Nick stops and studies me. “What happened, Hannah?”
That he noticed something was off sends a jolt through me. And there’s a protectiveness in his voice that not only warms my heart but cracks it open with a sliver of possibility that’s undeniably alluring and inviting. I have to look away from Nick’s penetrating gaze before I spill the entire saga about Bandit.
I lock down the rush of emotion that’s as much startling as it is disturbing. The one thing I can’t stand is an emotional scene, especially if I’m in the middle of it. I attempt to appear casual with a shrug. “Just this dog I keep seeing. He’s been severely neglected. I think he was injured, but the owner never took him to a vet.”
“How serious is it?”
“He drags his back end, so probably spinal damage.”
“Did you talk to the owner?”
“Tried to. He’s a royal jerk who leaves him outside, covered in his own feces without water. Or much food, judging by how his neighbor brings him treats along with water.” I did exactly what I wanted to avoid—spewed my emotions—and now my eyes are burning and starting to blur with tears.
Nick stops his exercises and holds my arms just below my shoulders. “Hey, it’s okay.”
Tears forgotten, I snap my eyes to his. “No, it’s not! This poor animal is suffering, and no one’s helping him.”
He rubs his hands up and down, releasing an unexpected comfort through me. “Not true.”
I frown at him. “Do you know something I don’t?”
His grin slides into place in slow motion. “I think I know you well enough to know the owner doesn’t stand a chance. And if I can help, let me know.”
It’s all I can do not to bury my face in his shirt and blubber like a big baby. I didn’t realize how much Bandit was weighing on me. “Thank you. I know someone who works at Animal Services. Hopefully, he can help.”
“A friend?” Nick glanced away, sounding hesitant.
Is he just curious or is there more behind his question? “Something like that.” I lift the band from the hook and put it back with the others. “Ready for some heat?”
Nick nods but says nothing.
I’m left wondering if more happened in our brief exchange than I realized. The last thing I need is another protective ‘brother.’ Between Graham and Liam, no guy stands a chance. And because Sarabella is a relatively small town, I’m pretty sure word of that has gotten around. Not a single guy has asked me out since I moved back.
Not that Nick would ask me out. And if he did, he’d most likely have to jump through hoops for at least a month or two before my brothers would even consider it. Not that I let mybrothers run my life, either. I just know when and how to pick my battles.
And considering his player rep, Nick is not a battle I care to engage in, no matter how sexy the man is.
CHAPTER 7
Nick
Maybe I should find a different physical therapist. But that would open up all kinds of questions from Graham. If I told him I didn’t think things were working with Hannah, he’d likely get offended and ask even more questions. Plus, it wouldn’t be true. After three weeks, I can already do more with my arm than I expected, and I no longer need the sling. And I can drive comfortably again. Finally.
Of course, I could just be honest and tell Graham I’m developing a raging crush on his sister. But I can totally picture his face turning beet red right before his head explodes, like the emoji he likes to use in texts when something surprises him.
Besides, now that Hannah lives in Sarabella, it’s not like I can avoid seeing her, especially when Graham invites me to dinner with his family. Like tonight.
I tried to figure out an excuse to beg off, but honestly, not as hard as I could have. The draw to be around Hannah won that battle, even if I can’t do more than observe from afar. I admit I am curious to see what she’s like outside her office. Seeing her upset yesterday about cracked me open. I wanted to find this dog myself and rescue him.
Just for her.
Graham appears in the doorway to his parents’ house before I’m halfway up the walk. “Hey man, glad you could make it.”
I hand him the peach pecan pie I picked up from our favorite bakery, Bake My Day. “Thanks for inviting me, Aquaman.”
Graham’s eyes light up like the sun when he reads the label. “You just scored extra brownie points, dude.”
I chuckle at his excitement over a pie. “I know what you like, man.”
