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Paranormal action/adventure romance. Destinies unite the unlikeliest of pairs. |
| Chapter 2 Lexy bumped the double door with her butt as she pulled the cart through. Maybe she would just be alone. Forever. Never knowing what it was to fall in love. She had to get her emotions and thoughts under control! She cleared her throat and blinked furiously to keep the tears at bay then “SMACK!” Lexy was suddenly in the floor staring at the ceiling. The cart had turned over and books were everywhere. She felt a movement beneath her. Wait a minute, that wasn’t the floor! Two very large hands clasped around her waist, and rolled her to her side. “Unnnnnngggghhhh” She heard a deep baritone voice inches from her ear. As she glanced over she realized it was coming from a very solid man lying in the floor next to her. It took her a few seconds to realize what had happened. She quickly got to her feet and turned to help the man up that she’d just fallen on top of. It figured. Say one stupid expression and the universe would line up against her to cause it to happen. She’d just ran over a customer. Great. “Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry sir. I didn’t realize anyone was outside the door.” She reached down to help him to his feet. He grasped her hand to steady himself and made it to a hunched over position, resting his hands on his knees. He pinched the bridge of his nose, then rubbed across his brows with his fingers before he rose to a complete stand. He towered over her. Lexy just stood there gawking, taking in the full sight of him. He was massive. He was breathtakingly handsome with sculptured muscles that rippled beneath his under armour with the slightest movement. The stubble on his chin and jaw added to the rugged masculinity. She made the mistake of looking him in the eyes. Lexy gulped, hoping it wasn’t audible to him. Enchanting amber eyes that were ringed by a dark chocolate outer edge were zeroed in on hers-- eyes that spoke of passion and intrigue--eyes that promised all she hoped for but dared not speak. Then she took in the rest of him, stopping at his thick dark hair. It hung in a loose choppy manner that framed his face well. There were golden flecks in it beckoning to her fingers for a caress. She wanted to touch, oh yes she wanted to run her fingers through it for hours. She swallowed hoping that would calm down her pounding heart and dared the slightest brush to sweep the hair back from his forehead. As she did, she noticed the reddened bump rising there. A startled intake of air preceded the gentlest brush against his skin. The contact was electric, sending a shiver throughout her body. “Oh my god! I hit you with the door. I’m so, so sorry.” Instantly her heart jumped in her chest. The most gorgeous man she’d ever seen stood in front of her dumb-founded, with his mouth gaping open. His olive toned face didn’t have a single blemish anywhere. A slightly crooked nose fit perfectly with the rest of his features. Then she made the mistake of looking at his lips again. They seemed to be mouthing some words, but she couldn’t make any sense of them. Lexy blinked furiously. What was wrong with her? She stood mesmerized by some stranger. Granted, he was the most amazing man she’d ever seen but why was her mind and body at odds at the moment? There had never been anyone, not even Caleb that caused such a charged reaction from her. Her thoughts were of this guy, this perfect guy, whom she didn’t know taking her in his arms, and kissing her for a very long, tender kiss. It was soon followed by a more aggressive form while his hands roamed free leaving a trail of hissing steam rising beneath his touch. Then her traitorous mind envisioned her exploring his body. Which, of course could take hours given how he dwarfed Lexy. She gave herself a mental shake and blushed furiously at the vivid images that paraded through her mind. In order to distract herself she started gathering up the books, while sneaking peaks upward at the guy. Lexy continued to restack the books, seemingly lost in her thoughts. “Oh ‘ere, let me help ya with those. I dinna know what happened. I was just lookin’ fer. . . And then I smacked me head on the door. . . Then ya were layin’ on top of me, then . . .” He squatted down and gathered the remaining books in one very large, very masculine hand. His amber eyes mere inches from her own and those perfectly masculine lips were beckoning right in front of her. Again, she had an instant