Page 59 of Fear of Falling

“I love you too, Jo.”

Right on cue, I heard a knock at my front door.

He’s early.

“Have fun and call me later.” With an encouraging smile, Tasha ended the call.

Grabbing my phone, I hurried to the door as I did my best to calm the fluttering butterflies in my stomach. As my hand gripped the doorknob, I paused, forcing myself to take adeep breath before I opened the door. At the sight of Wyatt, I swallowed thickly, the butterflies in my stomach swarming.

How is it possible that he looks even hotter than he did last night?

My gaze ran over him, taking in the fitted light blue sweater that brought out his eyes, and the slim-fit, dark jeans that showed off his muscular legs. He literally looked like a model.

No wonder he’s named one of hockey’s hottest players.

“Hey,” I breathed, forcing myself to look him in the eye.

“Hey back. You look great,” he said. I loved the way he didn’t hide the fact he was checking me out.

“Thanks. You do too.”

As he brought his gaze back up to meet mine, his mischievous half-smile made me a little weak in the knees.

“Ready to go?” he asked.

“Sure am. Just let me grab my purse really quick.”

Not wanting to make him wait, I quickly walked into the living room and grabbed my handbag off the counter.

Stepping into the hall, I locked my door and turned to Wyatt, my nerves and excitement rising in equal parts.

“Feel like chancing the elevator again?” Wyatt asked, extending his hand.

“I’m game if you are.” I placed my hand in his and let him lead me towards the elevator. His hand was firm and solid, his callouses pressed against the soft palm of my own. I gave it a little squeeze as I tilted my head back slightly to look at him. “Lead the way.”

22

JOSIE

“Ihave a few things planned for today if you’re up for it.” Wyatt glanced over at me as he steered his car out of the parking lot.

“Definitely. What do you have in mind?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“Color me intrigued.” I loved that he’d put thought into our date, that he’d made an effort. It was something I hadn’t experienced in a long time.

“How’d you sleep by the way?” Wyatt asked, and I smiled in response, thinking about the surprise, late-night phone call. It had only lasted about an hour before we started drifting off to sleep. I’m not sure who fell asleep first, but when I woke up a few hours later my phone had died.

“I slept well. How about you?” I asked.

“Same.” He glanced over at me, smiling. “Although I got a kick out of learning you talk in your sleep.”

Instantly my cheeks burned, and I covered them with my hands.

Shit!

I wasn’t someone who simply uttered the odd mumble in my sleep. No. I had full on conversations. More than oncewhen I lived with Tasha, she’d woken me up from my constant chattering.