Page 41 of Outlaw Heartstrings
He leans his weight against the counter, bringing the subtle, spicy scent of his cologne along with him. He shrugs. “You gave it to me.”
That’s true.
“Well, because you’re freakishly tall,” I quip, trying to keep my heartbeat even.
“And you’re still adorably short,” he quips right backwith a mirthful smile. Twinkling eyes and deep dimples included.
I ignore the way my stomach flutters as we stare at each other. Reaching up, I mindlessly fiddle with my glasses.It’s nerves, I tell myself,I’m just nervous around him because of everything that’s going on with Jagger.
Pretending to organize the forms on the desk in front of me, I look away from him and change the subject. “What are you doing here?” I ask, both terrified and thrilled by the idea that he might be here to see me.
About Jagger, of course.
He and I still have unresolved business where my nephew is concerned. Aside from a quick text message to let him know that I mailed out the DNA testing kit, I’ve sort of been dodging his attempts to keep in touch over the past few days. But I can’t avoid him for much longer. Easton’s brother pulled some strings and he’s getting the results rushed. Soon, we’ll officially know the truth about Jagger’s paternity.
And that could change everything.
As hesitant as I am about Easton storming into my nephew’s life, I know that he’s therealparent here. At a moment’s notice, he could make a legal power move and completely pull the rug from beneath me.
This situation is delicate. I’ve got to play nice with him.
“Physiotherapy session.” He points down toward his ankle, and I feel my shoulders soften in relief. “Do I get the pleasure of being checked in by you today?”
I let out a quiet snort. “Yep, and I’ll do you one better. I’m about to go on break so I’ll even walk you over.” After I check Easton into the system, I lean over and tap the shoulder of my co-worker who’s also working reception heretoday. “Hey Laney, I’m going to take my break. I’ll be back in ten.”
She ends the phone call she’s on and wordlessly stares at Easton, her jaw gaping to the floor.
“Um, Laney?” I try again. “I’m taking my break. Can I bring you back a snack?”
She blinks and nods.
“What would you like?” I ask her.
“Holy hockey biscuits…” she mumbles, eyes transfixed to Easton’s butt as he turns and wanders a few steps away.
“Laney!” I hiss. “No hockey biscuits on the cafeteria menu.”
Her cheeks turn pink as her guilty eyes bounce back to mine. “Sorry.” She shakes her head. “No hockey biscuits for me.” She leans toward me and lowers her voice. “But I do have a question, though. Where exactly does one acquire a man who looks like that?!”
I blatantly roll my eyes at her.
She tilts her head and pouts. “Hot girls don’t gatekeep. Whatever happened to girl code?”
Chuckling, I grab my purse from under the desk. “I’ll fill you in later.”
As my work bestie and also Julissa’s roommate, I should give Laney the tea about the whole Easton saga. She always gives amazing advice so I’m sure she’ll have a good tip or two for how to make sure everything goes smoothly with him.
For now, I lead Easton down the hall toward the elevators. When I glance back at Laney, she throws up two crossed fingers for good luck. I appreciate the sentiment.
I turn my attention to Easton with a smile as we walk. “So, how has physiotherapy been going?”
The patients and hospital staff can’t help but stare atEaston as he passes. I wish I could say I don’t get what all the hype is about. But I do. I really,reallydo.
He’s so damn pretty. Looking at him almost hurts. There’s just this overwhelming presence about him that makes me squeeze my thighs together. I’m well aware that my body’s reaction is inappropriate, but when it comes to Easton, I’m not sure how to discipline my rebelling lady parts.
“Things are actually going well so far.” He nods. “Everyone is hopeful that I’ll be on track to get back to playing hockey when the season starts up.”
I feel a sudden ping in my chest, a painful one. Like someone stabbed me with a plastic fork, right in the heart. Here I am mentally making all these plans for him to be in Jagger’s life. Meanwhile, Easton is busy preparing to go back to his hockey life.
