Page 46 of Off the Wall

“I saw your lights out from the street.” I shrug. “Didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Well, thanks for the lock.” She holds up the bag and gives it a shake. “How did the surgery go?”

HIPAA rules prevent me from saying much, but a part of me wants Nori to know my leaving today was worth it. “The doctor seemed happy with the results,” I say. “And he wants to use my stuff again. That’s nowhere near as important as the patient outcome, but still.” I duck my head. “It’s a bonus.”

Nori leans back against the doorframe, her eyes wide and curious. “It must be amazing to watch people being put back together again, all day, every day.”

My guts cinch, and I’m tempted to tell her I used tobethat guy on the table. After all, Nori was open with me about her self-consciousness on a bike. I feel like I should be honest too. Share something with her now. I want her to know me.

Even though I shouldn’t.

She’s looking for a boyfriend hard enough to be on a dating app, so I can’t let her get under my skin. Or, more accurately, I can’t let herstaythere.

“It’s surreal, all right,” I offer. That’s enough sharing. For now.

“Anyway, we got cut short earlier, but I wanted to say thank you again for today. For everything.” She offers me a tiny smile, and my heart starts hammering behind my ribs.

This woman iswayunder your skin.

“Yeah. Well.” I shuffle my feet. “I’m glad the bike works for you.”

“I’ll try my best not to pop a tire or break a chain.” A laugh slips out of her. “Hopefully I won’t have to text you with any bike-related emergencies.”

Before I can stop the motion, my mouth ticks up on one side. “For the record, I’m also available for any future skinned knees.”

“Careful what you offer,” she says, playfully. “You havenoidea how often I fall down.”

“I think I have some idea.” My brow quirks. “And I think I can handle it.”

And I think about you.

Way too much.

Chapter Fifteen

Nori

Spring Into Love Campaign

Post-Date Assessment

(CONFIDENTIAL)

Name:Adam

Date and location:Skating at Spring Brook Roller Rink.

Best adjectives to describe the date:Patient (him). Bruised (me).

Memorable moment:Falling down during the backward skate session and taking out four other people.

Overall score out of 10:Ummmm 6? Adam was sweet, but my butt still hurts.

Name:Miles

Date and location:Solving an escape room at The Great Escape.

Best adjectives to describe the date:Funny (him). Had to pee (me).

---