Page 143 of It's Always Us

He pulls away just enough to hold my gaze. “You want me to go flirt with the nurses?”

“I didn’t say flirt. Just ask really nicely and smile. I’m sure that’s all it will take.”

“Is this how it’s going to be now? Me being your side piece and working it to get you what you want.”

“Well, I’m married to the sexiest man alive.”

His lips brush against mine. “Should I take my shirt off, too?”

I hit him with the pillow. “Absolutely not. That is reserved for me and me alone.”

He stands. “Oh, possessive, are we?” He grins, but it doesn’t quite meet his eyes.

He strolls toward the door.

“Mark.” He turns back, holding the door open. “If you wink, I bet they’ll also let you snag me a donut or something from their stash.”

“Got it. Offer sexual favors to get you a cookie.”

It’s my turn to grin as I watch the tall, gorgeous miracle, who somehow happens to be my husband, leave to work his magic and get me out of here. And maybe some kind of sweet treat that I need to adhere to my anxiety and temporarilysquander it.

Chapter 45

MARK

I drum my fingers against the small kitchen table. I pick up my phone and then put it down.What in the hell I’m supposed to do with myself?

I’ve already called the dealership and purchased a brand-new, fully loaded F-150. I’ve talked to my trainer, and he’s working on finding a gym and making travel plans. Now, I can only sit here and wait for Lex and Cal to get back from picking Bree up from school.

I wanted to go, but Lex thought it was best we didn’t ambush her and at least give her the ride home to know I’m here. Although, she’s going to walk in here thinking I’m just Lex’s husband.

Nerves and me don’t mix well, and I’ve had enough. My skin feels too tight.

What if she hates me? Or she doesn’t think I’m funny? Or can’t stand my hyper-spontaneous tendencies? What if she doesn’t want me to help take care of her? What if she’s angry I wasn’t here for her?

I pound my fist on the table, then pick up my phone and call Shane.

“Finally, get your head out of your ass?”

“I’m about to lose my damn mind, so if you could take it easy on the shit-giving for the moment, that would be nice.”

“What’s wrong with you?”

Given my state, I’m down for cutting to the chase. “I’m probably ten minutes away from meeting my sister.”

Silence. The one who always has something to grumble says nothing.

“Yo, you’re supposed to say something reassuring here. You deal with an army of kids every day. What am I supposed to say to her?”

He clears his throat. “So, you’re in Ohio?”

“Shit, Shane. Catch up, please. Quickly. Lex went to get her from school, and they’ll be here any minute.”

“Just calm your high-strung ass down, or you’re gonna need a sedative.” He lets out a breath as if somehow its relaxing effect will be infused into me. “You’re great with kids. They cling to you like you’re the sugar high they’ve longed for.”

“But this is different.” I try to think why it’s different. “She’s my sister. I need her to like me. There’s pressure. I’ve never cared if kids like me. They just do.” My knee starts bouncing. “But this one. What if she thinks I’m high-maintenance?”

“You are.”

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