I bolt toward the restroom as fast as my way-too-high heels will let me. I need distance from this polished, New York City charmer. Stat! I may be imagining it, but it feels like his eyes are burning holes through my dress as I walk away.
Fortunately, I’m the only one in the restroom. I lean against the porcelain sink to support my shaky legs and gather some cold water in my hands. I splash a small amount on my face and neck, then blot it off with a paper towel.
The mirror displays a woman unlike the teary-eyed one from earlier today. My cheeks glow, my eyes are excessively bright, stunned, my red lips parted in shock …
Damn. What the hell just happened?
Chapter Seven
Sin
Fifteen minutes.
That’s how long Harlow’s been in the bathroom, and how long I’ve paced across the greenish-gray carpet squares after our awkward introduction. We shook hands, said the customary hellos? then she appeared ill and dashed into a bathroom as if her life depended on it. But she’s been gone too long and I’m starting to get concerned.
I consider asking another woman to go into the bathroom to check on her. At six-two and being male, there isn’t a chance in hell I can sneak in without being noticed. Who knows what someone might think if they saw me in there?
Finally, I see her leaving the bathroom. She smiles at me in her shy way while deliberately avoiding eye contact. I find myself walking toward her, meeting her halfway, hoping she looks up at me. I want to see those eyes again.
I’m trying to understand how she ended up with my uncle. I can’t imagine her seeking out an older man and trying to pursue him. She has no game at all.
“Hey, are you all right? I was starting to get concerned, especially after you looked a little ill.” Finally, she looks up at me. Damn, those eyes—big, blue, and beautiful.
“I looked sick? Well, I was just, uh …”
Much to my disappointment, she lowers her gaze while faltering with her words. A small smile tilts her lips as she stares down at my Doc Martens. Finally, she glances back up at me, and I return her contagious grin.
“Don’t worry. I have that effect on people. They see me and run.” My stupid joke brings a soft laugh from her. It’s the sweetest thing I’ve heard in a long time, and I want to hear it again.
“Thanks, but I’m fine, really. We need to hurry over to baggage claim before they think you abandoned your luggage.” Harlow turns and walks down the short concourse. I throw my computer bag over my shoulder and scuttle after her.
We walk side-by-side, my pace slower than usual. She doesn’t appear to be much over five-five and can’t meet me stride for stride. Even though she has on devilish heels, I have a good six inches on her, maybe more. I peer down, seeing the top of her breasts and the lace of a white bra. I choose to concentrate on her profile, though the soft swell of her cleavage makes it nearly impossible.
My eyes land on her red, pouty, kissable lips. Lush and inviting, I’m having trouble looking away from them. But her gold hair bounces as we walk, calling to me. I have the strangest desire to touch it, run my fingers through her locks to see if it’s as soft as it appears.
Harlow might be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on, and I’ve seen a shit ton of beauties in the city. She’s the exact opposite of the street-smart women of Manhattan, though. Young and untainted.
Beneath the face and body of a grown woman, there’s a childlike goodness. I feel like she needs something from me. I can’t put my finger on it, but I have a strong desire to watch over her. It’s an unfamiliar and strange feeling—one I’ve never had for another human being. Well, maybe a little for my grandmother, but she could take on a small army.
We make it to the mostly empty baggage turnstile and wait for my bags with the small crowd of other passengers.
“How was your flight?” Her eyes lock with mine. A tangible connection hums between us, making her seem familiar to me.
“It was fine. No complaints.” I smile back at her, enjoying the unexplained ease. “I even took a nap. Fully rested now. So, are there any plans for tonight? I take it James is still held up at the hospital.”
“Yes, story of his life. He’s hardly been home this week, so I’m the one to welcome you here. I hope that’s okay?”
“Why wouldn’t it be okay?”
“Oh, I’m not sure I’m a big favorite in his family, so I just expected …” she trails off, but I know what’s left unsaid. Harlow thinks I believe the labels she’s been arbitrarily given. So far, nothing about her leads me to believe they’re true, unless this sweet and innocent way of hers is an act. But even as I think that, I know deep down she’s not playing me.
“I have an open mind. Besides, you seem totally harmless.” Right now, I might be the dangerous one … to her.
Harlow chuckles softly. “Well, you’re the only one in his family who thinks that about me I bet. We still haven’t heard whether James’ mother or brother will be attending our wedding.” She tilts her head toward me and her blue eyes connect with mine. “Thanks, by the way, for giving me a chance and not writing me off.”