Lustrous blonde hair spills in loose, thick waves around her shoulders, firelight dances across graceful high cheekbones and a perfect nose, and long, dark lashes frame her big, mossy-green eyes. She’s slender with curves in all the right places, and though not dressed as provocatively as many barmaids he’s met, she cuts quite the figure in her tight-laced russet bodice and dark blue petticoat, with more than one man at his table regarding her (and the swell of her breasts) with interest.
She navigates her way toward them bearing her tray of drinks and sets it down on the table with a murmured greeting. “Hello. Here you are. Now, would you all like food, more drink, or both?” She listens intently as the men begin ordering, intelligence obvious in those lovely eyes. Then she turns her gaze fully upon him, her expression going solemn. “I should thank you for earlier, Captain.”
Something about her sincerity causes him to feel almost shy, but he acknowledges her thanks with a tip of his head. “Yes, well, I’ll have you know your quick thinking deprived me of a dashing rescue.”
His words cause her to smile – this time a real, gorgeous, self-satisfied smile that reaches her eyes and causes his throat to tighten. She shrugs, lashes brushing the tops of her cheeks. “Sorry. The only one who saves me is me, I guess,” she says with a slight blush.
He chuckles. “Tough lass.” He holds out his hand. “Captain Killian Jones. They call me Hook.”
It All Starts With a Dance 