Page 54 of Phoenix Rising

“My shift ends soon,” Terry told them. “I’ll instruct Gene, the night guard, to be extra-vigilant.”

Hunter and Christian thanked Terry for his cooperation and left the room.

“I’ll fill the others in on the interview,” Hunter said as they parted ways. It was too early in the evening to start drinking—not that he’d be doing much of that—but Christian wanted to get to the bar as soon as possible to claim a spot where he could observe Raphael Ramsey.

“There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

Before Christian knew what hit him, a woman jumped into his arms, causing him to stagger back a step, and plastered her mouth against his. He might’ve been caught off-guard, but he wasn’t stupid. She tasted like sunshine and felt like paradise. He sank into the contact, deepening it when she parted her lips.

Reality intruded in the form of a snarkyget a roomcomment. He was standing in the middle of a bustling lobby, on the job, and making out with a complete stranger. Reluctantly, he broke contact and pulled back.

Woah. If he had to be accosted by a random female, he didn’t think there was a more gorgeous attacker on the planet. Her long, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders and framed a flawlessly smooth face. Her eyes were closed, and he imagined them to be a deep chocolate brown. They blinked open, and he’d been wrong. They were light blue and framed by a royal ring. He’d never seen a more beautiful color and couldn’t quit staring.

It took a moment for him to realize it was the woman he’d noticed earlier. He’d been right—the front was as good as the back. Better.

“I’m assuming you thought I was someone else?”

#

Aja Blue LaLande couldn’t believe she’d jumped into the arms of the first man she spotted, but holy moly, she’d picked a good one. She’d never been kissed like this. Her convenient stranger’s lips were soft yet firm, and they were masterful. Hair like silk sifted through her fingers. His solid, muscular build was like hugging a brick wall. His hands felt huge as they cupped her ass, holding her against him. She whimpered when he pulled away.

Aja Blue blinked her lids open to find the most beautiful eyes staring back at her. They weren’t quite blue nor green, but an aquamarine like the Caribbean waters, framed by long lashes she’d kill to possess. His hair was blond, his teeth straight and white, and at that moment, Aja Blue fell in love.

“Did you hear me?”

Those sinful lips were moving, but she was transfixed. “Hum?”

“Did you think I was someone else?”

“I don’t know who you are.”

“Then you make a habit of attacking random men in resort lobbies?”

Why was he using his mouth to talk when she had better ideas? Then his words penetrated. “Attack?”

She slid out of his grip, and her entire body mourned the loss of contact. He was a big guy, well over six feet. She was tall, so staring up at a man was a novelty. From this angle, he was just as captivating, even if he wore an amused smirk.

“I did not attack you. You could’ve said no.”

“With your tongue down my throat? You didn’t give me much choice.”

No, she hadn’t. She’d leaped into his embrace and fused her lips to his. She wasn’t sorry. At all. And if they were getting nitpicky, his tongue had invaded her mouth first. “Oh my gosh, are you married?” She reached for his hand, glad to see no ring.

“Not married.”

“You have a girlfriend.” Of course he did. Look at him. She’d have to apologize to the woman.

“No girlfriend either.”

“Boyfriend?”

He just stared at her with one eyebrow raised. Nope, not gay. Besides, she’d felt proof of that earlier. “Well, thank you for not dumping me on the ground. I was being followed and didn’t think. I just reacted.”

The man’s demeanor changed in a nanosecond. Gone was the smiling, carefree dude who’d kissed her senseless. In his place was a fierce, ferocious fighter. With a hand on her shoulder, he moved her behind him.

“Who was following you?”

His eyes canvased the area. Aja Blue had a feeling he missed very little. He was totally in charge, and it was a complete turn-on. Who knew she had a secret fetish for authority figures?

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