“Very funny.”

Dash laughed. “I thought so. I’ll see you in a minute.”

Dash ended the call and walked back to the door.

“Didn’t I tell you that I have to verify your identity before you can enter?” the doorman said.