Page 15 of Blindsided By Fake Love

I will need a nap after the roller coaster of emotions I’ve gone through in the last five minutes.

“I know Jack, Nicky’s fourteen-year-old nephew, right?”

“That’s him.” Beau’s lips curve, and my chest constricts. “He’s great but having a rough time. Not uncommon for kids his age in his situation.”

Jack’s short life has been tough. I don’t know the full story, and I haven’t pried. What I do know is that Jack was all but abandoned by his parents and came to live with his grandmother, Missy Samuels, and his Aunt Nicky two summers ago.

I nod my agreement and fish around my purse for my keys.

“From the few times I’ve talked with him, I was able to yank out of him that he likes animals. I was going to ask around town if any animal professionals would be interested in meeting with him.”

Snapping my eyes to his, I see he’s being completely sincere. There isn’t an ounce of teasing in his look.

“That’s a great idea.”

“Glad you agree.” The teasing tone is back. “Would you be interested? It would be great for him to learn about the options available and how he can get involved in something he’s passionate about.”

“I’d love to help Jack out.” I smile, trying to ignore the stomach swoop at the kindness of the man in front of me. “Every summer, I search for someone interested in what I do, like an intern. It lets them know what’s involved with working in the veterinary field. If he’s interested, maybe we can work something out.”

“Really?” Beau’s brows shoot up. “That could be perfect.”

Reaching out to grab my suitcase, my hand brushes Beau’s. A zing of energy rushes through my body. When I glance into his eyes, I know he felt it, too. My breath catches. But like the speed of light, his expression shifts to something else.

“I’m meeting up with him Wednesday afternoon. Are you available?”

Blinking rapidly, I try to remember what we were talking about.

Beau flashes a smile and I can see every one of his teeth. Warmth creeps up my face again.

“To meet up with Jack?”

I take a deep breath and focus on finding the key that unlocks the door. “Sure. Wednesday works great.”

“Amazing. Thanks, Kit.” Pushing the door open, I shove my suitcase inside. The weight of Beau’s eyes lingers. Trails of heat move along with his gaze. “Sure you don’t want me to carry you in?”

Quirking a brow, I turn toward him. He’s the epitome of innocence, but the gleam in his eye makes me giggle.

“I think I got it,” I snort, and he waves before heading down the stairs.

“See you around…” His pause has my insides twisting, “Neighbor.”

Pulling myself together, I wave goodbye, but I don’t stop watching him head to his car. When he gets there, he turns around. He stares for a moment before waving again and getting in.

Stepping over the threshold, I can’t help but wonder what it would’ve felt like if hehadcarried me inside.

Chapter Seven

Beau

Shovingmydufflebackin the locker, I check through my texts for the tenth time in five minutes. It’s been two days, thirteen hours, and fifteen minutes since I last talked to Kit.

It's not like I’m counting or anything. Four o’clock can’t get here soon enough.

Living around the corner isn’t helping. It’s taken every ounce of control I have not to walk over and knock on her door.

“Hey BD. How’s married life treating you?” The more restless I get, the worse the needling becomes. “Still wanting to get the marriage annulled, or are you reconsidering?”

I shrug and slide the phone back into my bag, not sure what to say. They were all with Kit and I in Vegas. Witnessed the wedding. They know me. They saw my response to her.

---