Justin Hawkins shifted on his feet, the delicious bundle of woman still in his arms. Her hands clutched at his jacket, her body nudged so close he could feel the firm press of her full breasts, her every inhale and exhale.
He’d been about to sneak out of the party when he spotted her, watched as her ankle twisted and she’d started to fall. Without thought, he’d lunged for her, his still quick reflexes allowed him to catch her just before she hit the floor though now his knee throbbed in pain. The grateful look she’d shot him when they’d first made eye contact had made his body tighten and his cock twitch with interest.
It was unusual. He didn’t normally react so quickly with just one glance from a pretty woman. Jaded, he knew but hell, it was the truth.
“If I let you go are you going to fall again?”
She shook her head slowly, her gaze never leaving his and he stared into her eyes. They reminded him of the ocean, a swirling mixture of blue and green and her nose and cheeks were dusted liberally with freckles. Her hair was dark, almost black and slicked back in a sleek ponytail that only emphasized her heart shaped face.
Her lips parted, as if she was about to speak and he watched, waited with baited breath. Those lips were full, downright puffy, coated in a creamy, rich red lipstick that only emphasized their lushness.
She was nothing like his usual type. At all.
“I’m not going to fall.” Her sweet voice washed over him, making his dick stand at attention and he practically shoved her away from him, not wanting her to notice his physical reaction.
Her eyes widened and she brushed at the front of her dress as if she could wipe away his touch. He checked out her legs, her swirling skirt catching his attention. Those legs were long with slim calves, trim ankles and the dangerous wedge sandals she wore were red, almost as red as her cute little toenails.
“Sorry I ran into you.” Her voice was brusque, her expression hurt. He shouldn’t have pushed her away so abruptly and he immediately felt contrite. “Thank you for catching me.”
She turned and walked away, her skirt still swirling, her feet a bit unsure on those tall heels. He watched her go, stunned. Women didn’t walk away from him ever. He was Justin Hawkins, superstar baseball player. The Hawk. He was the one always in flight.
Correction, the former superstar baseball player, as well as the host of the grand opening party tonight. And she just walked away from him.
The party had bored him, the women attending bored him even more. They were all the same. Tall, bony and blonde with enormous breasts and Botox-injected lips. He could have any one of them with the snap of his fingers, he knew it and they knew it. Many women had eyed him throughout the entire evening, waiting for him to give the signal so they could approach.
He hadn’t done it, he’d given no signal. Not one of them interested him.
Until this klutzy woman came along with her ruby red lips—hell ruby red everything—and a face full of freckles.
Determination filling him, Justin moved through the crowd, nodding and smiling at those who recognized him. His limp wasn’t as pronounced tonight, something he’d been working on in vigorous daily physical therapy and he was glad. He still received the pity-filled looks though, and the questions.
Shit. He despised their pity.
His gaze locked on the entrance, he headed straight for the open doors. If he was fast enough, maybe he could catch her. The urge to talk to her and find out her name was almost overwhelming.
Had she even recognized him? He didn’t think so and for the first time in a long while, he liked that. He found it a breath of fresh air.
He couldn’t remember the last time he breathed fresh air.
Chapter Two
Stephanie stood on the sidewalk and craned her neck, checking the approaching cars coming down the street. It was a Friday night, the streets were busy and there wasn’t a cab in sight.
Figured. Luck hadn’t been with her the entire day. Why change now?
A breeze washed over her, tangy with salt from the nearby Bay and she shivered. She wished she’d brought a sweater or a coat. She hadn’t expected to be out at this time of night since she’d left for the party straight from work.
“Cold?”
Stephanie startled and turned in the direction of the deliciously deep voice that came from behind. There stood her new hero looking far too appealing for his own good. The wind ruffled his dark hair across his forehead and he looked so debonair in his black suit. Good enough to eat.
Heat tinged her cheeks and warmth bloomed throughout her entire body. Suddenly she wasn’t so cold anymore. “I’m fine. Thank you for asking.”
She winced at her clipped words but she couldn’t help it. She couldn’t forget how rudely he’d pushed her away, as if she had cooties or something.
“Hey, listen I want to apologize for what happened inside.” He smiled, charming and easygoing and the sight of it made her toes curl inside her sandals. “I didn’t mean to push you. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
“Don’t worry about it.” She waved her hand, taking a step backward. “I’m just thankful you caught me. I would’ve made a fool of myself in there.”