Blood In The Stars Read Online Free Page A

for.
    This time however, she looked forward to talking and the prospect of screaming across the table while others cheered every time some athlete scored a goal, didn’t appeal to her.
    All the complaining in her head helped to take her mind off the jitters attacking her stomach and the pounding in her heart. She didn’t even know why she was nervous. She had gone on dozens of these blind dates and she had taken each of them in stride, never experiencing any anxiety in the process. But tonight was different.
    Only this time did an overwhelming anticipation fill her. She pressed her hand to her heart, reminding herself to stay composed. Just another blind date. No big deal.
    The cab slowed and Daria glanced out the window. A man stood in front of the bar, his clothes and skin illuminated red and blue from the fluorescent sign and slightly yellowed amid the glow of streetlights. He had dark hair but stood too far away for her to recognize.
    Her heart stuttered before thundering in her chest. She was sure they could hear it as far south as Hyde Park. So much for staying composed.
    The driver muttered the cost of the ride and she whipped out ten dollars before stepping outside. A cool breeze swished around her bare legs, reminding her that beauty came with sacrifices. She had donned a blue, floral sundress with an A-line shape. A white cardigan helped to keep out the cold and she matched everything with white sandals and a purse.
    Her chest clenched and her stomach practiced gymnastics as she neared. Keep it cool, Daria. Her date appeared hot in the photos, but he was absolutely gorgeous in person. He wore a fitted black tee that showed off the muscles in his arms and his dark blue jeans emphasized a narrow waist and strong legs. Michelangelo couldn’t have imagined a more perfect face to carve in marble. His rugged jaw line begged for caresses and she suspected it could lift in defiance or bow in shyness as it did now.
    And he looked strangely familiar. Where and when had they met before? Her brows furrowed. Surely she’d remember if they had. No one could forget a face like his.
    She stepped closer and oddly, warmth and belonging replaced her anxiety. Things were going to go well. She could feel it.
    The smile that spread on her face blossomed straight from her heart, and with her hand outstretched, she greeted, “Hi, you must be Jason. I’m Daria. Nice to meet you.”
    He grinned and responded with a firm handshake, introducing himself in turn. When his fingertips touched the inside of her wrist, little shivers wound up her arm, teasing her memory. The shyness she thought she saw disappeared. The man exuded confidence with his easy smile and height, which she’d bet measured over six feet. Why he possibly needed a dating service was beyond her imagination. She’d have to ask him that in a bit.
    A sparkle on his wrists winked at her. Bracelets? She didn’t have a chance for a second look as they went inside. He politely allowed her to walk ahead of him, which didn’t give her the chance to study him more.
    Dozens of people stood around the bar and almost all the tables had customers. From the sudden cheer, she guessed an important game played on the screen.
    Several women turned around and stared at Jason as they walked by. Their gaze darted from him to her, and she could guess what they were thinking. Why did a guy like that date a girl like her? Daria gritted her teeth. Well, he was, so too bad. One woman tossed Jason an inviting smile. Great. The consequences of a hot date.
    They stopped in front of their table and sat down. She tried not to let the stares bother her and reached for the menu, expecting to order first. Instead, she found him smiling at her, displaying teeth befitting a toothpaste ad.
    “I’m really happy you could make it. I know it was a little last minute. But I couldn’t wait to see you.”
    She blinked, dazzled by his smile. She could stare at him for hours if he always smiled at her like