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As an exotic dancer in L.S. Quantum’s Star-Studded Male Revue, Caleb performs for crowds of women, but not one can see beyond his debilitating speech impediment to the caring man inside... Until a sexy space trader flies into port and weasels her way into his heart.
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“Are…y…you all r…right?” The man’s words came out rough, stilted, yet his voice was soft and encouraging.
Adara’s attention traveled from his rough, thick fingers to his firm forearm and over his massive bicep hidden beneath the edge of his dark shirt. She sucked in her breath and continued her upward gaze over the expanse of his broad chest and strong, thick neck. His dark, wavy hair framed his features, the soft tips coming to rest at his shoulders.
Her heart skipped a beat before picking up speed.
He was the man from the swimming pool.
She’d recognize his chiseled jaw, long, straight nose, and arresting blue eyes anywhere. Up close and personal, he was gorgeous beyond belief. She couldn’t speak, aware that her mouth opened and closed of its own volition. Heat raced up her chest and into her face.
He seemed to focus on something over her head. “I’m sorry, are you okay?” His gaze returned to hers, his eyes flicking back and forth as he assessed her.
The urge to tuck a lock of his hair behind his ear and feel the silky strands between her fingers crested over her. She fisted her hand, sending a bout of pain up her forearm.
“I’m fine. Just a little clumsy. I should’ve looked in the mirror before coming around the corner.” She glanced at the optical lens suspended from the ceiling to prevent collisions like this one. The distorted image made them appear much closer together than they really were, almost as if they were in a lover’s embrace. A pang tightened her chest. If only that could be true.
Wrapping his fingers around her arms, he pulled her to her feet, his strength overpowering her. A shiver of delight raced down her back. Close to him, his minty breath mixed with the heady scent of his skin, masculine and strong. He released her, and the absence of his warmth made her want to cry out.
With determined focus, his gaze tracked over her, as if assessing her injuries, but then he glanced over her shoulder. “The med clinic is right here. Doc Cornelia can take a look at you.”
His focus returned to her, and the concern in his eyes melted her on the spot. He glanced at the birthmark above her eyebrow, but didn’t dwell on it, his attention riveting on her eyes while he waited for her response.
The old insecurity she harbored inside rose, beating on her psyche. She couldn’t stop herself from tugging several strands of hair over her forehead to hide the blemish. “That’s okay. I’m fine.”
His gaze held hers for a long heartbeat. “Th…that’s g…good.”
Taking a step back, he broke eye contact. A tic pulsed in his jaw. “I need to leave.”
She placed her hand on his arm. “Please, don’t go. I recognize you…” he flinched, and she released her grip, “…from the crew’s lap pool. My name is Adara.” Uncertainty wound into her chest, tightening around her lungs.
He glanced at her, the blue in his eyes piercing in its intensity and filled with reticence. She wanted to reach out, take away the pain that lingered in their depths. Instead, she stepped away, giving him some room.
He turned around, and the taut muscles in his back tensed. “My name is Caleb.”
The deep timbre of his voice wound inside, stroking her like she was a long-haired Portinian cat. An urge to purr swelled in her chest. She bit the inside of her cheek. Her response was so inappropriate, but she couldn’t deny her reaction to him.