image of him lifting her up into his arms, twirling around and kissing her tenderly on a white sandy beach in some tropical setting. She could almost feel the wet sand beneath her feet. “ “Weel, sorry and all.” He handed the books to her. Lexy startled, “That’s ok, I got it.” “No, No. Not that I’m much help to ya now, but seein’ as ‘ow I don’ quite know whether tis my fault or no,” Kyle was flustered. His eyes still weren’t completely focused after that blow to his head. How could such a petite beauty do him in so swiftly? He still wasn’t quite sure what happened. In truth he’d like to sit down but this heavenly creature that seemed to just appear on top of him seemed more distraught than he was. That was another reason he wanted to sit down. The instant contact of her laying on top of him had brought a flurry of passionate thoughts, a variety of activities involving her on top of and beneath him. “Is there anythin’ I can do to help then?” “No That’s ok, really I’ve got it.” Lexy was still trying to regain her composure. The heat coming off of him worked overtime assaulting her senses. He scanned the floor spying a book she’d missed just under the edge of the cart. He bent to retrieve it, taking in the full view of her as she busily placed the books. “Here, you missed this one.” His arm brushed across her breast as she turned towards him, sending tingly needles throughout her body. Again, flashes of his naked body pressed against hers exploded in her mind. She had never understood how the women in those romance books she read could be instantly attracted and helpless to stop the fate of this “meant to be” love. Until now, that is. She could easily imagine herself worshipping at his feet if he would only look at her like . . . Their eyes met. Like that! Lexy stood staring up into those ultra-sexy eyes, oblivious to the fact that she had laid her hand on his arm. In fact she was imagining him wrapping his arms around her and pulling her against his chest. Awareness of the contact began as she felt the tingles of heat rising through her fingers. Instant awareness startled her out of her daydream state. “Um, I’m sorry. Why don’t you have a seat right over here.” Lexy led him to a seating area just outside the café. “Let me go get the first aid kit for you. That knot is really getting big.” She moved the books someone had left in the nearest chair and motioned for him to sit down. “Can I get you something to drink? A tea or coffee maybe? It’s on me.” “Oh! A coffee would be great. The house blend, strong and black.” He watched her walk away. She seemed so delicate compared to his massive form. She had a lean, athletic build and carried herself very well. She had a certain grace in her step, and the slightest sway to her ass when she walked. Kyle cleared his throat and pushed back in the chair diverting his eyes to his shoes. Leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, he inspected his worn loafers. What had come over him? He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead, he just couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of her. It was the visions inside his head that was causing him to sweat. He didn’t even know her name, but had already fantasized about caressing her, kissing her, twirling her on a sandy beach, and just now when she touched his arm he wanted to grab her and pull her into him and kiss her breath away. Perhaps focusing on other things would help. The main reason he’d stopped here is because he’d gotten lost from the airport to the college. The semester started in three weeks and he needed to prepare. He reminded himself of the necessity for a street guide to the city. There were so many one way streets, and streets that changed names when it crossed another, he was thouroughly confused. He usually had a very keen sense of direction and to his remembrance had never been lost before. Right. A street-guide was his first priority. Just as soon as his beautiful angel returned with coffee and that body of hers. He looked up and singled her out at the coffee counter. For some strange reason, he couldn’t seem to stop staring after her, or grinning. The direction of his previous thought struck a chord in him. His angel? Why had he thought of her possessively? He’d just met her and already he was possessive. Already? That implied that there would be a continued relation. That wouldn’t do. Kyle had responsibilities. No time for relationships even if they were with a beautiful girl. He pushed himself quickly to his feet and decided