Page 37 of A Heart to Find
She whirled around when he said her name, but she moved through space and time in slow motion. Like a movie scene where the character isn’t sure if she’s in a dream or reality. His husky voice, so deep and soothing, washed over her sloppy sadness and filled her with a warmth she didn’t remember having any other time in her life.
What was it about a man dressed in formal attire that made a woman’s heart flutter at dangerously high speeds? And what was it about his quirky smile and his long lashes that made her want to forget all about any reservations she had about him and pull him into her arms and make him promise to love her forever?
He handed her a too-large bouquet of the most beautiful flowers she had ever seen. She couldn’t refuse them in front of the prying eyes of the hotel staff—eyes that had no one else to focus on since the other couples had long since passed through the majestic lobby.
“Interesting choice of attire.”
So caught up in trying to convince her body not to freak out at his presence and his insanely good looks, Keira had forgotten that she wore sweatpants and an Eras Tour t-shirt her coworker had brought back for her from the European leg of the tour.
“I, uh, I didn’t think I’d run into anybody down here.”
She pulled the flowers and her tea close to her chest.
His smile faded as he looked at her, and his eyes widened as a panicked look washed over his face.
“Did you think I wasn’t coming?”
She shrugged, wishing fire didn’t consume her cheeks. “You don’t exactly have a strong track record with these things.”
Did she say that out loud? Heat spread from her cheeks to the rest of her body, and her throat threatened to close. He winced as if she had slapped him.
“I wasn’t planning to go, anyway. So no worries!”
“I swear I have a good reason. I dropped my phone and the darned thing shattered. Had to go to the tech shop and try to have it repaired, but it took longer than expected. They assured me they’d have it done before the formal, but as of right now I am still phoneless. Otherwise, I would have let you know I’d be late.”
“It’s really okay. You don’t have to explain anything. Honestly, I think a night staying in while everyone else is out appeals to me right now.”
She tried to get past him, but he stepped to the side, blocking her departure.
“Good night, Jared.”
“Please don’t. If you don’t feel up to crowds and dancing, fine. But please don’t check out of the whole evening.” He stepped closer, his heat enveloping her yet making her shiver. “I don’t want to waste the time we have together.”
His voice, deep and husky, cracked the slightest bit. A casual observer may have missed the emotional undertones. But Keira heard it. Heard the vulnerability. Felt the tension. Yearned for time with him, no matter how ill-advised.
“I guess if you want to do something else, it’d do me good to get out into the air.”
“Wonderful. I’ll wait here while you get dressed.”
Did he expect more than what she wore? She suppressed a laugh and then told him she’d be right back. She had to bring her flowers to her room and grab a coat, anyway. And boots wouldn’t be a bad idea, especially given her recent challenges with walking.
Minutes later, she rejoined him in the lobby. Though he was chatting politely with Rick, the older gentleman who kept the floors tidy, his gaze immediately pivoted to her. As if he had a sixth sense for her presence.
“Sticking with the sweats, huh?” he retorted after he excused himself from the grinning Rick and met her midway.
She shrugged. “They’re warm and cozy.” And wouldn’t send the wrong message.
“Warm and cozy? Then I approve wholeheartedly.”
“And what if I’m not seeking approval?” She softened the words with a side-glance and a grin.
He leaned down as they walked, his lips nearly bumping into her ear as he whispered, “You’ve got it anyway.”
A tremor tore through her. Was it an earthquake? Or her world imploding?
“By the way—I noticed the concert tee. Back when I knew you, you were not a fan of concerts. Crowded, loud, smelly, I believe were the adjectives you used?”
“Oh, I don’t know if my views have changed. But actually, the t-shirt was a gift from my friend. Sort of a joke since she knows I’d never actually go to one no matter how much I love the artist.”
