Page 20 of Broken Rules
“Joe definitely fits that bill.” She looked up as the light flashed again. “I just didn’t know how bad he actually was until now.”
“Aren’t you worried you’re going to find out how bad I am?”
“I know I should be terrified of you, but I’m not. There’s something about you...I...I don’t know—you make me feel...” Still, she had no words for how he made her feel...safe—no. Comfortable—no. In fact, she felt reckless and awkward. She had never felt so confused, and yet, somehow she knew exactly what she wanted to do at that moment. Rising up on her tiptoes, she pressed her lips to his. Despite the fabric that separated them, she could feel the heat of his mouth.
Pulling away, she met his gaze. “Do you trust me?” she whispered.
His gaze glanced up at the camera, but after a moment, he nodded slightly.
It was all the encouragement she needed. Slowly, she unzipped the very top of his black cargo vest and found the end of his mask. She eased the fabric up, revealing a chiseled jaw dotted with black stubble, and full, soft lips. She swallowed hard, then rose up on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against his. Her eyes widened in surprise as he suddenly crushed her against his body and hungrily kissed her, bending her back onto the desk. She closed her eyes and held on tight, losing herself in the heat of his kiss. Then, suddenly, he released her and thrust her away from him. Dazed, she opened her eyes. He slowly came into focus. He was backing toward the door, pulling the folds of his mask down. His eyes seared her very soul. “This isn’t goodbye,” he promised.
And, once again, he was gone.
Chapter Six
Savannah crossed tothe service side of the bar and snatched the new ticket off the printer. “Coming right up,” she said to Esme when the waitress slammed her tray on the counter. Esme’s features were delicate and pretty, even when she scowled.
Savannah quickly poured the light beer and set it on Esme’s tray. “Hey, you okay tonight?” she asked softly.
Esme’s big blue eyes filled with tears. She rubbed her hand over her freshly shaved head. “I just want to work and forget about everything, but my customers keep asking me why I shaved my head. I don’t want to tell them its because chemo has made my little sister’s hair fall out in chunks.”
Savannah leaned closer and put her hand on Esme’s. “What you did was selfless and brave.”
Esme shook her head bitterly. “I’m not brave. It’s Eva who’s the brave one.” Tears streamed down Esme’s cheeks.
“Your sister is fighting like hell. She’s going to beat it.”
Esme took a deep breath and swiped at her eyes. “I know she is,” she said, her voice regaining its strength. “I just don’t think I’m going to make it through the night, if I have to explain to one more person why I shaved my head.”
Savannah scowled. “Screw them. They shouldn’t be so nosy.”
Esme shrugged. “Well, they are.”
Savannah chewed her lip while she considered how to help Esme get through the night. “I’ve got it,” she said brightly. “If anyone asks about your hair, tell them that you’re leaving soon for a six-week sojourn in a Buddhist temple in Bhutan.”
Esme burst out laughing. “A six-week sojourn in a Buddhist temple in Bhutan? Can I really say that?”
