Page 27 of Painting Her Fate

Zander’s body is tight as he forced a smile then grabbed the pen and scribbled his signature on the paper. He then he wrote a few lines and signed the other item, a crease in his brow that most would take for concentration.

And the questions keep on coming…

“Thanks.” He hands the items back to her and I watch her face light as she reads what he wrote, “have a great day.” He steps off the back of the ambulance and holds his hand out to help me down. She thanks him and rushes to the front of the vehicle.

I take his hand in mine and a zing flits up my arm.Collywobbles?Blasted butterflies, shoo!

I hop down with his assistance, and I don’t miss his eyes raking over

my unkempt sportswear, lingering just a tad longer at my curvy hips and waist.

I can’t seem to brush off his glint of unabashed approval.

The mistress is quick to take notice.

I’m not a stick figure woman. My curves, have curves. Sure, I work out and keep active, but I also love eating and I’m not shy when it comes to my love of food. Hence the extra stone I have that, as described by health nuts, I should work endlessly to be rid of. I’d rather be myself, thanks.

His touch is warm, in yet shivers flutter through me when his fingers glide along mine, adding to the sensation churning inside. The ambulance departs and my smile falls as the crease in my brow deepens.

“Why are you not going to the hospital?”

He gave a shrug, “This? It’s an old wound. No big deal.” His dimple makes itself known giving him a boyish glint, “Besides, rather than sit in a waiting room all afternoon, how about we go for a cup of coffee? You can tell me more about yourself.”

He is touching me, and I’m not afraid.

I wonder what he is thinking. Is he trying to be modest about his pain? I can see through his ruse easy as day, the man is clearly suffering. Maybe I can convince him to take me to the hospital to visit dad, then I will make sure he is checked over; if I must sit there and watch as he goes through with it, I will do just that. I’ll fight him on it. My stubbornness can be just as strong… Zander is in for a rude awakening because he has met his match.

A startled laugh escapes me as I recall his blatant attempts at asking for more than coffee.

“I beg your pardon?” I give him a playful lift of my brow, “You’re quite presumptuous.” In yet what I’m really thinking is how I could see myself having a tryst with this man. My body is tingling at the thought.My mistress is front and center, ready to go.Bloody hell, I’m in trouble here.Why did he have to go there?

It takes a few beats before realization falls over him. Zander’s eyes widen and his hand squeezes mine as the pick-up line he just fed me sinks in.

“Oh shit. I am -so sorry, that was very rude of me.”

The look of‘what did I just say?’ is written all over his face and I can tell he’s thinking of a way to fix this. Let us see what the man has up his sleeve, then I’ll put him out of his misery if need be. His embarrassment seeps into his features as he looks to the sky for guidance.Continue, love. Tell the mistress what she is wanting to hear.That stormy stare flashes brightly back at me.

“What I meant to say was- you have been through enough today. Can I at least give you a ride home?” He shifts around in the uncomfortable sling then huffs as he confirms his previous statement, “Unless you’re up for getting coffee now.” He grumbles, clearly not in his element.

Should I put him out of his misery? I’ll be nice and let him off gently. My mistress is none too pleased with my choice.

“Thank you. I’ll be fine. You have done more than enough- I can order a ride.” I pull my mobile from my pocket, and I feel my hand tighten in his, a silent request coming from him.

“Why would you order a ride when my truck is right there?” He glances at our clasped hands then back at me, a silent plead raging within, “Please. It will put me at ease knowing you made it home safe.”

I study him and find nothing but sincerity. How can I say no?

The mistress is screeching,ask him over! I want to play with this one! Yes please!

I am not asking an injured man to get frisky. No! Just, no.

“If you insist.” I try quashing the thoughts and ‘what if’s’. Am I making a mistake right now? A pleased expression danced on his face.

“I’d be happy to.” He swipes his thumb over my hand as we make our way down the alley behind his business then to his truck.

I catch him stealing glances when he thinks I am not paying attention.

I’m stealing glances of my own, rather enjoying this silent amusement back and forth as we catch the other staring.

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