Available May 29, 2009 From Awe-Struck
E-Books
Unedited Excerpt
Betsy rounded the archway stepping into the dining room and there he stood. Her breath caught in her throat. She could simply blame it on being taken by surprise. But that would only be half true. Something about this stranger awakened a peculiar, yet pleasant sensation that flowed through her. It could have something to do with the intoxicating scent of his cologne filling the room. Or just the way he held his head as he picked over the literature on the table. Whatever it was, she couldn't just stand there gaping at him like a love struck teenager. It was a mystery to Betsy that her legs felt a bit wobbly when she took a few giant steps toward him and extended her hand across the table. "Hi there, I'm Betsy Alexander." A crushing sensation in Skylar's chest took his breath away as her hand reached out to him. Relief flooded through him when she finally lowered her arm and continued to smile after he didn't accommodate her invitation to shake hands. "You're the one handling the open house?" he asked, grateful his words came without a stutter or something equally humiliating. The coldness in his tone was compatible to the steely eyes that commanded an answer. Betsy cleared her throat. "Yes, I am." Something within saved her from a shrinking feeling and she stood tall. God knows he still towered over her. "I was just about to lock up. But I'd be happy to show you the house." She told him when she'd be happier if he'd just leave. "Well lead the way then." What arrogance, Betsy thought as she moved into the hallway, tempted to look over her shoulder to see if he followed. But unnecessary since the scent of his cologne grew more powerful as it swirled down around her, making her feel half dizzy. "I'm sure you've noticed the home is immaculate," she began as she climbed the open staircase to the second floor. To the bedrooms. A fierce 'oh no' screamed within her. What if he's a rapist? A serial killer. She wasn't aware that she was practically running up the steps. At the landing, she quickly whirled around to see where he was and crashed into him where he stood on the top step. His strong hands caught her around the elbows. Skylar's nostrils flared as her sweet scent drifted upward, giving him a moment of lightheadedness. He exhaled to try and rid himself of the enticing sensation. Time seemed to freeze while Betsy's heart beat frantically. Yet, she could have sworn she stopped breathing. Slowly, she peered up, just in time to see the amused smile and warmer eyes before he quickly let go of her. He wasted no time stepping around her onto the landing and took over the lead. His move suited Betsy just fine. She didn't think she could handle more of the unnerving sensations she'd experienced with him behind her as she climbed the stairs. Certain his blue eyes were taking in every inch of her curved hips, outlined by the light colored material of her skirt, which ended just above her kneecaps. She had no doubts he'd given her nylon calves a close look as well. It was her turn to get a good look at him as he strode down the hallway. His short dark hair appeared professionally cut and styled. Not a strand out of place. His broad shoulders were covered with a mint green colored short sleeved shirt that revealed deeply tanned muscled arms. Khaki trousers covered the nicely rounded buns and long legs. She watched him open the door to the master bedroom and disappear inside. His absence made her remember why she was here and she dashed through the doorway crashing smack into him once again. Betsy grunted from sudden impact before glaring up at him, certain her face shaded red to match the background in her printed blouse. Skylar's hands grasped hold of her arms a second time. He couldn't help thinking she'd sensed his attraction to her and was intentionally trying to seduce him. Time to put a stop to it before she had him buying a house he had no intention to own. "Do you make a habit of banging into people to get their attention, Miss Alexander?" "Of course not." She jerked away from him, from those accusing eyes. A second later she wondered how he knew she was a Miss. She distinctly remembered introducing herself as Betsy Alexander. "Then perhaps you should consider having your eyes examined." He stepped around her and back into the hallway. For one brief moment, this bold, arrogant and downright rude man had Betsy contemplating why she stayed in this business. She didn't have time to dwell on the thought. If she didn't get moving the last potential buyer for Stephanie's house would get away. "Did you see the half bath in the master bedroom?" she questioned as she rushed down the hall to catch up to him. "I saw it," he answered sharply and opened another bedroom door and took a quick peek inside. "Have you noticed the hardwood floors were recently refinished?" Skylar needed to put distant between them. Get a breath of fresh air before he made a move he'd later regret. "I've noticed, Miss Alexander." Copyright(c)Lacey Diamond
