Luca (Chicago Blaze 2)

I swipe to file and delete messages, pausing occasionally to read one, until my soup and salad arrive. After a smile and thanks for my server, I dig in immediately. This cream of mushroom soup is the best I’ve ever had, and I order it every time I’m here.

Sitting alone in a restaurant isn’t my first choice, which is why I prefer to eat in the bar and lobby area here at the hotel. There’s a constant bustle of activity and the white noise of people talking. I can just blend in and do my solo thing without getting noticed. While I sometimes meet men and spend a night with them while traveling, I’m pretty peopled out right now.

“Wow, I didn’t know they served food out here,” a male voice says right next to my shoulder.

I look up from my phone and see that there’s a man sitting right next to me at the bar, even though there are lots of open seats, and he’s leaning close to examine my food.

“Yeah, if you ask, they will,” I say, returning my gaze to the message on my phone.

“Hey, I’m Will.”

I sigh inwardly. I don’t want to be rude, but nothing I’ve said or done sends a message that I’m open to being picked up. I’m just minding my own business.

“Hi.” I meet his eyes quickly and then return to my phone.

“So…you, uh…meeting someone here?”

“No, just here for work. I have a lot of emails to catch up on.”

“What’s your name?”

Will obviously can’t take a hint. It’s not that he’s unattractive or anything; I haven’t even paid attention, to be honest. I’m just not feeling it right now. And even when I am, I don’t like pushy men who are obviously just trying to close the deal. At least, not in my personal life. A little wooing goes a long way.

“I’m not interested,” I say softly, giving him a sympathetic look. “It’s not you. I’ve just had a really long day.”

He scoffs. “You don’t have to be a bitch about it. I wasn’t hitting on you; I was just trying to be nice.”

“Yeah, you seem really nice.” I stiffen my spine and turn back to my dinner.

“What the fuck’s your problem?” Will demands.

He shoves my shoulder—not hard—but still. Still.

Instinctively, I lean away from him. I’m about to suggest a few things he can shove up his ass, but someone else beats me to it.

“The fuck’s your problem, man?” a deep voice growls out as he shoves Will.

This shove is harder—Will nearly falls off his stool.

“Who the hell are you?” Will’s eyes are glassy as he looks back and forth between me and the man who apparently came to my rescue. “You said you were here alone.”

His accusatory tone is directed at me—like I somehow set him up for this.

“You’ve got two seconds to fuck off, asshole,” the second man says.

Will sizes him up. He’s tall, with broad shoulders and a menacing scowl. Will sweeps his glass tumbler up from the bar and hustles away, looking over his shoulder once he’s a few feet away to make sure no one’s following.

“What a dick,” the tall guy says. He looks down at me. “You okay?”

I’m okay. I think. I mean, I was. In terms of the Will thing, I’m okay. But this man looking at me right now, waiting for a response, has the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. The most handsome face I’ve ever laid eyes on. He has a J. Crew model face and a CrossFit body.

“I’m…okay, yes,” I manage.

The corners of his lips quirk up slightly. “You sure?”

My heart is racing so fast. I’ve never been affected by a man this way just by looking at him. He’s sexy as hell, but there’s something else there that I just can’t look away from. His sapphire eyes are very…true.

Swallowing hard, I nod. “Yeah. Thank you for stepping in, that was nice of you.”

He gestures to a table nearby, where two guys are watching us. They’re both also exceptionally attractive, but not like this guy. No one could outdo this specimen of a man.

“Listen, I’m just hanging out with my buddies and I’ll be here for a little while yet. If you want me to walk you out to catch a cab or whatever, just in case that guy’s still around, just let me know.”

I glance at his wedding ring finger. Empty. Yes.

“Can I buy you a drink?” I smile and turn to face him, crossing my legs in hopes he’ll take a look. “To thank you?”

His brows shoot up in surprise. “Oh, you don’t have to—”

“I’m sorry,” I laugh and shake my head. “You’re here with your friends and here I am trying to steal you away. Tell you what, I’ll pick up your table’s tab. And thanks again.”

The corners of his lips edge up higher. “No, don’t do that. We’re drinking top shelf stuff.”