Page 37 of Reformation

“Is that how you get Boomer to do things around the house?”

She laughs as she makes sure Paige isn’t going to try to escape the fitting room. “He knows me too well to put up a fight. He knows he has no chance.”

“So I’ve heard. Don’t let him fool you. He loves it when you boss him around.”

“Damn right he does.”

Staying in touch with Boomer and Kelly has been one of the best parts of my post-hospital, try not to be an asshole phase of life. Boomer had to stay a few days past me and we’ve talked regularly since then. I’ve listened to him complain about Kelly being attached to his side since he got out of the hospital. It isn’t the first time he’s been in the hospital, and because of his heart condition, he told me it probably won’t be the last. Kelly knows this, but that still hasn’t stopped her from being a little overprotective. In return, he’s listened to me go on and on about my separation from Annika and rebooting my life, again.

He’s also heard a lot about Paige, though I’ve done my best to make sure I don’t give him the impression that I’m interested in her. Because I’m not. Or at least that’s what I keep telling myself.

As unexpected as Boomer and Kelly were in my life, so was Paige. Yes, when I first met her, she was just my nephew’s attractive teacher. But I was married, not seriously contemplating a divorce, and Charlie was threatening to rip my balls off if I ventured into my old Garrett ways.

Now? I’m separated. Even though I’m not looking for a relationship, I don’t need to feel guilty over my growing attraction to Paige. But it’s more than her blonde hair and blue eyes that draw me to her. I look forward to our conversations. It might be scattered texting, but when I see her name pop up on my screen, I get excited. They have all been around different volunteer opportunities—when I asked her to help me, I didn’t know she would take the job so seriously—but when we talk, I feel… lighter. Better. Like a part of me is healing that I didn’t know was broken.

She makes me want to be a better person. And not just because I want to impress her, but because for the first time in God knows how long, I’m starting to like the person I’m becoming.

I’m not there yet, but I’m getting there. And I have Paige to thank for that.

Which is why I can’t let this cross into anything romantic. I’m not the man she deserves. I’m trying to be. I’m not quite there yet.

“Holy shit! Look at you! You are hot as fuck!”

The voice comes from Charlie, who I didn’t know walked into the boutique, Cullen in tow. Though my nephew doesn’t stay by his mom’s side for very long as he makes a beeline back to the fitting room.

His running only stops when he crashes into Paige’s leg. Her bare leg.

Fuck, how short is that dress?

Paige is standing in front of her fitting room, arms crossed over her stomach like she’s trying to shield herself. Though I don’t know why. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. The gold and silver dress, which is made entirely of sequins, fits like Kelly sewed it especially for her. The deep V in the front doesn’t reveal anything scandalous, yet leaves nothing to the imagination.

In short, she’s fucking gorgeous. And it’s a good thing I’m sitting down.

“Miss Blackstone! Is that you? You aren’t wearing your school clothes. You are so pretty! You look like a princess!”

She is the sexiest princess I have ever seen.

Thank God for my nephew, because his words relax her, as she uncrosses her arms and kneels to his level to talk to him. I can’t help but stare at her, the easy smile she gives him as he compliments her dress and tells her all about his upcoming weekend.

However, the view allows me to see the hint of cleavage coming from the top of her dress. I stand and force myself to look away, not wanting any more inappropriate thoughts going through my head, as well as any involuntary bodily reactions.

Though I realize that might not have been the best thing to do either.

“You know you are allowed to ask her out, right?” Charlie says, teasing me.

“I’m barely a month into my separation. I have no business asking out a woman. Plus, aren’t you the one who told me that if I tried anything with her that you’d do things to my body that I’m pretty sure the CIA only teaches ten people?”

“I did, and I’m glad you listened,” she said, not making eye contact with me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel every word she is saying. “She would be good for you. I’m also proud of you for not jumping into something. This new you… I like him.”

Charlie gives me a playful nudge with her shoulder and I smile, still taking in the sight of Paige, who stands up, letting me take in the dress again in its entirety.

Fuck…

Standing up was definitely not a good idea.

Chapter Twenty-One

Paige

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