Excerpt:
Dave let out a long
whistle. “If that car’s any indication of this guy’s skills and taste,
we’re in good shape.” He elbowed Eric in the ribs.
Nodding, Eric stepped
off the stairs and moved toward the Mustang. He looked the car over like
a child in a toy store, and Dave barked out a laugh.
“Stop salivating,
man,” he said. “It’s unprofessional.”
Before Eric could
tell Dave to stuff it, the driver side door opened, the last guitar
notes winding down. Eric stopped walking as a black boot stepped out
from the car into the dust.
A woman’s boot.
“Your friend is
right. Stop salivating. I don’t like drool on my wheels. It pisses me
off.”
Eric stood stone
still as he gaped at the petite woman who had slid out of the car. A
thick mane of curly, jet black hair surrounded a pale, but flawless
face. The black tank top and blue jeans she wore over those black boots
revealed a tight body.
She hoisted a
camouflage-print bag onto her shoulder as she closed the car door behind
her. A well-toned bicep curved the arm that rested against the bag, and
all Eric could do was stare.
Pursing a set of
crimson lips, she lowered her sunglasses to reveal steel blue eyes.
“You’re still doing
it,” she said.
“What?” Eric felt as
if he were waking from a dream, or had tripped into heaven, or had
happened upon a goddess.
“Salivating.
Drooling. All over the place.” Her lips curled up at the corners. That
simple change in her face made her look all the more…magical. Eric had
never seen anyone like her.
“You’ll excuse my
associate here,” Dave cut in. “He’s not usually so socially inept.” Dave
stepped around Eric and extended his hand.
“Sam Falcon.” The
woman accepted Dave’s hand and smiled.
“Dave Reynolds.”
“Aunt Reggie’s boss.”
“Guilty as charged.
Regina didn’t mention that you were—”
“Female? It’s our
little trick we like to play. Looks like we got your friend here good.”
Sam glanced back at Eric, who hadn’t moved or said a word.
Dave poked him. “Say
hello to the nice lady, Eric.” He rolled his eyes at Sam. She laughed
and the sound washed over Eric, stirring up something he’d buried deep
inside for a couple of years now. He managed to clear his throat and
take a step forward.
“Eric Rangeley.
Sorry.” He shifted his eyes to the car behind her. “Nice wheels.” Nice
eyes. Nice legs. Nice…everything.