Collided: Dirty Air (Book 2)(20)

I walk out onto the venue’s balcony, taking in a panoramic view of the Sochi mountain ranges. My head snaps toward the sound of ice clinking against a glass.

I stroll toward the woman, recognizing whom the blonde head of hair belongs to. The dimly lit patio basks Sophie in a soft glow and emphasizes how her dress clings to her silhouette. Like a beacon of light enticing me with her back displayed, she teases me with the sparkling material dipping low and hugging her ass. My fingers yearn to drag themselves across every bump in her spine. I tuck my hands in my pockets to resist the urge. Lately, I’ve exercised enough self-control to rival a monk.

As if Sophie senses my gaze, she looks over her shoulder, hitting me with an expressionless face. She acts like an ice queen with no readable emotions. I let out a low laugh when she knocks back the remaining contents of her drink—her only fucking tell. She abandons the empty cup on a nearby table before she leans against the balcony’s railing and looks toward the sky.

“What are you doing out here?” I walk over to her, eliminating the space between us. Just because I can’t touch her doesn’t mean I can’t get close.

“One of my favorite things is to stargaze. I love to see the moon and stars, but it’s hard out here with all the light pollution. Did you know some towns are creating lighting restrictions to protect the nighttime environment and prevent the issue?”

“Can’t say I knew that. I would’ve never pegged you as a night lover.”

Her laugh has an airiness to it. I wouldn’t mind making her laugh again, liking the sound almost as much as her voice. “I am, but I’ve made myself into a morning person. I’ve got a schedule to keep and whatnot with school and studying. These events are way past my bedtime.”

“Ah. So, let me guess. You like to wake up at the ass-crack of dawn, follow a tightly bound schedule, and go to sleep before midnight. Like clockwork. Rigid, high-strung, and sex-free. That type of thing,” I half joke.

“Routines aren’t always a bad thing. It’s the unknown we have to watch out for.” She eyes me curiously, as if she wants to get a read on me. “But during the summer, I love staying up late and laying out by the pool in my backyard sometimes. I stare into the dark, thinking about my day, like what went right or wrong. Maybe an occasional wish whispered up to whoever listens.” Her wistfulness stirs up something in me.

My limited attention span focuses on other things she may do under the night sky. I might be suffering from a temporary lapse of judgment.

She shifts her body to face me, giving me a full view of her as her eyes roam over my body. I stand taller at her perusal, my lips lifting at the corners. A beaming smile graces her face when she catches the sneakers I wear with my suit. I tend to be a boy at heart, ditching classic shoes for white sneakers with a snake embossed design on the side.

“They let you wear shoes like that?” Her voice rasps.

“I copied the look from a girl who preferred sneakers with dresses over heels and gowns.” I lean on the railing and stare at her.

She laughs as she pulls up the hem of her long gown to reveal a pair of white leather sneakers with embroidered stars. Fuck me. While all the women inside limp from too-tight shoes, she wears comfortable sneakers hidden from the world. And for the first time, I don’t prefer fuck-me heels. I want a pair of tan legs and silver starred sneakers wrapped around my waist instead.

“I may have traded kid costumes for ball gowns, but I never gave up on the sneaker trend.” She drops the hem of her dress again, my eyes lingering on her hidden legs before meeting her gaze.

Damn, I enjoy her presence way too much. My reaction to her is screwing with me because I can’t remember the last time I had this easygoingness with a girl.

Like a knee-jerk reaction, the memory of Johanna draws a sharp pain straight to my chest. Fuck that. Not going there.

I ignore the sensation, pushing away the idea of Sophie reminding me of Johanna. “Quite the pair, you and I.”

She scoffs. Fucking hell, no charms work on her.

“Are you always such a flirt?” Her eyes twinkle, light reflecting off them like she stole the stars she loves so damn much.

“Usually, but I’ve been keeping myself locked up this season. This is my no-no square. No girls can touch me here.” I gesture toward the lower half of my body while shaking my finger at her.

Sophie drops her head back and laughs. She’s a beautiful sight, her cautiousness abandoned, the curve of her throat gaining my attention. Shame I can’t see more of her out here. I rely on my other senses, breathing in her scent of coconuts. Is it her lotion? Her perfume? And why the fuck does it turn me on?

“You should wear a sign, so everyone knows you’re not up for grabs. It’ll get the message across better for unsuspecting women. You know, because you’re…” She waves over my body like that explains everything.

“Are you trying to hint at how you find me good-looking?”

Her face snaps forward as she shakes her head. “Uh, no. You’re not my type.”

“So, you’re not into handsome men?”

She snorts. Fucking snorts. I can’t believe I find it cute. It’s unlike any other woman who hangs around me, groomed to perfection and putting on a show.

“No, I am. But I also like good guys.” Her hands fidget before she grips the handrail.

I can be a good guy when I want, and compared to Noah, I classify myself as a saint. Well, a saint who sins, but a saint nonetheless.