Behind The Proposal novel Chapter 2

"I'm Tom, by the way," he murmured, looking down at her.

"Sophie," she sniffled, dabbing at her face with the immaculate white handkerchief he handed her. "Sorry about that. Again," she muttered.

"It's nice to meet you, Sophie," he said, his smile slightly crooked but genuine. Then he lifted his sunglasses, and she got her first look at his slate-grey eyes. She could get lost in them. He grabbed her arms as her knees turned to mush. "Hey, are you sure you're alright?" He held her still as his gaze skimmed over her like a caress.

Sophie looked down at where her hands gripped his strong forearms, resisting the urge to run her fingers along his hairy skin. "I will be, thanks," she dismissed and glanced up, taking in the serious set of his jaw and the dark hair falling over his forehead before she dared look in those disturbing eyes again. They were full of concern and she felt naked and exposed.

Swallowing hard, she pushed back from him and immediately felt the absence of his warmth under her fingers. "I'll just go back to my room and get a Band-Aid or two." Then she could collapse on the bed in embarrassment and hopefully sleep.

"Can I at least buy you a drink?" he asked politely.

She meaningfully looked at her watch, then back at him. "It's a bit early for a drink." Even still, she was wavering, if only for some adult company.

"My body clock is a bit out," he murmured, a cheeky grin on his face. "Besides, it's five o'clock somewhere," he teased and she was seriously tempted by the offer. "Coffee, then?"

She fought a smile of her own. If he'd said anything else, she would have graciously declined. "Coffee sounds good."

"After you."

The man named Tom smiled and held one hand out to usher her down the path before collecting his suitcase and resting his other hand on her back as they walked. It was just a friendly gesture, but it seared her skin, even through her t-shirt. She picked up her pace so he would drop his hand. "Just give me a minute to clean up," she forced a smile in his direction.

"I'll wait right here," he murmured as he watched her.

He tingled from the contact as the rest of him cried out for more. "Are you normally this clumsy?" Or was she just like that around him? He'd be lying if he said he wasn't interested in her and why she was so frazzled this morning. She was staying in a tropical paradise, she should be relaxing by the pool or having a leisurely brunch with her... husband? Fiancé? He checked her hand - no ring. Boyfriend then?

"Not normally," she shook her head. A surge of male pride shot through him at the fact he affected her that strongly. Her messy blonde plait flicked over her shoulder as she looked around for an escape route. "Look, about that coffee -"

"No!" Tom shook his head. "This is exactly why I waited here. I knew you'd just disappear on me." He stared at her, arms crossed, waiting for her response. He watched the colour of her cheeks turn from pale porcelain to a glorious shade of pink - almost the same colour as her t-shirt - confirming what he'd guessed. "Please let me buy you a coffee, it's the least I can do." Besides she was a fellow Aussie in Hawaii, he should at least be polite.

"You don't have to."

"I really do," he insisted and stepped up close to her. Closer than was probably wise given the way his hands itched to touch her again. Her beautiful eyes looked up at him. His mouth ran dry and it was like all of the air had been sucked out of the room. He should step away from her. He should turn and walk away. Right now. Forget he'd seen her. Forget he'd touched her. Just go back to his office and back to work. But he couldn't. His feet were glued to the spot and he couldn't drag his gaze from her expressive eyes. Eyes that told him a lot - like the fact she was tired, and attracted to him - but also not enough at the same time. He wanted to know more.