Page 65 of Tight End

No shocker there since I was such a mess the first time we ran into each other.

My heart leaps into my throat, bouncing back and forth against it like a pinball.

He stops a few inches from where I stand staring at him.

Then that million-dollar smile is back.

When he holds out his hand, I take it, managing a smile of my own.

And I swear I feel an eruption of tingles shoot up my arm.

The good kind.

The comforting kind.

I blow out a breath.

I’m okay.

“I’m sorry I took off on you the other day,” I blurt out. “I was surprised…and upset…and, yeah, surprised. I’d just found out recently that you got my brother’s heart. It was kind of a shock to find out and then see you all within forty-eight hours. I didn’t know what to do or say.” I let out a nervous laugh. “Not really sure now, either.”

“It’s all good, man. I’m really glad to meet you. And…I’m sorry.”

I give a quick nod, a lump forming in my throat. “Thanks.” Clearing my throat, I point at his scrubs. “You in medicine?”

“Yep, I’m a resident in pediatric cardiology at Mercy Hospital.”

“Wow, that sounds…I mean, it takes a certain kind of person to do that kind of work.”

“It is, but a double-edged sword. So incredibly rewarding to bring good news to a kid and family, but not everyone gets good news. My job is to make them as comfortable and well-taken care of as possible.”

“Sounds like my brother’s heart found the perfect home,” I muse.

“I’m taking good care of it.”

“Hey, Chaser!”

I clench my fists because I recognize that voice.

Chase walks past me and I turn in time to see Jack capture him in a bear hug. “I’ve been back for over a week and this is the first time I get to see you?”

“I live the doctor life now,” Chase says with a chuckle. “All work, no play.”

“It’s great to see you.”

“I took a detour on my way home especially to see you,” Chase says. “Otherwise, who knows when I might run into you?”

“Well, if you’re off tonight, I’ll see you at dinner at your parents’ house.”

And, of course, the asshole doesn’t miss the opportunity to slide his eyes over to me when he says it.

Goddammit, maybe I’d like to beat Jack’s ass with the guitar case.

Too bad James already took it home.

“Chase, it was great to meet you,” I say, backing away with a wave. I got the message loud and clear. This reunion doesn’t include me. “Take care, guys.”

Jack flashes a triumphant smirk at me and looks back over his shoulder at Sam, who is jogging over.

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