I got the sense he’d been staring a while, waiting hungrily to catch my eye.
I’d never in my life had such a physical reaction to a man.
Bright blue eyes framed in long lashes stared back at me intently.A ball cap was pulled low over his brow, and a thick mustache framed his full, sinful mouth.
His elbows were braced on the bar, showcasing muscular arms clad in a formfitting blue tee.
His looks were something, but it was the way he stared at me—nearly predatory.As though he had every right to.As though he could see straight through me and knew every piece of me intimately.
My heart was thudding in my chest, my intense reaction making me want to bolt for the door.
I distantly noticed his companion nudge him, reading his lips when he asked, “Who is that?”
It was enough to break the spell.With a shiver, I looked down at my drink, my hands shaking.
What the hell was that?
I took a much-needed gulp of my drink, the burn a welcome balm to my shuddering insides as I tried desperately to pull myself together.
There was no way I could eat with all that intensity coming at me from across the bar.I attributed my reaction to exhaustion.I’d been through a lot in the last few days.
Knowing I wasn’t in any position to handle whatever that electricity had in store for me, I threw some money on the bar and slid off my stool.I made my way through the crowded bar, just reaching the entrance when a large hand gripped my bicep, turning me gently.
I didn’t need to look up to know who it was.I somehow knew from his touch, and the realization was slightly terrifying.
I looked up into his fathomless blue eyes.His nostrils flared as he stared down at me.“You’re leaving?”
His voice was deep and rich, with a slight rasp that made him all the more intoxicating.
“I’m leaving,” I agreed, trying not to sound as breathless as I felt.
“Stay.Have a drink with me.”His order rankled me, reminding me why I needed a fresh start.I’d been taking orders all my life.
“Didn’t your mother raise you to say please?”I lifted a brow in challenge.
His lips quirked, eyes sparkling.“Yes, ma’am, she did.Will you please stay and have a drink with me?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a few girls around my age positioning themselves in his line of sight, clearly trying to get his attention.One looked like she was about to faint, her cheeks flushed and her eyes gleaming like he was a hard-fought prize.
And maybe he was.But he wasn’t mine.
“Looks like you have all the company you need.Have a good night.”I stepped back, allowing enough space for his adoring fan club to step closer and giving myself a chance to make a quick escape.
Once outside, I sucked in the first full breath of air I’d taken since I’d locked eyes with the mystery man and started walking home.
Chapter 2
The ringing doorbell woke me the next morning.I groaned, sitting up on the creaky brass bed I’d barely managed to put fresh sheets on before passing out the night before.
“You’re coming down today,” I grumbled to the mallard painting directly in front of me.Of all the five paintings, he seemed particularly intent on watching me.
I stumbled out to the living room, the chatter of my cousin and aunt making it unnecessary to check the peephole.
“Lucy!”my cousin Daphne exclaimed, her adorable daughter Josephine balanced on her hip.
“Jojo,” I squealed, reaching out for the baby who had developed some delicious-looking rolls since the last time I’d seen her.
“What am I, chopped liver?”Daphne demanded with a grin as she deposited her daughter into my waiting arms.
