Page 27 of Heartless Pucker in Love

“Stop it,” she hissed.

“What?”

“Staring.” Now she was glowering at me. “What is wrong with you?”

“Just trying to figure out how you could possibly look sexy in that ridiculous t-shirt,” I grumbled.

Her gasp echoed and she tugged at the shirt. “Asshole.”

“I complimented you.”

“And insulted my shirt in the same breath,” she hissed.

I did, didn’t I?

Huffing, she stood up. “What’s your problem? You’ve been giving me dirty looks all morning and you barely paid attention to your manager.” Hands on her hips, she sank her teeth into her bottom lip. “Is this about what I said this morning after…” Her cheeks reddened. “When I ask you not to tell anyone that we kissed. You seemed upset.”

My mood darkened and I felt my scowl deepen. “Not everything is about you, April,” I snapped.

Her brows shot up, and I immediately felt foolish for snapping. Of course, it was about her. We kissed, and she was ashamed of it. She had hurt my feelings. Not many women had that power and I was pissed at her for it. Taking a deep breath, I muttered. “I’m sorry. I’m just in a sour mood.”

“Yeah, I got that.” Seeming to look right through me, she sighed and walked over to me. I sat taller in my chair and swallowed as she neared. I was a lot taller so even sitting, we were almost eye to eye. “When I said not to tell anyone it was because I was ashamed of my behavior. You hired me, Julian. Shoving my tongue down your throat isn’t a part of my nursing duties.”

Gazing at her I felt stupid. Admittedly, I did jump to conclusions about what she meant.

She rested a hand on my shoulder. “Not once did I even think you’d...exploit me. We’ve had our moments over the years, but I know you have a shred of decency somewhere.”

“A shred? Gee, thanks.” Laughter shone in her eyes and I felt my lips twitching, threatening to smile at her. Since we were back on teasing terms, I nodded. “Of course, shoving your tongue down my throat can be added to your list of duties. Haven’t you ever heard of sexual healing?” I grinned. “Maybe that’s what I need.”

She snorted, dropping her hand and gave me that, oh Julian, you’re such an idiot look. “If I believed you were actually serious, I’d tell you to keep it in your pants.”

My amusement faded when I realized that she really thought I was joking. I did want to get into April’s pants, and I was seriously disturbed by that desire. “Yeah, that’s me, always joking around,” I murmured, my eyes skating away from her.

“So, we’re good now?” she asked.

“When have things ever been good between us, April?” I mimicked her words from this morning with a smile.

Her lips lifted at the corners. “You know what I mean.”

“We’re fine, Flower Child.”

She sucked her teeth and huffed.

“I’ll never stop calling you that.”

“Whatever,” she grumbled. “I’m going to head back to my room for a while.” Giving me a glare that was slightly less intense than usual, she grabbed her medical bag and walked out.

I guess that was our version of a truce.

* * *

“What are you so focused on?”

I glanced at April from my laptop screen. To my pleasant surprise, she got up and threw herself down in the seat beside me. I chuckled.

“What?” Big green eyes filled with confusion stared back at me.

Grinning, I shook my head. “You must be bored.

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