Page 13 of Easton

“Man, I suck,” I say, raking my fingers through my hair. “I didn’t mean it like that. First, I almost run you over, then I make you feel bad for being at my house.” I take a step closer, my voice lowering. “And, Claire, I don’t ever want you to feel bad for being at my place. I’m fucking thrilled that you’re here. In fact, I was just atyourhouse looking for you.”

Her brows shoot up, and she drops her arms to her sides. “You were?” she asks.

I smile. “Yep, I sure was.”

Still seemingly amazed that I was at her house looking for her, she blurts out, “But why?”

Laughing, I shrug. “I don’t know. Why not, right? I mean, I’m back in Phoenix now, and I guess I kind of was curious as to how you’re doing.” I raise a questioning brow. “Now it’s your turn. Why are you doing the same thing? Looking me up, that is.”

I really am amazed that she’s here standing in front of me.

It’s like a dream—a dream come true.

She shrugs like I just did.

Clearly, we’re both nervous.

Softly, she replies, “I guess I have pretty much the same reason. I heard you were picked up by the Bears—congratulations, by the way.” I nod in response, and then she goes on. “Anyway, it’s been so long. I just wanted to see you, Easton.”

“I like your honesty,” I say, because I do.

She nods. “This is how we always were. Honest with each other.”

“True,” I agree.

Her pretty hazel eyes hold mine, and she smiles.

Oh hell, my heart just skipped a fucking beat. She does still have that “something special” about her.

I smile back, and then, shaking my head, I say, “What a greeting, though, huh? You come to see me, and I almost run you over. I’m sorry about that again.” I frown. “You are okay, right?”

I feel like a jerk that it’s taken me this long to ask.

She waves her hand around and pshaws. “I’m fine, Easton.”

“You sure?”

She laughs. “Yes, I’m sure.”

“Good, good.” I blow out a breath and then give her more honesty. “It is damn good to see you. No,” I amend, shaking my head, “it’s fucking great. Hell, you look fantastic, Claire.”

She chuckles, and I feel like the ice is finally breaking.

“You look pretty good yourself, Easton,” she replies.

I take a chance and walk toward her. She meets me in the middle, and we hug.

Fuck, if this isn’t one of the best hugs I’ve ever experienced in my life. She’s warm and soft in all the right places, and my body wants to hold her like this forever.

Okay, my body—well, certain parts—wants more than just that. But more importantly, in my heart, which is what I concentrate on, I feel all the caring I once had—and clearly still have—for my onetime best friend in the entire world.

And that demands more honesty.

So I say quietly into her hair that’s warm from the sun, “I’ve missed you.”

“I missed you too,” she replies as she relaxes and melts into me.

Ahh, this is nice.

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