And the rest was history.
Or, as in her case, Kelly would’ve really liked for it to become history. Even now, she was still getting calls about additional work. But, occasionally, she still accepted a job because she couldn’t resist the exorbitant amount of money that the agency offered her.
Reaching the final curve of the pathway leading down to the beach, Kelly glanced over at the park and froze.
His eyes met hers as he drew on his lit cigarette, one last time. Letting the butt drop unconsciously to the ground, he stamped it out with his boot.
When Kelly, accusingly, held Luke Bryant’s gaze, mumbling unintelligibly, he quickly bent down, and snatched up the butt from the ground.
Hiking up her skirt, Kelly left the path determinedly to join him. “Damn it, Luke Bryant–you know better than to just drop a lit cigarette, out here in the woods. Besides—I thought you quit?”
“I did, Princess.” He sighed. “But sometimes, it helps steady my nerves.”
Kelly hesitated, taking a long, hard look at Luke. Even with his dark brown hair cropped short, and that shadow of stubble appearing along his chin, he was still the sexiest man alive. And tall and lean, but incredibly muscular, he had a body to die for. His facial features were ruggedly cut, and sometimes appeared severe and harsh, since he rarely smiled–which was probably the reason so many kids had been scared of him when they were growing up. Well, that nasty scar along the side of his face might’ve had something to do with it too. But he was thinner—and his face appeared to be incredibly pale—against the deep dark blue of his uniform. “This Air Force stuff looks like it’s taking its toll on you, Luke.”
Luke smiled sheepishly. “Ah, but the flying part is great. I wanted to be a pilot, and I’ve become a pretty damned good one, at that.”
That gravelly voice sent shivers down her spine. But there was something he still wasn’t telling her. She could see it in his eyes, as she continued to study him with concern. “But?”
He hesitated, staring her down, before seeming to come to a decision. He finally shrugged. “But, nothing. I’m here for the wedding–and to hook back up with a few of my friends.” He suddenly smiled and winked. “I wanted to enjoy the last couple days of my leave.”
Kelly nodded her understanding. “I’ve got about thirty-five minutes before I need to get back to the reception for pictures.” She hesitated. “How about taking a walk with me?”
He grinned, and her stomach did a flip-flop. “Sure, Princess.”
She gave him a rueful smile, and reached for his hand.
Kelly’s eyes shot to Luke’s, as the shock from his touch sent an electrifying jolt shooting straight through her entire body.
