Her Protector
by
Matt Hemmings had no problem following the tall, slender figure of Alexa McAllister, as she wove her way through the bustling terminal building at
In her early thirties, she carried herself confidently, unaware of the appreciative glances from fellow travelers. Her thick auburn hair hung in long graceful curves to her shoulders. Casually dressed in black linen trousers, white shirt, and pink jacket, she looked elegant and refreshed despite having spent the morning at the office before catching the two and a half hour flight from London Heathrow. A small black leather purse dangled from her left shoulder, a matching laptop bag under it.
Matt matched his stride to hers as she wheeled her suitcase toward the exit and queue of waiting taxis. He ignored the objections of an overweight German man who swore heartily at him for muscling into the line behind her. He waited until she gave directions to the driver, then seizing the opportunity, stepped forward.
“Excuse me. Did I hear you say, Hotel La Capanna?”
Alexa flinched at the sound of his voice and spun round. “Yes, you did. So what of it?”
“I’m staying there too. Seems pointless us both taking a taxi. Care to share?”
Alexa hesitated. “I don’t—”
“Sorry, I should have introduced myself.” He smiled and held out his hand. “Matt Hemmings. I can assure you, I’m not a stalker. I’m kind to puppies, old ladies and children. You can ask my mother, she’ll tell you I’m perfectly harmless.”
She laughed and visibly relaxed. “Alexa McAllister,” she replied, and shook his hand. “All right, but on condition we split the fare.”
Matt held open the door while she settled herself inside, then slipped onto the rear seat beside her.
More... Passionate Hearts: An Anthology of Love, Passion, and Romance
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When not working on a manuscript,
A member of Romantic Novelists’ Association since 2009, Victoria is also a member of the Romance Writers of America.