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Part of me wants to go home and lick my wounds after the way those pricks treated me. At least I would be somewhere that made me feel safe.
But I can’t leave. That would mean walking away from someone who took the time to check on me. Who bothered to stand up for me when my manager was telling me to ignore the bastards as they need the custom.
It helps when he’s very easy on the eye as well.
“You don’t need to look so scared.”
I jump and spin around, only to bump into Luke’s chest and bounce off him. He catches me as I stumble, holding me up until I get my footing back. Having him this close, pressed up against his solid, warm chest, is making me feel lightheaded. It’s been a while since I have had a guy hold me in such a manner.
“I…” I swallow and step away from him, my hands still tingling from touching him. “This is really where you live?”
“It is.” He looks amused. “Were you expecting something bigger?”
“What? Oh, no!” I shake my head hurriedly. “I was…it’s a bit…big?”
Luke chuckles.
“Of all the reactions I could get from you, I did not expect that.”
I don’t know what to say to that. I watch him as he goes over to what appears to be a drinks cabinet and gets out two glasses. How can I not watch him? He is lithe and graceful when he moves, tall and slim covered in solid muscles. If he says he is an athlete or a model, I will not be surprised. Those jeans he is wearing hug his legs and ass in a way that draws the eye, and that sweater…it does not do anything to hide his body.
My dark-haired Samaritan is very handsome, and from the way he behaves he knows it.
My knees are weak at the thought of being in his company. Alone. When I’m trying to ignore the fluttering in my belly.
“Here you go.” Luke turns with a glass of something and holds it out. “Have a drink.”
“I…I shouldn’t,” I try to protest. “I don’t really drink.”
“Given what’s happened, I think you can manage just one.” His smile is very charming, and I can feel myself giving in already. “It will warm you up as well. You’re shivering.”
I know I’m shivering, but I can’t tell him the reason why. Biting my lip and gathering my courage - it has deserted me lately - I walk over to him and take the glass. Our fingers brush against each other, and I almost drop the glass in my surprise. From the way he smiles at me, he knows that I feel it as well.
I cup my hands around the glass and take a sip. And almost pull it away as the disgusting taste fills my mouth. It feels like my throat is burning. I start coughing, and the glass is taken away from me.
“Take it easy there,” Luke says as he pushes a bottle of water into my hand. “Anyone would think you’ve never had a brandy.”
“That was brandy?” I croak as I manage to get the bottle lid off. The water is soothing as it washes away the bitter taste. “I normally sneak the vodka.”
“You haven’t developed your palate yet.” Luke sips his own drink and watches her. “Maybe we should stick to water.”
That sounds like a good idea. I feel like I’m about to collapse now my legs are feeling shaky. I try not to stumble after him, and manage to sit down without making a fool of myself. My heart feels like it’s racing, and I’m getting short of breath. What is wrong with me?
Luke puts his drink on the coffee table and turns to me. Normally, I can manage being around simply anyone. I am a server, after all; I know how to conduct myself. But with him I feel like anticipation is prickling at my skin, and I am coming out in goosebumps. I’ve served good-looking men before. What is so different about him?
“Are you feeling a little better getting out of there?” he asks.
“A bit.” I sigh. “I have a feeling my manager is going to have a word with me next time I go in. I did leave before my shift finished, after all.”
“Given you were being hassled, I think that’s justified.” He peers at me. “You said you went to college with them?”
“Sadly. They’re on the football team.” I grimace. “Pricks, the lot of them. Think ladies eat out of their hands.”
“That doesn’t excuse putting their hands on you.”
“Normally, I’d be telling them off. Screw my job, I would have hit them with my tray.”
“I wouldn’t have been surprised if you had.”
