Page 15 of I Could Be Yours

“Then what’s stopping you, Nathan?”

“I’m accepting the invitation right now.” I’ll never hear the end of it if Flip takes my place at the dance lessons. And I won’t let Tristan down. I scroll through my calendar notifications and reply yes. The lessons populate in my phone. I show it to Essie. “There. Happy?”

“Immensely.” Her tone drips sarcasm. She glances at her phone. “I have to stop at The Party Place to pick up decorations.”

“I can pick up decorations,” I offer.

She pats me on the chest. “Just get that Plinko board ready.” She spins, and her long, dark hair fans out impressively.

Why the hell do I suddenly have the desire to shove my hands and face into it and inhale?

“I’ll walk you out.” I saw the heads turn when we were coming to my office.

“That’s not necessary.”

“I have to meet a colleague.” There. Now she can’t read into my motives.

Greg perks up as we pass his office. Every single head turns in our direction as I walk her to the elevator. Guys I don’t even know say hello. Essie smiles and murmurs a greeting in response while I just nod, my irritation growing with every lingering look.

I work in an office full of engineers. We’re all science nerds. Women like Essie—who look like they stepped out of a magazine—are infrequent around here. I place a protective hand at the base of her spine and rush her to the elevators, pushing the button with the side of my wrist.

“I’ll have the Plinko board done. And I’ll check your spreadsheetand see what else I can tackle.” I also plan to add a couple of games, but I won’t put them on the list.

“Most of it is already handled.”

The doors slide open.

“I’ll see you on Friday in Huntsville.” I shove my hands in my pockets because I don’t know what else to do with them.

She steps into the elevator, hits the button, flips her hair over her shoulder, and smiles the smile that brings back good and bad memories. “Yes, you will.”

The doors slide closed, and I can finally take a full breath again.

“Who’s the hottie?” Greg asks.

“Shut the fuck up, Greg. Let’s go for lunch.”

CHAPTER 5

ESSIE

Essie

We’re twelve hours away from leaving for Huntsville, and I’m still waiting on photographic evidence of the Plinko board.

Nate

Essie

You are not instilling confidence, Nathan.

Please tell me you’re finished and just being your jerk self.

Nate

Send that in a voice memo.

Essie

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