Page 2 of Colors and Curves
“I’m looking at your chest. I mean the scratch.”
Yeah, which is it—my chest or the scratch?Those are two very different things. I’m not going to pursue it. I should just walk away, but I can’t deny the pull I feel toward him.
I roll my eyes. “Maybe you should invest in a stronger leash. Aren’t you at least going to apologize for your dog?”
His squinted eyes come out of their trance, his back straightens, and I suddenly realize how tall he is. I’m five eight, and I’d guess he’s probably five or six inches taller.Yummy. He removes the sunglasses hanging from his tank top, then puts them on.
“Fine. I’m sorry.”
“Pfft!That was the worst apology I’ve ever heard. At least try to sound like you mean it.” Drop-dead gorgeous or not, he’s just more proof… All men suck!
The dog licks my hand as if he’s the one apologizing. I kneel down and scratch behind his droopy ears. “Your name is Chance, right?” I coo. “You sure do know how to run with only three legs. You have better manners than your human.” He barks in agreement.
The guy snickers. “Gee, thanks, Chance. Man’s best friend. Yeah, right.”
He has to be the cutest dog ever. Just like his owner. He’s spotted, black and white, maybe a Beagle mix. One eye is powder blue and the other is brown. I can’t help but notice the similarities between him and his owner, who has black hair, brown eyes, and is wearing black and white Nike track shorts and a tank top.
Ignoring me, the man picks up the broken leash. “Chance, leave her alone, buddy. Let’s go.”
I guess he’s only nice to his dog. He rolls over and exposes his belly. The dog, not the prick on a stick. Thedogjust won my heart, not his jackass owner… no matter how hot he is.
Nope. I should run away from him as fast as I can.
Chapter 2
Julius
“Chance, leave her alone, buddy. Let’s go,” I say, tugging on his leash. Instead, he flops down, and the woman reaches out—No, don’t do it!Don’t!Too late. She tucks her dress behind her knees and crouches to rub his belly. I scratch the back of my neck and sigh. He’s not going to budge while she’s doing that. Belly rubs are like a drug to him. Now she’ll be his best friend.Not good.
I saw her before Chance ran her over. It was like sunbeams were shining down on her, spotlighting her through dense clouds, even though the sky was crystal clear. Her aura radiated a bright light that pulled me in like a magnet. I had to squint against her brilliance even with my sunglasses on. Her hair and dress blew softly in the breeze. Truly, I thought she was an illusion. But then, I don’t know—did Chance feel it too? He so suddenly lost interest in that squirrel and ran for her instead.
And when I got closer, I had to take my sunglasses off to see if her skin really shimmered like she’d been dipped in sparkles. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but it was like… remember that scene inTwilight, when what’s-his-face revealed his skin in the sun? That’s what flashed before my eyes. And no, I’m not aTwilightfan, and no, I don’t think this woman’s a vampire.
But I wouldn’t mind her sexy mouth on my neck.
Her phone rings, and I can’t think of a better time to escape. She’s still scratching Chance’s belly, though, so we’re not going anywhere.
She digs through her purse for her phone. “Where is the damn thing,” she growls. Finally, she pulls it out and answers. “Hey, Daisy.”
Daisy?My ears perk up almost as much as Chance’s do. On second thought, I think I’ll stay for another minute. I inch a little closer to eavesdrop. I haven’t met many women named Daisy in my lifetime, though there are probably hundreds in the city. She leans down to Chance again, and the top of her dress gaps just enough to give me a perfect view of her large breasts.Look away.
“I’m in Central Park. I was just attacked by the sweetest three-legged dog.” She laughs, then stands up and steps away from us. “No, I’m fine. He just licked me like a lollipop, stuck his paw down my dress, and now I’m rubbing his belly. So what’s up?”
I’m amazed at how Chance is responding to this beautiful woman with the snarky mouth. He usually growls or retreats when a stranger comes near. He’s as attracted to her as I am. What is it about her that draws us in?
She licks her lips.
I wonder what she tastes like.Maybe sweet like peaches and cream or spicy like cinnamon.What the fuck am I thinking?Who cares what she tastes like? Maybe chocolate-covered strawberries. If she tastes like vanilla, I’m a goner. I lick my own lips with delight.Get a fucking grip!
Maybe it’s her light-colored eyes or her lack of makeup… maybe it’s her full lips. Does her skin tingle as my eyes trace along her long, toned legs? I let my gaze travel lower until I notice the toe ring she’s wearing. My pulse surges. A toe ring? Why in the world would I find that so attractive? I squeeze my eyes shut and turn away. Dehydration! Yep, that’s my problem. I forgot my water bottle when I left the penthouse.
No, it’s called a dry spell.
I tug on Chance’s leash again, and he finally rolls to his side and stands up. He does one of those head-to-tail dogquakes, shaking the grass and dirt off his fur. She glances our way and holds up a finger for us to wait. Why should I wait? And why hasn’t she walked away? I know I’m being an asshole. Wait. If I’m an asshole, then why am I still standing here?
Now I’m plain confused. I just wanted to go for a run. She continues to talk and I continue to listen.
“Daisy, everything’s ready for the opening on Friday. I put most of the photographs where you instructed but switched a couple around.”