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But the way his eyes lingered, it didn’t seem like he minded.
“You should take it then,” I offered when I noticed there was only one left. He grinned again, the look making him adorably boyish. I had the sudden need to curl up in his lap while he read to me.
“No, I insist. I need to branch out anyway and read new things. Just sometimes, it’s nice to re-read a favorite. It’s like a warm cup of hot chocolate.”
He plucked another paperback off the shelf and the one we’d been reaching for. He handed me the blue one and gave me one last grin before he headed to the register.
“Thanks,” I whispered, tingles racing up my arm from where he’d touched my hand. By the time I got my bearings and turned to ask his name, he was already gone.
“You’re not engaged anymore, girl. If you see a cute guy, you can ask his name,” I whispered to myself, making the woman behind me chuckle.
Cheeks reddening, I quickly grabbed some snacks and paid for my things, wondering if I would be able to make it on my own. As of right now, the results were hazy.
For the next two hours, I roamed the airport, hopping into shops and buying things I saw. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been shopping by myself, and for that alone, the novelty of it felt exciting. I probably didn’t need the embellished eye mask or the quirky pillow that wrapped around my bag, but I’d have fun with them.
Leaving the store, I turned toward my gate when someone rammed into me, knocking me to the ground and spilling my purchases everywhere. My butt hit the floor, and I winced as I landed, trying to figure out what had just happened.
A guy cursed across from me as he bent down on one knee, rubbing a scuff off his pristine white tennis shoes. He expelled some creative ones, sighing when the black mark wouldn’t come out.
“Try some baking soda,” I offered, reaching for my bag. He looked up at my comment, his eyes widening at my predicament.
“Oh, shit. They got you good,” he said, abandoning his shoe to help me collect my belongings. He picked up one of my new purchases, his lips quirking up into a smile as he placed it into the bag, not saying anything. I knew what it looked like, and as his cheeks heated and his brown eyes flicked up to me, it was clear what he thought it was.
“It’s not what it looks like,” I defended, taking the oblong-shaped object and stuffing it into my bag.
He lifted his hands in surrender, smiling as he stared at me. “No judgment.”
I rolled my eyes, fighting the blush that wanted to stain my cheeks. Once everything was back in, I was surprised to find his offered hand to help me stand.
“Thanks,” I said as he easily pulled me up like I was a feather, the muscles flexing in his forearm. I peered up and up at him, swallowing as I took in his height. He had to be well over six feet, making him several heads taller than me. His rich brown eyes danced as he gave me a cocky smile, one I was sure worked on whoever he directed it at.
He had shaggy brown hair with curls that flew all over the place in a messy way. It made his face softer, making him more approachable. He had the body of a fuckboy, all muscles and tanned, but with his sweet nature and eager attitude to help, I didn’t think he actually was.
“It’s a massager,” I defended, needing to prove my point further.
“Uh-huh.” He smiled wider and winked, sucking the breath right out of me.
Oh, this boy was dangerous.
He made me feel like I’d known him forever as he smiled down at me with his warm eyes made of honey.
“I’m—” His words were cut off as someone yelled for him behind me.
“TJ! The plane’s boarding now. Coach will kill us if we miss it.”
He grimaced and gave me a nod and a pat on my shoulder before he took off at a run. I turned and watched him go, not even a little bit embarrassed watching how nice his butt looked as it flexed in his pants.
My phone vibrated, pulling me from his hypnotic spell and alerting me to head to the gate. With everything back securely in my bag, I made my way to my B23, careful not to be plowed over by any other passersby this time.
It wasn’t until I was sitting in my seat next to a sweet old lady that I realized it was two for two in cute guys I’d forgotten to flirt with. Not that I’d ever see either of them again. And based on the fact one was in college and the other an athlete, they weren’t guys I should be interested in anyway.
But the fact remained, I needed more practice. Then I could possibly get Hawk out of my mind and heart.
* * *
“Aunt Lola, I’m not sure about this,” I panted as I attempted to balance on my head. I’d never felt more like an unbalanced klutz than I did attempting to do yoga with my aunt.
“Ssh, Bee. You need to focus,” she said, her legs up straight as her core muscles kept her perfectly balanced on her head.
