Free To Fall (The To Fall Trilogy Book 1) by Donna AnnMarie Smith

stood near the pool, his back turned to us, drying off. He only had shorts on, wringing his shirt of water. The slight movement of his hands sent an undulating effect to each muscle in his upper body. Turning in the dim light, I caught a glimmer on his skin. Two thick, iridescent lines stretched along the length of his back, starting at each shoulder and stopping just inches above his pelvis, tapered to a point at each end. Had I not been staring at him, I would have missed them. If it hadn’t been for those strange marks, his skin would have been flawless.
    He turned to face my direction and my mouth went dry, air left my lungs. Cast like a sculpture, his carved chest led into broad shoulders and his arms were bulky and defined. I hated the fact those arms were around me and I didn’t fully appreciate them. My eyes drew down to his abs, a washboard more-than-I-could-count-pack, and cut hips. Etched muscles plunged beneath the low-hung shorts. Good Heavens.
    The wet shirt stretched back over his torso, covering up my last glimpse of that hard stomach. As his eyes met mine, he gave me a warm smile. My first smile from him. A bunch of butterflies took off in my stomach. He walked back toward me and the girls left; I would have to thank them later.
    The smooth skin around his eyes creased. “I like ‘Xander,’ by the way.”
    Any hint of a smile on my face fell away. How did he hear me from across the yard? I had whispered, didn’t I? I was certain I did.
    He said, “You should get going soon, so you can rest. Are you feeling all right?”
    I nodded, incapable of forming words. Thank goodness the part of my brain in control of motor function was working. I was staring at him again, but I could totally blame that on the near death experience, lack of oxygen to my brain.
    Beth and Mel saved me before drool trickled out of my mouth. Mel grumbled that things were just getting good with Tyler, and I mumbled an apology.
    Xander followed us out front to the car. Beth and Mel shot me looks of approval, and my stomach churned with nerves. He reached the passenger side before me and opened the door. Guys still did that? Xander waited for me to slip into the car. He grabbed the seatbelt, drew it out, and handed it to me to click in. Our fingers touched again.
    Somehow, I found the English language in the recesses of my brain. “Xander, thank you for tonight. I don’t know what you say when someone saves your life other than, thank you.”
    He smiled, revealing two rows of straight, bright teeth. His hand encompassed mine and lifted it to his mouth. Soft, full lips kissed my hand. He kissed my hand ! Forget the butterflies. A flock of birds took off.
    Returning my hand to my lap, those hazel eyes sparkled. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Abby.” Closing the door, he waited for Beth to pull away and didn’t take his gaze off mine.
    Did I hear him right? He said it was a pleasure to finally meet me.
    Finally .

10
    Abby
     
    “Holy hot guy, Batman!” Mel squealed from the backseat.
    Beth grinned behind the wheel. “Yeah, he was so hot he was on fire! I would totally give up my no-boy rule for those muscles.”
    I nodded.
    “What’s wrong, Abby? Hot boy got your tongue?”
    I rolled my eyes at Mel. “He didn’t ask for my number. He must think I’m a spaz.”
    “No way, Abby. Did you not see the way he was looking at you? No one else existed. He was intense.” Beth pulled her eyes off the road long enough to make sure I heard her.
    Mel’s blood alcohol level made her louder than normal. “And he kissed your hand goodnight! That was even hotter!”
    “Mel, he was being polite,” I said, trying to downplay their excitement. Nothing good could come from reading too much into pecking the back of my hand.
    “I’m telling you, Abby. He has a thing for you.” Beth sounded sure of herself.
    Mel gripped the back of my seat. “Who is he? I’ve never seen him before.”
    I shrugged. “Maybe Tyler’s neighbor or