Stealing Cupid's Bow by Jewel Quinlan

word out. “Aren’t you the nice young man who drove my daughter home?”
    He nodded and smiled as he was introduced to her family, shaking hands with Aunt Nora and Jane.
    “Raine. You’re looking better today.” He held out his hand to her as well.
    She wasn’t sure what to think about him after witnessing what she thought she had, but ended up blushing when their palms connected. “Yes, I feel better. Thanks.”
    “And what are you lovely ladies doing here in the hotel? Shopping?” His gaze swept over all of them and then settled back on her.
    “We’re here to look at the room we reserved at Valentino for my parents’ wedding anniversary,” she said. “Do you know that restaurant?”
    “Yes, very well. Great restaurant. Why don’t I escort you there?”
    He tucked both her mother’s and aunt’s hands on his arms and they walked together to the restaurant. He asked them both nonstop questions about the anniversary and family. It only took seconds for them to be charmed by him.
    Raine noticed that Jane was silent.
    “Is that the man from the plane you mentioned?” she asked.
    Raine nodded, she’d told her cousin a little about him last night at dinner.
    “You like him don’t you?”
    She squirmed inside.
    “Well of course you do.” Jane patted her arm and her eyebrows rose with emphasis. “How could you not?”
    She smiled and stifled a nervous laugh. Jane always had a way of understanding things.
    Together they followed along in silence, listening to Alexander’s conversation with their mothers and enjoying the sight of his perfect form. He was wearing the kind of jeans that displayed his butt and thighs to perfection.
    He stopped with them in front of the restaurant. “Ladies, thank you for the pleasure of your company. My afternoon has been significantly improved.”
    Her mom and aunt gushed and fawned over him. Both invited him to the anniversary party as well. He graciously agreed to stop by if he was able.
    After saying good-bye to Jane, he took Raine’s hand in his. She felt her body heat up by several degrees instantly.
    “So when will I see you again?”
    “Um, well….”
    “Why don’t you two meet for a drink later after we’re done here?” her mother butted in.
    “What an excellent suggestion, Mary. You are free a little later aren’t you, Alexander?” asked Aunt Nora.
    He grinned. “Yes, I have no plans.” He lifted an inquiring brow at her. “Raine?”
    The embarrassment she should have felt by her family arranging a date for her was dissipated by the fact that it came from love. All eyes were upon her, but his made the most impact. They were almost tugging, pulling her into their blue depths. He was irresistible.
    “Sure, that sounds good,” she finally managed. “But weren’t we going to discuss the final plans over dinner?” she said, turning to her family.
    “We can do it tomorrow over breakfast,” volunteered Jane. “Everyone can come to the shop.”
    With her cousin in on it there was no turning back now.
    “How will I get home?”
    “You’re in Las Vegas, Raine,” said Aunt Nora, “There are millions of taxis out there.”
    “Actually, there’s no need for a taxi. I’ll make sure she gets home safely,” said Alexander. “Call me when you’re done here, and I’ll come meet you. You still have my number?”
    She nodded.
    “Good. It’s settled then,” Aunt Nora said with satisfaction.
    Her family collectively sighed as he turned to walk off. He was barely out of earshot before they all started in on her.

 
     
     
Chapter Seven
     
     
    She met him at one of the loungy bars in the hotel. When she arrived, he was already settled into a leather sofa with a drink in his hand. The waitress lingered near him and they were chatting in a familiar way.
    Should she ask him about what happened earlier? Had he really shot the woman and man with arrows? He would probably think she was crazy. Heck, she might be. No one else had reacted to it at all. His