Page 3 of Wrong Number

“For fun, I watch movies in the theaters with no talking,” I said, raising my eyebrow at her. “And I also like going out to see bands once in a while, and my artsy friends are always having openings and parties. Having a beer with my friends watching baseball. I go rock climbing once in a while.”

“Is that how you got those shoulders?” she asked, then she clapped her hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry, was that rude?”

Placing my hands on my hips, I made my shoulders as wide as possible. “Don’t worry, little lady, I’m here to help you with all of your grocery-carrying needs.”

Every time she laughed at something I said, I desperately wanted to kiss her. I’d never had this sort of reaction to a woman before, and it was almost freaking me out a bit.

“I also go to the gym,” I said, “And for a day job, I install high-end kitchen and bathroom cabinetry in all of the luxury condo buildings that are going up downtown.”

“Oh,” she said, “That sounds interesting.”

For the first time in my life, I didn’t think that a woman was lying to me when she reacted politely to my career.

“It’s not the most glamorous job in the world,” I said, “but it’s steady, the money is great, and I’m darn good at it.”

Tana smiled, turning us north. “No matter what sort of job anyone has, as long as they like most of it, and work hard at improving what they can, it’s a good job.”

I tried to picture her at a reception desk at her workplace, wearing glasses, with her hair tied up. Instantly I was struck with the sexy librarian vibe, and had to give my head a shake.

Tana was unbelievably beautiful, and distractingly sexy, but it was her light sweetness that made it hard for me to even think straight. She was obviously a bit timid, and had already had a rough night. Somehow I would have to behave myself until I got her home safely, but still find a way to suggest going out with her as soon as humanly possible.

I may have met this girl through a random wrong number, but she was pushing all of the right buttons.

CHAPTER TWO

* Tana *

My head was absolutely spinning from the strangest night ever.

It had taken all of my courage to go on a blind date, and Brad had been my worst nightmare.

I’ve always been terrified to make a scene, but didn’t know what to do. When Tyler swept in to hustle me away, I had been incredibly relieved, but then nervous all over again. He was just another guy, who was going to be overbearing and pushy.

Except…he wasn’t. Not in the slightest.

He was light, charming, and adorably funny. He wasn’t trying to impress me. It honestly seemed like he simply wanted to make me comfortable. I hadn’t even realized it was possible to be comfortable around men. Likely because I didn’t grow up with many around.

Every time Tyler touched me, it was casual. Friendly. He was either trying to comfort me, or simply guide me as we turned a corner. Whenever his hand touched my shoulder, or my elbow, I felt strange little pinprick tingles straight through me. I’d honestly never felt this...much around a guy. It was exhilarating.

It felt completely illogical to jump from one guy to the next in a matter of minutes, but Brad had felt wrong from the first second so he hardly counted. And the moment I looked at Tyler, I felt drawn to him. His dark hair and slight scuff of beard might have made his huge frame seem intimidating if he didn’t smile so sweetly.

“Thank you for walking me home,” I said softly, looking up into his sexy, deep blue eyes. “I’m sorry if I still seem a little rattled from earlier.”

“Don’t you dare apologize about that,” he said, shaking his head. “You should never have been treated that way, and I absolutely can’t stand that such a thing happened to you.”

I shrugged. “Apparently every girl goes on a few bad dates, or so I’ve heard,” I said.

We stopped at a crosswalk, and Tyler turned to me, reaching out to hold his huge palm against my cheek. “Tana, I don’t want anything like that ever happening to you. Ever.”

He leaned toward me a little, my breath freezing in my throat as I realized he was about to kiss me. But he pulled away, releasing my cheek as the light turned, and he guided me across the street.

As we chatted about the neighborhood, I found myself feeling strangely disappointed that he hadn’t kissed me. It wasn’t until I thought the moment was upon me that I realized how badly I wanted it to happen.

We turned another corner, and I pointed to the red brick building ahead. “That’s my apartment,” I said. As we walked up the front path, I realized I didn’t want him to leave.

“Tana, are you all right ? You still look upset.”

I shook my head. “I’m fine.”

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