I stare at my coffee cup, tracing the edges with my index finger."Hm, I don't know."
"Okay, let me rephrase that.Is there a man in your life that you're interested in?"
I keep studying my fingers, but heat creeps up my neck.
"Is it that man you mentioned yesterday?"
"God, is it that obvious?"I mumble, placing my hand in front of my face.
Mom chuckles."Oh, honey, I'm sure your father didn't notice it.But when you mentioned him yesterday, I saw something in your eyes that makes me believe he's different.Tell me something about him."
Just when I want to explain, the doorbell rings.While Mom walks out of the kitchen, I take a sip of my caffeine booster and check my phone.No missed messages.I sigh.What do I expect?I asked for space, so why am I sad that he didn't contact me?
Suddenly, two hands touch my shoulders.Panic shoots through me as it launches me back to my attack.But instead of curling into a ball, I jab my elbow back, and it connects with something hard.The hands disappear, and I take this opportunity to spring to the other side of the kitchen.When I turn, my mouth drops as I see the grunting man behind the chair.He's bent over, rubbing his diaphragm.
"Damn, you've got power in that elbow of yours, Queenie."
"Oh, my god!Steven?What are you doing here?"
He straightens and grins."I think the same as you are doing.Visiting my parents.I ran into your father outside, and when he mentioned you were here, I thought let's say hello and ask if you wanted to join me on a walk.Like old times."
My sweaty father strolls into the kitchen, followed by my mother, who glances at Steven with admiration.I can't blame her—Steven has changed in the seven years since I last saw him.My childhood neighbor turned into quite the catch.Standing around six feet tall with dark brown hair cut in a taper fade, his clean-shaven oval face shows off a smooth jawline.His hazel eyes could make a girl feel special when they focus on you, and his slim-fit jeans, sneakers, and tight black v-neck t-shirt show off a fit, healthy body.
"So what do you say?Do you want to get some exercise and catch up?"Steven asks.
I stand up and send him a smile."Sure.I can use some fresh air."
I love the smell of freshly mowed grass and pine trees.The difference between Boston's air and here is stark.Don't get me wrong—I cherish the city's buzz, but being here reminds me how nice it is to have space, trees, and nature surrounding your home.
"I'm still amazed that you walked five K in heels," Steven says, pointing to my feet.
I chuckle."Oh, this is nothing for me.I'm used to wearing much higher heels."
"Wouldn't mind seeing that.All I see on a workday in the ER are people wearing Crocs and scrubs.So taking a walk and talking to a gorgeous woman like yourself is a bonus.I enjoyed talking to you, Alisha."
"Me too.It was nice catching up."
"Then...how about we go out for dinner soon and talk some more?"
I stop, and when I glance at him, he sends me a smile that would make most girls melt.But it doesn't affect me.Why can't I just say yes?This is such a handsome man.And he saves lives for a living.
"Oh, come on, Queenie," he adds, now wiggling his brows and showing off his perfect white teeth."Just dinner, nothing more."He takes my hands and squeezes them.
"Steven, I..."
The sound of squealing tires from a car hitting its brakes next to us makes me jump and turn.My eyes jolt to the vehicle, and I gasp, seeing the familiar black Range Rover Velar with tinted glass.No, it can't be...
The driver's door opens, and my heart bounces against my ribs as the towering man steps out.As he comes our way, his gaze locks with mine, and it isn't until he stops in front of us that I find my voice.
"Cole?What are you doing here?"
His jaw is set in that way that means trouble, and his eyes—those piercing blue eyes I've missed so much—are fixed on where Steven's hands still hold mine.The tension rolling off him is almost visible.
Oh shit.
25
COLE
