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"Is it that man you mentioned yesterday?"
"God, is it that obvious?" I mumble, placing my hand in front of my face.
My 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 my mom walks out of the kitchen, I take a sip of my caffeine booster and grab 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? Fuck, my head is a mess.
Suddenly, two hands touch my shoulders. A rush of 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'm there, my mouth drops as I turn and see the grunting man behind the chair. He's bent over and rubs his diaphragm with his palm.
"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, and I can't blame her. Steven is an attractive man. I haven't seen him in seven years and boy did he change. We were neighbors growing up, but then he left home to study medicine, and I didn't see him—until now. My eyes travel over the around six-foot-tall man with dark brown hair cut in a taper fade hairstyle. His clean-shaven, soft, oval-shaped face shows off his smooth jawline, and his intriguing hazel irises could make a girl feel special when they are focusing on you. He's wearing slim-fit jeans, sneakers, and a tight black v-neck t-shirt—his whole attire shows he's a fit and healthy man.
"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 lovethe smell of freshly mowed grass and pine trees. There is so much difference between the air of Boston and here. Don't get me wrong, I cherish the buzz of the city, but being here reminds me of how nice it is to have space and trees and nature surrounding your home.
"I'm still amazed that you walked five K in heels," Steven says, pointing to my feet as we make our way back to our parents' houses.
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 door of the driver's side opens, and my heart bounces against my ribs, seeing the towering man step 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?"
25
COLE
Six days,five hours, and twenty-three minutes have passed since I last saw her. From the moment she left, I’ve come to realize that my feelings for Alex are more in-depth than I wanted to admit. The prospect of her walking away after our contract ends is causing this constant uncomfortable pressure in my chest. And my dreams have become nothing more than torturous hours wherein she says goodbye and I see her leaving with another man. I've spent my nights on the balcony, contemplating what to do. Many times a day I've noticed myself grabbing my phone, ready to call her, just to hear her sweet and sassy voice. But then, when I would remember her asking me for space, I'd put the device away and focus on work.
"Cole? The light is green." Samantha chuckles as the truck behind me hits the horn.Shit.
A few minutes later, I pull up onto the driveway and park under the oak tree near Nick and Emma's house.
"Holy shit. Their house is a freaking mansion!" Samantha states while stepping out of the car.
I chuckle, seeing her big eyes darting over the Brown’s residence.
