Page 2 of Georgia On My Mind (Southern Promises)

“Is there a problem, miss?”

Gia was panting, adrenaline flooding her system as she watched a tall, dark and handsome man approach. Dressed in an expensive suit with his red tie loosened around his neck, she couldn't help but stare at him with wide eyes. Too stunned to speak, she gestured to the asshole on the ground.

A repulsed look crossed his masculine features as he looked at the man writhing on the floor before he turned his attention back to her, concern clouding his face. “Are you all right?” His eyes were big and brown; his chiseled face sharp in the chandelier light.

“I’m…I’m fine. This idiot made a pass at me.” She stood a bit taller and finally exhaled. “I kicked him in the nuts.”

The handsome man chuckled as his eyes raked her up and down. “I didn’t know Ms. Monroe was such a bad-ass.”

Gia bit her tongue to keep from smiling.

“As for you, mister. I’m going to need to talk to your supervisor.” He grabbed the manager roughly by the arm and pulled him to his feet.

“I am the fucking supervisor,” he gasped, obviously still in pain from the way he was doubled over.

By this time, several curious staff members had wandered into the lobby to see what the fuss was all about. Gia watched as her rescuer spoke with a couple of them who immediately called for backup. The guy she had kneed had managerial status in the food service department, but he was not ultimately in charge. When the Director of Club Services arrived, another employee escorted the staff manager to an office nearby, out of the public eye and gripping his precious groin the entire time. Gia assured the director she didn’t want to call the police or press charges. She just wanted to get to her car safely and go home.

As the people in the lobby dispersed, Gia held her hand out to the man who had stepped in on her behalf. “Thank you for being at the right place at the right time.”

His broad smile revealed perfect, white teeth. He gently took Gia’s hand and shook it. “My pleasure, Marilyn Monroe.” His eyes sparkled.

“I’m not really Marilyn.” She said as she twitched her skirt from side to side.

“You’re not?” His expression drooped with humorous disappointment. “I could have sworn you were the real thing.”

Shaking her head, she giggled. “You’re funny. And I’m Gia.”

“Gia…”

The sound of her name coming out of his beautiful mouth caused her breath to hitch.

“I’m Hart.”

“Heart?” She couldn’t have heard him correctly. “Like a beating heart?”

He chuckled. “No. Hart. Short for Hartford. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Gia.”

There it was again—the exhale of her name on his lips. It was intimate and sexy as hell, as if they were lying next to each other in bed and he was whispering sweet nothings in her ear. She stared into his brown eyes, lost in the moment.

“Can I walk you to your car?” He was looking back at her with an amusing expression.

She shook her head, jolting her brain back to reality. “Sure. I mean, yes. That would be nice.”

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