Brawn - Laurann Dohner [3]
Boy, is he. Becca swallowed and stepped forward, smiling at the large male and decided he was totally hot. It might take some time getting used to his strange features but his attractiveness captivated her. She held out her hand. “I’m Becca Oberto. It’s nice to meet you.”
Brawn turned his attention her way again and she stared up into the darkest blue eyes she’d ever seen. They reminded her of a night sky, so dark, but with just a hint enough of blue to be striking. His eyelashes were extraordinarily long and black, matching his hair. The feline shape of his eyes was remarkable and beautiful. His irises weren’t round like a human’s. They were oval, similar to a cat’s and they were breathtaking. She was so caught up in studying his features that she didn’t notice anything was wrong until he smiled and amusement sparked in his gaze before he glanced down.
Becca followed where he looked and heat warmed her cheeks. She’d forgotten they were supposed to shake hands, too caught up in gawking at him. A laugh bubbled up as she gripped his large palm, taking note of how warm his skin felt and the rough texture of calluses on his palms and fingers. Her gaze jerked up to his again as their hands clasped.
“Sorry. Your eyes are amazing.”
His smile widened. “I take it I’m the first of my kind you’ve met? You seem…fascinated.”
“Yes and yes, I am. You have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.” She refrained from wincing, realized she probably sounded idiotic and had babbled about his eyes twice.
The grip tightened on hers as his fingers curled to encase her entire hand and some unknown emotion flickered in his eyes. “Thank you for saying so.”
“You can release her now.” Her father ground out the order through clenched teeth. “You’re supposed to shake, not hold hands.”
Becca laughed and released the guy. “Sorry.” She took a step back, still peering into his eyes, unable to stop.
“It’s fine. I am grateful that I do not frighten you. Some human females are terrified when they meet us or they freeze up and just stare.”
She stared. Damn. Becca laughed lightly. “I admit I’m guilty of it. I’m sorry.” She forced herself to glance at her father. He looked livid as he glared back.
“Go pack up your things and move into your old room now, Rebecca.”
Her smile faded. “Dad, back off. I’m not ten anymore. Let’s not yell in front of Mr. Brawn. It wouldn’t make a good first impression of us, now would it? We should at least allow the man to get settled in before he realizes we’re a dysfunctional family.”
“You have to move because of me?” Brawn’s shock sounded in his voice.
“It’s not a problem,” Tim assured, sounding less angry. “The guesthouse my daughter owns is located at the back of the property and is more remote from the street traffic. There are a lot of trees and it’s quieter. I’m having groceries delivered to you and I know someone asked your clothing sizes. Your new uniforms will be here within a few hours. Nothing is planned for today to give you time to unpack and adjust to your new living quarters before you start the job. You’ll be riding with me every day. I’ll pick you up in the morning at eight o’clock and I’ll give you my number in case you have any questions or need help.”
Brawn nodded. “Fine. Thank you but I’m sure I can manage.”
Tim jerked his thumb in the direction of the larger house. “You can come home with me while my daughter goes to the guesthouse to pack her clothes. It shouldn’t take her long.”
Becca glared at her father as she fully faced him. “I have a better idea. I’ll take Mr. Brawn to the guesthouse and show him around. He can start moving into the guestroom immediately.”
“Now, Rebecca—”
Her spine stiffened when she recognized his temper flare and knew they were about to argue again but his cell phone rang. Saved by the bell. She blew out a relieved breath as he dug the phone from his pocket, glanced at the front of it to see who called and softly cursed.
“It’s work.”
Becca waved, all the tension leaving her. “Bye. I know you have to rush off to answer it. Classified shit and all that so we