Page 35 of Rescuing Mia
“No, that’s not what I meant. It’s just that the world can be a tough place, and going it alone takes a lot of courage, regardless of gender.” I hold up my hands in a gesture of surrender.
“I suppose that’s true, but I can take care of myself. I’m not a helpless damsel in distress.” She softens slightly, her posture relaxing a bit. “I’m my own hero.”
“And I wouldn’t have it any other way, but technically, you did fall into my arms, and I did save you from eating pavement. I’d say we’ve already crossed off the ‘damsel in distress’ hero’s rescue. You’re a force to be reckoned with, that’s for sure.” I chuckle, shaking my head.
The verbal tension between us dissipates, but only to be replaced by smoldering sexual chemistry.
As we continue our conversation, I find myself increasingly intrigued by this mysterious woman. Her guarded nature and quick wit only serve to deepen my curiosity.
My gaze lingers on the way the setting sun casts a warm glow on her features, highlighting the smooth curve of her cheeks and the fullness of her lips. Her dark hair, tousled by the ocean breeze, frames her face like a silken curtain, begging to be touched.
I drink in every detail. The way her long lashes cast shadows on her cheeks, the delicate slope of her neck, the hint of collarbone peeking out from beneath her shirt.
She’s a vision, a masterpiece painted in the hues of a fading day.
But it’s more than just physical beauty that captivates me. She has a depth to her, a complexity that draws me, something vulnerable that sparks my protective instincts. It’s in the way she holds herself and the way her eyes flicker with unspoken emotions.
She’s a puzzle, a mystery waiting to be unraveled, and I want to peel back the layers and discover the secrets she keeps hidden from the world. She’s also incredibly smart. The lights are on behind those eyes, unlike the bimbos with their glassy-eyed stares.
Mia shifts, unconsciously closing the space between us. The aircrackles with an almost palpable electricity. The tension goes beyond words, a primal attraction tugging at the very core of my being.
Does she feel it?
Or is it just me who feels this inexplicable pull?
She takes a deep breath, her chest rising and falling in a hypnotic rhythm. Her lips part slightly, as if she’s about to speak, but no words come out.
Instead, her eyes meet mine, and I’m lost in their depths. They’re rich, dark brown, flecked with amber and gold, filled with a fire that sets my soul ablaze. Desire is in those depths, a longing that mirrors my own.
But there’s something else—a flicker of uncertainty.
A flicker of fear.
It’s as if she’s torn, caught between the pull of our attraction and the weight of her secrets.
I want to reach out, to take her hand in mine and tell her that she’s not alone. Whatever demons she’s facing, I’ll stand by her side and fight them with her, but she doesn’t know me. She doesn’t know my character or the hardwiring within me to shelter and protect.
She needs to come to me on her own terms—when she’s ready to let me in.
So, instead, I hold her gaze, letting the heat between us simmer. My eyes speak the words I can’t say, conveying the depth of my desire and appreciation for the stunning creature before me.
When she finally looks away, a faint blush colors her cheeks.
That’s when it hits me.
This woman, with her haunting beauty and mysterious past, has already claimed a piece of my heart.
“You know,” I say softly, choosing my words carefully, “I’m a pretty good listener, and I’ve been known to solve a problem or two in my day. If you need an ear or need to unload something…”
“What makes you say that?” She stiffens, her guard snapping back into place. “Do I look like I have a problem? I’m just a woman out to see the world. That’s it. There’s no great mystery here.”
“If you say so, but I get the sense you’re carrying a heavyburden. Like something is weighing on your mind.” I keep my tone light and casual. “Mean no offense. Sometimes, talking to a stranger is easier than not talking at all.”
She remains quiet for a long moment, her gaze fixed on the horizon. When she speaks again, her voice is barely above a whisper.
“Is it that obvious?”
“Only to someone who knows what to look for,” I reply, keeping my tone gentle. “And believe me, I’ve seen my fair share of people running from something.”