Page 189 of Waiting Game

I scowl at him. “Your head’s going to get too big.”

“We can watch it when I’m back.”

“Who’s your favorite doctor?”

“Matt Smith.”

“Matt Smith.”

We say it at the same time.

We share a smile.

“Wanna know why my number is 42?”

I pause. “Maybe.”

He studies his nails. “Six words.”

“Cole Is A Very Bigheaded Studmuffin?”

His grin is like quicksilver—despite having gotten off, if he were here, I’d have jumped back in the saddle and ridden him like a cowgirl. “The Hitchhiker’s—” His grin widens as I clap a hand to my heart. And together, we finish, “Guide to the Galaxy.”

“You might have odd taste in books, but your viewing habits arethisfabulous,” I inform him as I grace him with a chef’s kiss.

His wink is pure cockiness, but he’s earned it by being too perfect for my own good. “Er, excuse me. Ireadthat. Well, I listened to it. Colt used to read it to me before bed.”

Chuckling, I shake my head as we part ways.

Upon my return from the bathroom, I mess with the pillows until I have a perch for the cell and I watch him lumber and hop as he returns from the restroom and falls onto his bed. A couple moments later, he does the same with his pillows and then, on his side, he stares at me.

“Few months ago, I’d have gone partying with the guys.”

“You still can. But you’d have to hop everywhere.”

“Nah, you’re more fun.”

“I’m about to go to sleep.”

“Still more fun.”

My chuckle fades as I slip into sleep after the horrendously busy day I’ve had, but my smile lingers when, on the cusp of drifting off entirely, I’m sure he whispers, “Even if you only want to read sci-fi.”

CHAPTER 36

COLE

When I hobbleup the stairs, the crutch the doc is making me use has me grumbling as I try to juggle all my cargo.

Finally accepting that it’s impossible, I put the pan on the floor then snag my cell and call her.

“You here? Why didn’t you use the key I gave you?”

“Because I have too much crap and I can’t manage it with my crutch.”

“You have a crutch?!” she shrieks, but before I can answer, she disconnects the call.

Next thing I hear is a slamming door and pounding feet as she races down the stairs toward the building’s entrance.

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