Page 9 of Double Fault

The moment the woman he escorted in comes into view, all the blood drains from my body. I want to think my heart rate kicks up a notch—or twelve—because it’s trying to force blood to my brain, but it’s simply because the woman in front of me is maybe the most stunning creature on the planet.

She’s young, in her early twenties by my guess, with curly dark hair that falls to her clavicle. Without my permission, my focus drops to a pair of breasts I should not be noticing. Fuck, they’re nice. More than nice, really, in the simple long-sleeve shirt she wears. The top is modest, not even close to scandalous, but even so, I can’t stop myself from checking her out. Her skin is a soft, warm brown, and her eyes, eyes that are taking me in similarly, are dark.

She looks away before I do, and for some stupid reason, that stings.

Fisher clears his throat. “Noah?”

Fuck. Right. I’m supposed to talk to her.

“Hello.” I stand and extend my hand. “I’m Noah Baker.”

She slips her soft palm against mine, and a zap of electricity darts up my arm. Shit. Yeah, this woman is real. “Sabrina Howard.”

“Take a seat,” Fisher tells her, shooting me a look that clearly sayswhat the fuck is wrong with you?

My heart hasn’t raced like this in the presence of a woman since Annie. I had convinced myself I’d never feel that kind of attraction again. I was okay with that. She’s the love of my life. I lost her too soon, but at least I had her for a little while.

Now, Sabrina Howard has me questioning things.

For a long moment, I tap my pen against the table and take her in, this time with a more critical eye.

She looks young, too young to be in charge of my daughter.

Not as young as you were when you had her, my conscience taunts.And the hospital certainly let your immature ass walk out the doors with a newborn.

Fisher slips into the seat beside me. “Your résumé says you have a degree in elementary education, but I don’t see any teaching positions listed under your previous jobs.”

I stifle a snicker.

She cocks her head to the side, assessing me with narrowed eyes.

Fisher taps his finger against her résumé, garnering my attention. For the first time, I give the document a cursory look.

Twenty-two.

“I only recently earned my degree, and the field is very competitive.” She takes a breath, darts a look between the two of us, then snaps her mouth shut, as if she’s decided against saying more.

“How are you with kids?” he asks, pen scratching against the legal pad in front of him.

Fisher has taken notes on every candidate. Me? I’ve done nothing but sit here.

I need to put more of an effort into the search. I leave for Australia in a matter of weeks, and Maddie has to come with me. If I thought finding a suitable candidate in Houston was hard, filling the position while on the road will be next to impossible.

But this is my little girl.

Fisher can kiss my ass. Maddie is my world. I won’t settle for anything less than the perfect fit.

“In general, I’m great with them, but kids are all different. Working one on one with your daughter would give me the opportunity to learn more about her as an individual and tailor my care to what best suits her. It would also give me insight into what kind of support she needs education-wise. I assume that would be a bonus for you, considering, from what I understand,a background in education isn’t required.” She arches a brow, her shoulders pulled back.

I’m impressed by how confidently she addresses me since I’ve barely acknowledged her existence.

Other than staring at her tits like a horny teenager.

Nodding, I tap my fingers on the table. My heart is beginning to return to its normal rate. Now that it is, I’m assessing her, wondering what’s so special about her. Sure, she’s beautiful, but beautiful women are a dime a dozen. Her beauty doesn’t explain why my heart has lost control of itself.

“No, it isn’t required,” Fisher says, since, once again, I’m silent. He kicks me under the table.

Brow furrowed, I continue staring at Sabrina.

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