that for both of their sakes, he’d just grab what he’d came in for and leave. He took one step and she was in front of him with the coffee, smiling. A large red first-aid bag hung over her shoulder. Well, he would drink the coffee and thank her. Then he’d be on his way, quickly. “I’m really sorry about that sir. It was entirely my fault.” She handed him the coffee. “Do you need some aspirin, Tylenol or something?” She took the bag from her shoulder and unzipped it. She rifled through looking for the ice pack. As she did, she worked her lower lip worriedly with her teeth. Kyle sank slowly back into the chair, mesmerized by the subtleties of that action. He watched every little movement she made. Taking a sip, he wondered how soft her lips would feel against his. “Ah! Here it is.” She took a plastic pack and punched it, activating the inner gel. “Here you go, for that knot on your head.” She lifted it to his skin, then hesitated. “That’s really quite a bump.” Lexy cleared her throat “ I’m really sorry about that.” “I’ll be fine in a bit.” He took another sip. “Thanks for the coffee though, it’s verra good.” “Can I get you a book or magazine to look at while you enjoy your coffee?” Lexy did not want to get fired from this job, and she was trying her best to make amends to keep this customer happy. Keeping him around for her benefit was not in the plan. No, it wasn’t at all in the plan. “Weel now, that’s an offer. I was actually goin’ ta buy myself a San Louis street guide and an atlas o’ the states.” He took another sip, stealing a long look at her over the lid.. “Ha, strong and black jes like I asked. I thank ye for that.” He paused for a moment then added “And, do ya have Cussler’s new book?” Lexy’s eyes were focused on the dimple in his chin. It was so perfect, in the middle of that masculine chin. She wanted to lick that spot, and smother it with tender kisses. Then maybe nip him there with her teeth. Then her eyes slowly worked upwards along a strong jaw line. Which of course led her back to those sparkling amber eyes. Eyes that seemed to be daring her to do all of the things she’d been thinking. She was totally enthralled by a tall dark handsome stranger. Just like the character in the last romance book she’d read. The ones that had her thinking these crazy thoughts about finding true love when she knew it would never happen for her. Lexy forced her eyes away from him and popped up. “I’ll uh, go get those for you Mr. um” she slumped her shoulders and tilted her head. “I didn’t even get your name. I’m Lexy by the way.” She extended her hand to him. “And you are?” He took her hand in his and lifted it to his mouth. He kissed her hand without ever taking his eyes from hers. “Kyle McIntyre. You can just call me Kyle.” She spied Cari gawking at the man. Cari noticed that Lexy was watching her, and turned away nervously, then walked with Lexy. “Wow! Where’d he come from? The Romance section?” Lexy glanced over her shoulder, then focused on the shelf feeling the flush of red coming over her cheeks again. “Uh, I’m not sure. I just ran in to him.” “Wish I could just ‘run’ into a man like that.” Cari made an exaggerated head bob motion along with a swish of her hands. “Do you think he has a brother?” Lexy exhaled loudly. Grabbing Cari‘s arm and pulling her into the next aisle, she leaned in and quietly stated “NO, you don’t get it. I mean I ran into him. When I came out of the door, I ran right into him. I ended up on top of him. He’s got a huge knot on his head where the door smacked him.” She chewed her lip nervously as she stole a glance back towards him. He was definitely gorgeous! Tall, muscular, ruggedly handsome, thick dark hair, sparkling amber eyes; she couldn’t have preordered a more perfect man if she’d tried. Those had not been prayers that she was thinking through last night. Yet, it was if he had been summoned from her thoughts and dropped right in front of her. Figures! She had ended up falling on him. What a way to make an introduction, by falling on Mr. Perfect. Well, not that she had noticed or anything. Who was she kidding? He was everything she had ever envisioned in male form, including oddly enough a broken nose that she was sure had a very interesting and funny story to go with it. No doubt steeped in buckets of testosterone. But that’s why she didn’t even want to act interested. They always turned out to be jerks, or creeps, or something. No, they were never the one for her. She would be the lonely spinstress amidst a ton of children on the Serenghetti