In A Heartbeat (The Shameful Regret Series) Read Online Free Page A

my back, I look over at them and
tell them, “Nothing. I’m headed to the ladies room. Watch my clutch.” And I
shake my head “No” to Michelle when she arches her eyebrow in question of if I
need her to go with me. The restroom is only just down the hall that is right
behind where our table is. I don’t trust Gabbi to stay at the table alone,
she’s a social butterfly. She sees a handsome face, she wanders off to make a
new friend.
    I make my way through the crowd to the hallway. I keep my
head down so I don’t make eye contact with anyone. I don’t want to get drawn
into a conversation. I should have kept my head up, because the next thing I
know I was running nose first into a very hard chest and stumbling backwards.

Chapter Four
    Jolts of electricity surge through both of my shoulders as
strong hands grab me and pull me back to an upright position. “Hey there
sweetness, watch out. You don’t know who you can run into back here.” a deep
voice said as I look up into the most intensely green eyes I have ever seen.
This can’t be happening to me. I can’t be standing here with Mr. Brooding
Stare’s hands on me.
    “I, uh, um, excuse me. I’m sorry.” I mumble as I try to walk
past him. He hasn’t moved his hands, but he maneuvers us to the side of the
hall and my back is very close to the wall. I’m starting to feel trapped, but
at the same time, I feel safe with him.
    He moves his body closer to mine. He is so tall. I have to
crane my neck to look up to his face despite my four-inch heels. He is even
more handsome than I originally thought. A small dimple is set deep in his
right cheek and pops as a little smirk forms on his lips. Oh, those lips. They
look so full and soft. He has high cheekbones, and a strong jaw that is covered
with a day’s worth of dark stubble. His face is so close to mine. He bends down
until I can feel his lips near my earlobe. He licks his lips and says
“Sweetness, you trying to get away from me? Come on, I don’t bite.” He pauses
then adds, “Hard.”
    My mouth drops open at that comment and I am at a complete
loss for words. Did he just say that? I back away from him until my back hits
the wall. I place my hands flat against the wall as if I can crawl inside and
disappear. I look down and away again. If I keep looking into those emerald
pools I will crumble right here. What is wrong with me? I can feel my face
flush. “No, I was just going back to my table.” I answer, and I try to shrug
off his hands that are still on my shoulders, although they have crept
closer down to my arms.
    I start walking in the direction I was going when he grabs
my elbow again. “Sweetheart, the tables are that way.” He says pointing back
over his shoulder, that smirk on his lips turning into a full-blown smile.
Shit! I was still heading to the restrooms.
    Looking back up at him I smile shyly, “Yeah, I’m just going
to the ladies room, then I’ll go back to my table.” Why on earth I felt the
need to tell him that, I have no idea.
    I scurry down the hall and run into the restroom and right
into a stall. I shake my head to try to clear the fuzziness. I take care of my
business and splash some water on my face to try to cool my flaming cheeks. I
take a few deep breaths before I walk back into the hallway. It’s starting to
get late, and I’m hoping that Michelle and Gabbi will be ready to leave soon.
My night has been eventful enough; I don’t think I can take anymore.
    Okay, just get to the tables and tell Michelle you’re
ready to go. You came out, had a drink, and spent some time in the real world.
That should make her happy. I talk to myself as I’m weaving around people,
I don’t notice that damn man is still leaning against the wall where I left him
until I’m right in front of him again. He has his hands in the pockets of his
jeans, and one leg is bent with his foot braced on the bricks behind him. My
steps falter as I take in the sight before me. His jeans are stretched