Free Arms of Serenity (Rock Services) by Donina Lynn Page B

in a clean-cut kind of way. He looked the boy-next-door type and the total opposite from the rugged good looks of her stranger from the previous evening.
    Becca sighed again. She had made it ten minutes without thinking of him this time.
    Victoria went around the table making introductions. There were three models, a woman who owned salons in ten states along the East Coast, Brad’s parents, and an older man who apparently owned a vast amount of real estate within the city. Becca tried not to roll her eyes as she was directed around the table. Victoria hastily jumped over their names and focused on what they did or owned. In Victoria’s world, that’s who the real person was.
    Becca tried to focus and nod politely. The last introduction was of an older couple that was proclaimed to be “descended from royalty”. Becca had to suppress a giggle and an overwhelming urge to curtsy as the man puffed his chest out when Victoria made the declaration. She could picture him on his throne wrapped in robes, crown on his head, and scepter in hand. He looked ridiculous and pompous.
    Becca nodded her head and smiled at the table. “It’s very nice to meet everyone.”
    “Oh good . Here comes Nicholas. Rebecca, this is Bradley’s cousin. He owns Hollsten Holdings.” Victoria took her shoulders and turned Becca around landing her gaze on a chest.
    No, No, No. This can’t be happening. Please don’t be him. Please don’t be him.
    Becca slowly tilted her head up and caught her breath as she met the same ocean blue eyes. If it was possible, he was even more handsome without the mask, and her heart felt like it was going to beat right of her chest.
    She watched as the fog lifted , and recognition washed over his features. Becca silently begged him not to reveal their heated evening together.
    Please don’t let him say anything. She would be mortified.
    He opened his mouth , and Becca panicked and quickly spoke. “It’s nice to meet you, Nicholas. Please call me Becca.”
    W hy did she mention that? He didn’t need to know what name she preferred.
    Nicholas chuckled and held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you also, Becca. Call me Nick.”
    Did he have to enjoy watching her squirm?  Because by the look on his face, he was thoroughly pleased with how uncomfortable she was. And more importantly, did he have to emphasize her name and make it sound like warm chocolate—comforting and sweet? Becca took a breath before shaking his hand. The instant they touched, electricity and heat sizzled through her, and she hastily pulled out of his grasp and turned back to the group.
    “It was a pleasure, but I really must be going.”
    Did her voice sound like she was stuttering , or was that just her insides shaking? She wasn’t sure, and she didn’t want to stick around to find out.
    She turned on her heels and started for the doors as Victoria yelled after her .
    “Rebecca, your frame.”
    She wasn’t going back and kept walking pretending not to hear.
    Becca got as far as the curve outside before she heard Nick’s voice calling her name. She closed her eyes and groaned.
    Almost made it.
    Why was he following her? Couldn’t he just leave her alone? She held up her hand to signal a taxi and hoped ignoring him would work until one stopped.
    Becca heard him say her name again . Only this time he was too close to pretend that she didn’t hear him. She turned to find him holding the picture frame.
    “You forgot this.”
    He just wanted to give her the frame. She sighed in relief and reached to take it from him.
    “Thank you.”
    He looked at her and put a smug smile on before saying, “You forgot these also.” He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a glimpse of white lace material.
    Becca gasped when she realized it was her forgotten panties. She got closer to put her hand out.
    “Thank you for finding them.”
    Nick pushed them back in his pocket. “How about that coffee?”
    Becca took a step back and crossed her