Page 32 of Counting On You

For whatever stupid reason, I believe her.

“You are?” Surprise replaces the weariness. I expect her to withdraw her hand, but she doesn’t.

“Why not? I’m not the person to judge you. Right?”

My gaze meets hers again, and in that moment, something happens. I don’t know what it is, except that it feels like a vault’s just opened. It’s deep, intense, and a hell of a lot intimate. As my eyes zoom in on her, I know she feels the same way.

We’re standing near the door. She pulls back and places her hand on the handle. It’s my clue to leave. I know it is, and yet I find myself glued to the spot, fighting the sudden want to stay.

She places the box onto the table and then she turns around. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

She shrugs. “For making it all so easy, I guess.”

I let out a chuckle. “Don’t get your hopes up. I’m not doing it for you. I’m selfish and incredibly vain and really need my beauty sleep. A yelling, angry roomie wouldn’t be in my best interest.”

Her lips twitch. “Okay. I don’t want to hold you back longer than necessary.”

Turning around, I head out the door. She closes it behind me when I remember her ugly accessory. I can’t leave without making a last impression.

“Hey, Stalker!”

The door opens again and her head pops out. “Yeah?”

I put on my most serious expression. “May the Force be with you!”

She frowns, confused. Finally, as my words sink in, her lips start quivering, and then a laugh erupts from her chest.

It’s really addictive.

Her lips. Her eyes. Most of all, her laugh. I love people who can laugh like that. Open. Full of life.

“May the Force be with you, too, Panty-chaser.”

I can feel her gaze on me as I head down the hall, realizing I like it. I like her. But most importantly, I want her.

The little, sexy nurse.

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