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“See!” I toss out my hands. “Now that makes more sense. You’re the thing kids get for Christmas when they’re bad.”
He growls.
I laugh.
He pulls his cell from his pocket, taps the screen a few times, and lifts it to his ear. His glistening eyes remain on me.
I hold my smile with a tilted head.
“Licks,” he barks into the cell and stalks a few feet away.
Did he just say Licks? Why would he…Oh, I get it.
Lix. It must be short for Felix. Now, I’ll never forget the cat’s name.
Cole nods. Then he crams his cell back into his pocket.
Cole? That’s his name. Now, I can stop referring to him as Dirty-hands in my mind. Could the guy I met this morning be the same man heading my way? He rescues women from their abusers. He goes to their home, knowing the abuser may be there, and helps them get out. My aunt informed me of the entire operation. Said three brothers worked with her. I didn’t know what to expect.
But he was not it.
I glance at the truck. Yep, that’s the thing he got into earlier.
Amanda. She must be in there.
I’m not sure how to do this, but Aunt Willa assured me I’d be fine. I’m a social worker, so I’ve been educated in these matters, but I’ve worked in a nursing home for the past five years, helping people make choices about their elderly loved ones—things like DNRs, health care proxy decisions, and what clothes they need at the facility. Sure, I help with family drama, dynamics, and coping with loss.
But this is entirely different.
This escort service is far from my expertise, but my aunt needed me. And since I was recently let go from my job due to cutbacks at the nursing home, I had no choice but to come to Florida and help her. I owe her that.
My eyes roll down his muscular build. What he stands for hits me, making him tenfolds hotter.
Steamier.
More scrumptious.
I want a little taste. Honestly, I’d settle for one nibble.
How long has it been? Eight months since I dumped Rob.
Yup. Eight months? Wow, I need to get laid.
Stop thinking about that! There’s a woman in the truck who needs you.
“So.” I clap my hands together. “Did I check out?”
“Yeah,” he grumbles. “My brother forgot to tell us. Is Willa okay?”
I nod. “The surgery went well. She’s in a rehab facility for a couple of weeks, and then she’ll be home. You’ll have me for about six weeks.”
“And you’re her niece?” His eyes cascade down me, slow and deliberate. I feel the heated inspection to my toes. “Harper, you said.”
I swallow hard. “That’s correct.”
“She’s never mentioned you.”
“When would she? Between pick-ups? I’m sure she had more important things on her mind. Is Amanda in there?” I gesture to the truck.
