AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yeah. It’s scary knowing he’s got such a serious heart condition.”
I swallow as the nauseating image of Brian lying on the floor, gasping for air fills my mind. “Yeah, and he needs help and support, but he tends to act like a grumpy hedgehog every time I try to help.”
“Oh, in that aspect, Cole and Brian could be blood brothers. They’re men who convince themselves that they must deal with their issues alone.”
Alisha grins when I tell her about him getting grumpy when I opened the car door.
“Want my number one tip for breaking through that thick skull of his?” she asks.
I nod.
“Be patient, but be clear. He’s gone through a lot, but if he’s acting like an ass, set him straight like a good friend would do.”
I let out a tired huff. “Easier said than done.”
“I know. Just remember, fear is temporary, but regret lasts forever.”
“Damn, these babies are turning you into a wisdom guru.”
Alisha shrugs. “Maybe. But thanks to these wonders, I can’t drink any alcohol but still manage to get a hangover every morning.”
I burst out into laughter at her sour face.
She glares back. “You wait until you’re pregnant and throw up your guts every morning. It’s disgusting, but enough talking. It’s time for you to go. Remember, dreams come true when passion transforms into concrete action.”
My smile widens. “Wow, you keep throwing them out.”
She chuckles and grabs her bag. “This oracle is going home to a home-cooked pasta dish—nothing better than carbs when you’re pregnant.”
Once in our cars, we honk as we both take off in opposite directions.
Why isn’t he opening?
I press the bell again. No answer. I turn, ready to check if his car is in the garage when, “Amanda?”
I nearly fall off the step in shock at the sound of his voice.
“Goddammit, you scared me. Why—” My breath hitches when I turn around and find him standing there, his sweatpants hanging low on his hips, his rippling muscles exposed and perfect. My fingers tremble with anticipation as my eyes trace the path of light blond hairs down the middle of his chest until it disappears beneath the seam of his pants. His six-pack is calling to me, begging me to explore every ridge and crevice of his exquisite body. I feel my cheeks flush as I meet his gaze and find them twinkling with pleasure as he takes in my reaction.
“Never seen a man’s chest before, Brownie?”
I try to keep my composure and lift my chin higher. “Many, actually. So don’t get too full of yourself. I just wasn’t expecting you to answer the door in such a... casual manner.”
He chuckles and steps back. “Good, come in. I need your help.”
Stepping through his double-height foyer, I take in his unique floating staircase and the dark herringbone wooden floor.I love his exquisite taste.
“Follow me,” he says, strolling toward the French doors of his living room.
I stop, blinking at the sight of Brian stretching himself out on his chaise lounge couch. He pats the seat beside him. “Come here, Brown.”
“Why?”
A grin tugs at the corner of his mouth. “I need you to remove this adhesive plaster.”
I look at the white square below his left collarbone.
“Doc said I could take it off today. I was showering when you came, trying to get it off, but...” His mouth twists. “It hurts. So that’s where you come in.”
