Page 16 of Nate

“You should get to know someone before judging them.”

“Yeah, I get it. I feel awful now. He probably hates me.”

Sydney laughed. “Nate doesn’t hate anyone.”

The bell jingled again and both women looked toward the door. When Sydney hissed in a breath, Markie faced her.

“What’s wrong?”

“I met that man at Celine’s coffee shop one morning and I haven’t seen him since. He’s so hot.”

“There are four men who came in, and they’re all hot, but which one?”

Sydney opened her mouth but snapped it shut when one of them stopped beside them.

“Ms. Wright? We met before, I’m Caysen Anderson.” He put his hand out toward her. When she didn’t shake his hand, Markie elbowed her.

“Oh, uh, yes. Agent Anderson, of course, I remember.” Sydney placed her hand in his and when they kept staring at each other, Markie bit her lip to hold back a grin.

“Hi, I’m Dr. Markie Russell. I work at the Clifton Animal Hospital.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Russell. Agent Caysen Anderson with MDOL.” He shook her hand. “These are my brothers, Agents Deacon and Hudson Anderson.”

The men shook their hands, told them to enjoy their lunches, then moved to a booth.

“I have never seen you so tongue tied around a man,” Markie said with a laugh.

“I’d like to tie my tongue around him.” Sydney glanced over her shoulder toward the booth, then back to her. “He’s so handsome. Well, they all are, but there is something about Caysen Anderson that just draws me in.”

“His brothers are gorgeous too. So, they’re all MDOL agents. That’s hot.” Markie laughed.

“Well, go for it.”

“I don’t even know if they’re involved with anyone.”

“True. I don’t know if Caysen is or not. One morning at The Everyday Grind, he was there with Killian and we were introduced. I haven’t been able to get him out of my head since. I need to find out if he’s involved with anyone. I’ll ask Celine.”

“Yeah, she could ask Killian.”

Sydney sighed. “If he is, I’ll move on, but if he’s not… well, we’ll see.”

“I wish I was that confident around a man.”

“What do you mean?”

“Enough to let him know I’m interested.”

“Is there someone you’d want to know you’re interested?” Sydney cocked her head.

“No. Not really. I was just thinking that if there was, I’d never be able to let them know.”

“Oh, please. You’re a woman. All you have to do is look at a man a certain way and he’ll take the hint.”

“Well, if I ever meet one I’m interested in, I’ll try that.” Markie smirked.

“You’re hopeless.”

“Hey, I didn’t see you letting Agent Anderson know you were interested.”

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