Page 21 of Midnight Mate
I tried not to think too hard about why I was changing that now.
“You sure?” I bit my lip. “I mean, we’re doing physical therapy. Maybe I should stick to yoga pants and a messy bun.”
“If you change, I’ll hide your chemical coffee creamer and buy only sugar-free soy milk for the next month.”
I glared at him. “Now, who’s evil?”
“You’re welcome.”
He grinned and marched off, whistling.
I finished my makeup and rechecked my reflection four more times before heading for the coffee pot. Rudy met me there, a cup of coffee already poured and doctored.
“Bless you,” I said, taking the mug.
“Trust me, the Lord already did.”
I groaned. “I didn’t need to know that.”
He laughed. “Have fun playing doctor. I’ll see you tonight, and I expect lots of juicy details.”
He sailed out the door before I could answer.
Theater people were so dramatic.
Twenty minutes later, I rounded the drive and climbed the steps to Nicole’s. Already, I could hear the bustle of the breakfast crowd.
The last time I’d been inside was for a bake sale Nicole’s family had held after the most current renovation was complete. Easton had worked with the contractor for a summer job. He’d been so proud of his work. My mother had raved about the quirky architecture and rambling rooms, and Easton had eaten up her praise. It was one of the first times I’d realized how little positive reinforcement he’d gotten from his own parents.
I shook off the dark cloud that threatened to descend as I imagined what his childhood must have been like. I wasn’t going there. Mostly because it wasn’t my business anymore. I couldn’t let my feelings get in the way of the job I was here to do.
He wanted to heal and get out of town. That much was clear. Maybe where I couldn’t help all those years ago, I could help him now. With this.
With a deep, steadying breath, I marched up the steps and let myself in through the screen door. The place smelled like pine and coffee and I inhaled appreciatively. Memory had me stepping in and to the left, into a large sitting room that led to the kitchen.
A few guests looked up from where they sat on cozy loveseats and deep-cushioned chairs. I smiled and swept the room, heading for the dining area in search of Easton—and maybe more coffee while I waited.
“One cup of dark roast, extra creamer.”
I stopped in front of Easton, surprised to see him already down here and waiting.
“Hi,” I said, drinking in the sight of him in athletic pants and a tee that showed off the very defined biceps he’d developed.
Ten years had been way too nice to him.
Damn.
He offered me one of the mugs he held, and it took all my concentration to take it without spilling the contents.
“How’d you know I liked extra creamer?” I asked, breathless.
“I guessed.” His eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Wait. You’re not some kind of psycho who likes her coffee black, are you?”
I laughed. “No. I’ll take it with the full treatment. Thanks.”
I held the mug to my lips, fully aware of East’s gaze on me as I sipped. He smelled like soap with a hint of pine. It was the signature scent of Nicole’s complimentary shower products, but on East, it smelled unique. Like no one else could make that scent quite so lust-inducing.
I really needed to stop this.
