3
Aria
I’m surprised by how much I’m enjoying myself.
Sure, for those few minutes in the car, I was sure I’d made a mistake when Matt questioned why I was working at the dive bar and I was reminded of the constant danger I was still in.
But then I reasoned that if he’d planned to do something he’d have done it already.
He’d had ample opportunity after all.
And sure, after seeing him in the break room, I’m convinced he’s the kind of guy who can take care of himself and any danger that dares intrude in his life.
Danger that could well include me but the same gut instinct that had made me trust him even before we official met reassured me he doesn’t mean me any harm.
I’m as far away from the terrible men who’d chased me into the homeless shelter that night when I saw that mobster pistol-whip the crap out of the naked politician in front of that group of men, then threatened to cut off his balls if he didn’t toe the line and carry on doing what he was told.
When the other guy had listed all the unsavory things he would reveal about the politician I recognized from TV if he refused, my shocked gasp had given me away.
And that wasbeforeI’d heard other notable names of the men involved in their criminal activities.
The cold terror of knowing I’d heard too much had given my feet wings as I fled that alley.
Just my terrible luck that one of gangster’s men had seen my face just before I reached the homeless shelter, forcing me to flee New York.
Do I think the danger is over?
Definitely not.
But I didn’t give Matt my real name, the phone in my purse is an old model I shelled out sixty precious bucks for when I knew I’d have to ditch mine sooner or later—sooner than I’d hoped in Miami—and anything bearing my true identity is hidden away back in my motel room.
Relax, Aria. Enjoy that yummy-smelling meal with the equally yummy-looking man.
And if what almost happened in the truck happens again?
My insides jolt as my gaze darts to his lips.
God, they’re the most gorgeous lips I’ve seen on a man.
Hell, the whole package makes my insides hot every time I look at him.
“You coming?”
I jump, then feel my face heating up when I clock that he’s been waiting for me to join him on the patio for a little bit. That I’d turned my whole body to follow him when he left the dining area and just carried on staring at him like a horny groupie.
“Yes, of course.”
His eyes glints with an expression I can’t quite work out. “Good. Grab the glasses?” He indicates with his chin.
I pick them up and follow him out onto the immense patio.
While I’ve been lost in memory and daydreams, he’s gathered our food and tucked a blanket under one arm.
A collection of lanterns are conveniently located near the stairs leading down to the beach and he snags a couple before turning to me to hold out his free hand.
My senses jump again, anticipating those sparks I felt on my skin when he touched me in the truck. I transfer the glasses to one hand and slide my hand into his.
A light breeze ruffles over my skin and I pray it cools me down a little as we head down to the beach.