Page 9 of More than Paper

Cocky guys aren’t a turn-off. And it isn’t that Noah, Xander, and Chase are assholes. They are good guys. But I expect their cockiness.

Jamison is throwing me for a loop. He’s not cocky. If he is, I haven’t seen it yet. He is quieter than the other guys. He thinks before he opens his mouth. And his eyes focus on me when I’m talking, and different expressions cross his face, which makes me think he’s interested and paying attention to what I have to say.

There are so many things about Jamison I didn’t expect.

The intense flutters that have been in my gut all day that aren’t getting any lighter.

Or the way he gazes at me, causing me to think he might be attracted to me.

And the clean, woody scent of his skin should be bottled up and sold to the masses because it’s been making my blood pump against my flesh.

It’s like everything I’ve ever read in any of the steamy romance novels I edit is happening in real life, and I’ve never experienced it before. What I assumed is only a figment of authors’ imaginations is smacking me in the face, and it’s so inappropriate.

You’re in the hospital getting your panties in a twist while your best friend is seriously injured. Something is wrong with you, Quinn.

“I’m getting your shirt wet,” I say but don’t move out of his grasp.

He strokes my hair some more. “It’s just a shirt.”

I pull back. “Sorry. I’m a mess.”

“It’s okay. You’re allowed to be upset. It just shows what a good friend you are.”

“Hospitals, weddings, and funerals I don’t stand a chance at.”

He chuckles. “I’ll bring a box of tissues the next time we go to any of those events.”

The next time?Adrenaline shoots through my veins.

Simmer down, Quinn. He’s only joking.

I wipe under my eyes and try to compose myself.

“Why don’t we step outside and get some air?” Jamison suggests.

“Sure. That sounds good.” We walk past Noah and Chase, who are exchanging words. Jamison puts his hand on my back, sending a heat wave through my spine, and leads me past them.

“What is that all about?” I question him once we get outside.

“No idea. I’m sure we will find out.”

I inhale deeply a few times, enjoying the fresh air.

“You look ready to do some yoga.”

“Well, I do like my yoga.”

His eyes drift over my body. “That doesn’t surprise me.”

Heat creeps into my face, and he licks his lip and points to a bench. “Let’s go sit down.”

I sit on the bench, and he sits next to me and stretches his arm across the back of the seat.

“Where are you staying while you’re in town?”

“We haven’t gotten that far yet. After Noah called this morning, I threw my stuff in a bag and rode in a cab to the private airport. I don’t even know what I packed.”

“I’m sure whatever you packed is fine to hang out around here.”

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