One Night with Prince Charming by Anna DePalo Page B

I’m experiencing a sensation of déjà vu.”
    Hawk grinned. “I thought so.” He chucked her under the chin. “You acquitted yourself splendidly today.”
    â€œWith your help. Victoria seems to think you went above and beyond the call of duty.”
    â€œIt was the least I could do,” he demurred with a touch of self-mockery. “I was the one who got you involved with the crazy bride.”
    She smiled. “Only with the best of intentions.”
    Hawk felt momentarily dazzled by Pia’s smile. She could light up a room with it, he thought. Give her a wand and she could sprinkle some glittering fairy dust, no problem.
    He pushed aside the whimsical thought, and for Pia’s benefit, he shook his head in resigned amusement. “A doggy attendant dressed up to match the bride? Who’d ever have thought it?”
    â€œYou’d be surprised,” Pia returned. “I’ve even seen a pet pig march up the aisle.”
    â€œWell, Finola is no match for Mr. Darcy.”
    Pia laughed. “Mr. Darcy would agree with you, I’m sure.”
    They discussed the wedding at that point, with Pia remarking on how beautiful Victoria had looked, and Hawk commenting on some of the faces he recognized among the guests.
    â€œThis is a working party for me,” Pia said eventually, as if to remind herself as much as him.
    â€œI suppose you’ll have to stay until the very end then?” he remarked.
    She nodded. “I’ll have to make sure everything is wrapped up.”
    Hawk looked through the reception room’s paned windows and noted it was already dark.
    â€œHow are you getting back home?” he asked, guessing that she hadn’t come in her own car because she’d had to borrow the services of his earlier.
    She lifted a shoulder, and said simply, “I’ll order a car service.”
    His eyes met hers. “I’ll stick around then.”
    â€œI…i-it’s not necessary.”
    â€œI know.” He smiled. “Nevertheless, I’m at your disposal.”
    It wasn’t until a few hours later that he was able to make good on his offer. He noted that Pia still managed to look as edible as dessert by the end of the evening, even though she also seemed drained.
    They drove back to Manhattan mostly in silence, content to observe the darkened world whizzing by after a long day—and comfortable enough in each other’s company not to make forced conversation.
    When Hawk pulled up in front of Pia’s building, however, he glanced over, only to notice that she had fallen asleep.
    Her head was leaning back against the headrest, her lips parted.
    He turned off the ignition and then stopped, taking a moment to study her face. For once, she looked unguarded.
    Her blond hair had a fine, wispy quality, and he knew from experience that it was as soft as a baby’s. Her eyebrows were delicately arched over eyes that he knew were large and expressive and a fascinating, changeable mix of amber hues.
    Hawk let his gaze roam down to her lips. They held the sheen of a shimmery pink lipstick, but they needed no embellishment for their natural charm as far as he was concerned. He’d tasted them earlier in the day, because the temptation had been too great.
    He debated for a moment, and then, unable to help himself,leaned over, tilted her chin toward him with a light touch and pressed his lips to hers.
    He rubbed his lips against hers, feeling the tingle of sensation, and then gently worked her lower lip with a small suck.
    Dessert hadn’t been nearly as good.
    Pia’s eyelashes fluttered. She opened her eyes and lifted her head.
    Hawk pulled back, and then gave her a lopsided smile.
    â€œWh-what?”
    â€œI was awakening Sleeping Beauty with a kiss,” he responded in a low voice. “Isn’t that the fairy-tale heroine that you are today?”
    She blinked, coming further awake. “Unintentionally. This