Page 22 of Easton

“Uh-huh.” I nod, twisting to face him, his excitement palpable and contagious. I can’t wait to hear what he has to say.

It’s evening, and we’re out by the infinity pool facing the mountains as we watch the sun set, which is stunning, by the way.

Sitting here, side by side in nice, comfy cushioned loungers, has become our nightly ritual. It gives us a chance to enjoy how beautiful it is up here in Cave Creek while catching each other up on how our day went.

Good God, we may not be hitched for real, but we’re already acting like an old married couple.

And you know what?

I like it.

Easton continues, his eyes meeting and holding mine. “So, get this. Lennox wants me up on the top line with him. Claire, the top fucking line!”

“Oh my God!” I exclaim, pumped for him. “No way.”

There’s true happiness in his blues as he confirms, “Yeah, the top line. Can you believe it? If it works out, this will be a dreamcome true for me.”

“You deserve it,” I tell him.

He does too. Easton works so hard on being the best he can be. He’s been getting in ice time down at the arena even though it’s not even required yet.

He’s also been working with a conditioning coach. The mornings he’s not on the ice, he’s out running the trails around our house and spending extra time in the team weight room.

It’s paying off. His muscles are bigger than ever, and he’s looking so lean and cut. I try not to stare too much, as I don’t want to get caught.

But God, his body!

Yeah, my fake husband is freaking hot, hot, hot.

But he’s my friend first and foremost. I’d never make a move or encourage him to make one. What we have, and how we picked right up where we left off all those years ago, is just too special to screw it up with something that may or may not work.

Besides—and I keep reminding myself of this—Easton only married me as a favor and to fulfill a long-ago promise. It’s not like he fell in love with me.

But what if he does?

Would that be so bad?

Stop, I command myself.

Sometimes I have these crazy thoughts, but they really need to come to an end. He and I are just freaking friends, and that’s never going to change.

If it was going to, it would’ve by now, right?

I sigh heavily, and Easton’s brow creases. “Hey, what’s wrong?” he asks. “You look sad all of a sudden.”

It’s great that he’s so observant, until it’s not.

Like now.

“No, no, it’s nothing.” I wave my hand around. “I’m not sad. I was just lost in thought, that’s all.”

He cocks his head. “Are you sure you’re okay? If you need to talk about something, Claire, you know I’m always here to listen.”

Does he have to be so sweet all of the time?

“I know,” I reply with a smile. “I appreciate that too. I promise, if there’s something ever truly bugging me, you’ll be the first to know.”

“All right,” he says. “I better be.”

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