Holding Out for a Hero Read Free Page B

though my stomach fluttered nervously. “You’re David’s brother?”
    He nodded. “And, as you probably already know, the Super quit the other day, so the apartment’s open. I figured Jerry can stay there until David hires a new guy. Then again, considering how busy David will be the next couple weeks, I guess that’ll be first on my list. After I get you hooked up with hot water again.”
    “I can’t believe it was David who dumped my Chai this morning. We talk in the hall every so often, but he never mentioned he and his wife were expecting.”
    “Sheryl wasn’t due for another month, which is why he was so freaked out this morning.”
    “I bet. Is everything okay? Or is she still in labor?”
    “Everyone is fine. And David felt really bad when he realized what he’d done, but the taxi was already moving.”
    I waved my hand. “All’s well that ends well, right?”
    He smiled. “I sure hope so.”
    The suggestion in his deep tone kick-started my pulse. “So…boy or girl?”
    “One of one of each. Jessie James and Lacie Lynn.”
    “Twins, wow. He will be busy,” I predicted. “And you’ll be helping out in the meantime?”
    He gave a brief nod. “If you need anything at all, you can call me.”
    Which reminded me, the bully kids had made off with my phone. I almost laughed. Believe it or not, I’d been looking for an excuse to upgrade that old thing. I glanced around the darkening alley before gathering the courage to gaze into those mesmerizing blue eyes. “I believe I can. Thank you for the rescue.”
    “I wouldn’t exactly call it that.” His smile turned sheepish. It was so cute.
    “I would. I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t shown up.”
    A shiver snaked up my spine and he reached out to squeeze my arm, his touch gentle and warm on my skin. “Next time bring backup, okay?”
    “Oh, I don’t know about a next time.”
    “Your lack of hesitation when you jumped to Jerry’s defense was inspiring and frightening at the same time.”
    “Yesterday I don’t think I would’ve done what I did today, but like I said, it’s been quite a day.”
    “Then it sounds like a good one.”
    “Surprisingly enough, yeah.” I smiled up at him. “Pretty darn good.”
    His head tilted and my cheeks warmed under his thoughtful regard. “I have no doubt there’ll be a next time.”
    The unwavering conviction in his voice sent a tingle through my entire body. No one except my parents had ever expressed such complete belief in me before, and this guy didn’t even know me. I didn’t know what to say out loud, but I did know he was right. My life had changed thanks to a book I’d picked up simply because it tickled my funny bone. A book I hadn’t even read yet.
    The silence stretched. The moment I realized I was staring at him like a woman denied dessert for far too long, I decided to speak now or forever look like an idiot.
    “Well, I—”
    “Would you—”
    We both broke off with self-conscious laughs. I waited for him to speak first because I liked the beginning of his sentence better than mine.
    “I was going to ask if you’d please let me replace that coffee now?” A hopeful note coated his sinful voice.
    Yep, there were some days I couldn’t believe my luck. And this time I planned to embrace him—I mean, my luck—wholeheartedly. “You know, after the day I’ve had, that would be great.”
    I took a step toward the street, anxious to sit down and get to know him.
    “Wait—” He caught my arm. “You’re barefoot.”
    “Um…yeah. Stupid, I know, but my heel broke on my walk home. Carrying both my shoes was easier than walking with one leg two inches shorter than the other.”
    He reached out and touched the earlobe that was minus one of my favorite earrings. His fingers caressed my skin and skimmed along the underside of my jaw before he lowered his arm. “You really did have quite the day, didn’t you?” he asked softly.
    I fought not to melt in