Model Attraction by Sharon C. Cooper

helped her in.
    â€œLucky bastard,” one of Janna’s admirers grumbled before heading into the hotel.
    Austin had a feeling Janna’s actions were intended to get a rise out of the men watching. It worked. Hell, it also got a rise out of him.
    He released a frustrated breath as he tried to get his body under control while strolling toward the driver’s side. He felt like an adolescent crushing on the lead cheerleader, his body having a mind of its own.
    He glanced over the roof of the car, where onlookers continued to watch. Any other time, he would have hated the attention they drew, but for some unexplainable reason, he was glad they had witnessed the interaction.
    He climbed into the car and was immediately assaulted by Janna’s seductive scent, which was potent enough to bring a man to his knees. Austin’s gaze dropped to her smooth, crossed legs, and suddenly the decision to cook dinner for her at his place didn’t seem like such a good idea. How the hell was he going to keep his hands off her? He groaned inside when he noticed her beach bag, probably holding the swimsuit he’d suggested she bring in order to take advantage of his pool.
    I’m so screwed.
    â€œHow was work?” Janna asked, pulling him out of his thoughts. When he looked at her closely, he noticed for the first time since she walked out of the hotel that she didn’t have that usual sparkle in her eye.
    â€œIt was all right,” he said slowly. “What about you? How did your day go? Is everything okay?”
    She nodded, her silence speaking volumes.
    â€œYou sure?” He slowed at a stoplight, giving her his full attention, noticing that her usual smile seemed forced.
    â€œYes. Everything’s fine.” She glanced away, which was when he really knew something was wrong.
    Instead of pressuring her for details, he continued driving in silence until she spoke.
    â€œI talked to my manager, Nelson, last night,” she choked out. A quick glance in her direction showed no tears, but the emotion in her voice made Austin wonder if it weren’t just a matter of time. He had only seen her cry two other times—once when she sprained her ankle playing volleyball, and once when her birth mother, whom Janna wanted nothing to do with, called her on her fifteenth birthday.
    â€œI fired him.”
    â€œWhat?” Austin tightened his grip on the steering wheel. He slowed when the traffic suddenly started moving at a crawl. Normally he didn’t leave work until seven in the evening in order to avoid rush hour. Today he’d made an exception. “Janna, I didn’t tell you about the calls for you to fire him.”
    â€œI had to. He ruined a portion of my life. Granted, it was my decision to go to Milan, but if I had known you called, we would have been together. I wouldn’t have spent these years feeling guilty or being disappointed because I thought you didn’t want me.”
    He definitely wanted her. Heck, he ached for her.
    She rubbed her bare legs, drawing his attention to the way her hand moved slowly up and down her smooth skin. He wished it was him she was touching.
    He reached for her hand to stop the movement, knowing it was the only way to regain his focus. He diverted his gaze back to the road. The traffic still hadn’t moved. Her hand shook within his and he held it tighter.
    â€œBaby, I’m sorry about everything. But it wasn’t his fault. I shouldn’t have given up. I could have...should have tried harder. I was young and my ego took a big hit when you left, but I shouldn’t have given up until I heard from you. Until I heard you say with your own mouth that you didn’t want to be with me.”
    â€œI never would have said that to you. I know the way I left gave you doubt, but I swear I never stopped loving you. If I could do things differently, I would. I have missed you...” Her voice trailed off and she quickly turned her