plains till she died. Lexy grabbed the newest Clive Cussler book, and picked up the street guide. She wanted to see more of Kyle. Have a real conversation with him, and listen to that sexy accent of his. Lexy looked at the book in her hand. He’d say thanks for the coffee, pay and leave just like every customer would. Then he’d walk out of her life and go on with his own. She was just a bump in the road, or on his head as it was. Lexy had to get control of her thoughts! Cari rolled her eyes and walked to the end of the rack. “Well, ‘Mr. Came-out-of -Nowhere Drop Dead Gorgeous, I just ran into him’ certainly has you flustered.” Lexy looked down at the books she had and laughed nervously. “Yeah well. . . I’ll give him these and he’ll walk out, forever.” Cari popped her hip out, putting both hands on her hips and leveled Lexy with a glare. “Just flash that brilliant smile, and turn on the charm, prom queen.” as Cari brushed back a loose tendril of Lexy’s silky golden hair, and tucked it back in place. “Looks to me like suddenly there’s someone you’re into! So ask!” She motioned with one finger pointing at Lexy then directed towards Mr. McIntyre. “After whacking him with the door, dazzle him with a fabulous dinner with a stunning blonde to make up for it. GO!” Cari gently pushed Lexy in the direction of her perfect stranger. A brief moment of hesitation as she glanced to Cari for help told her she was already getting any help she needed. Lexy chewed her lip nervously, “Dinner, right. He’s obviously not from around here. Maybe, I don’t know.” “Go get him tiger. You can do this.” Lexy tried to put on her best smile. She didn’t really see how that was going to help, and was actually trying to figure out anything else. Nothing came. Another deep breath. She was only two feet from him when she noticed the knot on his head was getting bigger. “Sir, I mean Kyle, here’s the books.” Her wrinkled her brows as she studied him. Something wasn’t right. “Are you ok?” “Wha? Wha’s that? I feel a little dizzy, Miss Lex. . .” His voice seemed very scratchy and different than it had a moment ago, thickened somehow. As she looked at him, a redness seemed to cover his throat and lower part of his face. And he seemed to be swelling! His lips were a little pale and his eyes seemed almost vacant. She knew without a doubt that this man needed medical attention. ’I must have really pushed that door hard.” His face was swollen, his breathing was raspy, and he seemed disoriented. “Here, let me help you. Can you come with me?” He stood up rather wobbly, then practically fell on her. If she didn’t know what had happened she might think he was drunk. “CARI!” she yelled at her friend and motioned her to help with this huge guy. “Help me get him to my car. I think I gave him a concussion or something.” The two struggled to get him through the doors, and out the break room to the back alley where the employees parked. “I didn’t really mean ’bag your prey’ you know.” Cari managed with the strained effort of supporting the guy. “Oh shut up! I don’t need that kind of help right now, Cari! I knew he was too good to be true.” Lexy managed through gritted teeth, glaring at Cari who was obviously enjoying this little turn of events. “Did we ‘ave a good time then?” “I uh, I think we need to get you to a doctor sir. I’m so-o-o-o-o sorry. I didn’t realize I hit you so hard.” Cari and Lexy struggled to get him into her sports car. THWAK! His forehead bounced back from the doorframe as his neck snapped backwards. “Ohhhhh!” He moaned, “What’re doin’ to me lass? Am I bein’ kidnapped?” They closed the car door, as he kept talking. The girls could see his mouth moving, and he was turning from side to side trying to figure out where he was. “I better get him to the emergency room. I don’t know what’s wrong, but I know he needs some kind of medical help. Tell Mike that I had to leave. An emergency.” She turned to Cari and looked her in the eyes, with hers as big as half dollars. “Don’t say anything about him,” she nodded her head over her shoulder at the man they’d put in her car. “Ok? Promise me!! Go check and see if he left anything, and put it in my locker.” She chewed her lip as she looked back to the handsome man becoming more and more frantic inside her sports car. “What have I done, he looks like he’s getting fat right in front of us.” With that she fumbled for her keys and got in. “I’ll call you.” She turned the car on and threw it in reverse. Ellie Mack |
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