Holding Out For a Hero

Jerry faced me, genuine appreciation reflected in his tired brown eyes. “Thank you, miss,” he said, his voice gruff.

“I didn’t really do any—”

His hand grasped mine, stopping my protest mid-sentence. “You saw. Thank you.”

Did he know only a month ago I’d pretended he didn’t exist? Shame cast my gaze downward, until his fingers tightened. “It’s never too late. Thank you.”

I swallowed hard in the face of his forgiveness. “You’re welcome.”

He gave one last squeeze and then crossed the street and entered my apartment building. I swung my questioning gaze back to our smooth-voiced champion. Who’d shaved and was yummier than ever.

“Do you live there?” I asked.

He offered that charming half smile I’d found so attractive this morning. “No, my brother owns the building.”

His statement effectively jogged my memory—he resembled my landlord! Only better. Younger. I glanced down quickly. Unmarried. I couldn’t have held back a smile if I’d wanted to, even though my stomach fluttered nervously. “You’re David’s brother?”

He nodded. “And, as you probably already know, the Super quit the other day, so the apartment’s open. I figured Jerry can stay there until David hires a new guy. Then again, considering how busy David will be the next couple weeks, I guess that’ll be first on my list. After I get you hooked up with hot water again.”

“I can’t believe it was David who dumped my Chai this morning. We talk in the hall every so often, but he never mentioned he and his wife were expecting.”

“Sheryl wasn’t due for another month, which is why he was so freaked out this morning.”

“I bet. Is everything okay? Or is she still in labor?”

“Everyone is fine. And David felt really bad when he realized what he’d done, but the taxi was already moving.”

I waved my hand. “All’s well that ends well, right?”

He smiled. “I sure hope so.”

The suggestion in his deep tone kick-started my pulse. “So…boy or girl?”

“One of one of each. Jessie James and Lacie Lynn.”

“Twins, wow. He will be busy,” I predicted. “And you’ll be helping out in the meantime?”

He gave a brief nod. “If you need anything at all, you can call me.”

Which reminded me, the bully kids had made off with my phone. I almost laughed. Believe it or not, I’d been looking for an excuse to upgrade that old thing. I glanced around the darkening alley before gathering the courage to gaze into those mesmerizing blue eyes. “I believe I can. Thank you for the rescue.”

“I wouldn’t exactly call it that.” His smile turned sheepish. It was so cute.

“I would. I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t shown up.”

A shiver snaked up my spine and he reached out to squeeze my arm, his touch gentle and warm on my skin. “Next time bring backup, okay?”

“Oh, I don’t know about a next time.”

“Your lack of hesitation when you jumped to Jerry’s defense was inspiring and frightening at the same time.”

“Yesterday I don’t think I would’ve done what I did today, but like I said, it’s been quite a day.”

?

?Then it sounds like a good one.”

“Surprisingly enough, yeah.” I smiled up at him. “Pretty darn good.”