The Unintended: The Watcher Series Book One [Chaps 1-6]

Chapter 2-WHITE KNIGHT, WORST ENEMY

I sat, blinking up at the complete stranger with his outstretched hand. He was tall, with flawless pale skin, and blue eyes so piercing that they made Paul Newman's look mundane. Every feature was perfectly balanced on his chiseled face, his blond hair tousled like he had just walked off a runway in Paris.

It took me a second to realize what he was doing; he was saving me. I was the damsel in distress, and he, the heroic prince, was swooping in for the rescue. This made me both blush and feel irritated. I didn't need saving, but nothing good could come from my current course of action. I unclenched my fist and replied, "Ummm...okay..."

His smile made my heart quicken. I lifted my bag and headed towards the door. He guided me out, lightly placing his hand between my shoulder blades. As I passed Robert's table, I noticed that all four of them sat speechless. Peter held food halfway up to his mouth, watching me exit with probably the hottest guy I had ever seen. I couldn't deny that it thrilled me a little.

Once outside, the night air seemed especially sweet, with the jasmine spilling from the flower boxes along the street. I paused when we were out of view of the café windows and turned to look at my own personal rescuer. Once again, I felt my heart race when I looked at him.

"Thank you," I said timidly, hit with unexpected shyness, my cheeks burning.

He grinned at me. "As amusing as it would be to see you punch the big one, I didn't think the end result would be favorable."

"That obvious, huh?"

"To anyone paying attention. And, I was paying attention...to you," he added, still smiling.

"I could have taken care of myself, but this was probably better."

"Yes, probably."

"Well, anyway. Thanks again." I started to turn and walk towards the garage, feeling awkward.

"Do you mind if I walk you to your car? It isn't exactly a safe time of night to be out alone." He sounded concerned.

My eyes narrowed in mock suspicion. "How do I know that you aren't the one I should be wary of?" I teased, grinning.

He stepped towards me, looked at my face, and changed the subject. "What happened to your cheek?" he asked as he touched my cheekbone. His hand was cold and felt good on the injury. There was a strange warmth that seemed to follow the initial coolness.

"It was an accident, but let's just say I would have loved to have punched the big one at the table," I answered.

"Mmmmm," he murmured, not liking my reply as he glanced back at the café.

I took a few more steps towards the garage, because it looked like he was contemplating going back inside. The last thing I needed was for someone I didn't even know to get caught up in my battles. He turned his attention back to me and was instantly by my side. "So again, may I be a little old-fashioned and walk you to your car?"

"I guess I'm okay with old-fashioned," I replied, still a little flushed.

"My name is Bowen Reynard, by the way. I just moved here a few months ago," he said, easily making small talk.

"I'm Ali."

"Yes, I heard the boys at the other table. Is it short for Allison?" he inquired.

I paused for a moment and chuckled. "No, it's short for Aleria." He grinned, so I added, "Don't laugh. I know it sounds like an allergy medicine or something. My parents went on some vacation in Europe and visited a place named Aleria and...voilà." I curtsied. "It means 'Eagle.' Not that you need to know that. Anyway, now that you know the complete history of my name—" I cut myself off and shook my head, a little embarrassed by my babbling. Shut up, I cringed.