Page 31 of Accidentally Yours
Ethan blinked. “Yeah?”
She nodded. “I mean, we’re writing a book about her love story, after all. And from everything you’ve told me, she sounds like a pretty amazing woman who’s lived an extraordinary life.”
Unexpected warmth curled in Ethan’s chest, liking the idea more than he was willing to admit. Nodding, he played it cool. After all, Paige’s suggestion was practical, considering they were writing about his grandma’s life. “Yeah. She’d like you.”
Paige’s smile was small but genuine.
The train rocked slightly, heading around a bend on the raised tracks that skimmed the city, and Ethan thought this was actually not a bad place to sit and think. Speaking of, they should get to their manuscript. Ethan was just about to reach down for his messenger bag to grab his notebook when Paige reached out, extending her fingers toward Queenie’s tiny head.
Oh, no.Ethan opened his mouth to warn her. Queenie wasn’t exactly friendly with strangers and was likely to sink the few teeth she had left into Paige. But before he could get a word out, Paige’s fingers grazed over his dog’s fur. And the little Chihuahua let it happen.
Ethan froze.
Queenieneverlet strangers pet her. Ever. She was notoriously selective. The little dog even used to bite his grandpa now and then. But now? Queenie was sitting there, letting Paige stroke her tiny head, looking almost . . . content?
His stomach did a slow flip.
Paige pulled her hand back, glancing up at Ethan. “What?”
Ethan shook his head, staring at his dog as if she’d suddenly started reciting Shakespeare.
“She likes you,” he said, bewildered.
Paige smirked. “She knows I appreciate small but mighty creatures.”
Ethan stared at Paige for a long beat, then exhaled, shaking his head. “Guess so.”
Paige smirked, and his pulse stumbled. The train lurched forward, but something else shifted inside him.
Maybe it was a good sign.
Or maybe—just maybe—he was in way deeper than he realized.
Chapter Twelve
Alice: A year ago, we were watching Ethan lie his way to theSurvivorfinale. Now we’re watching him stare at you like you hung the moon . . . right before walking straight into a street sign. What is life?
Gigi: Are you sure you wouldn’t have kissed him if he hadn’t gotten a head injury??
Paige: I hate to break it to you guys but it’s FAKE . . .
Gigi: So is your commitment to giving us all the details!
Alice: DETAILS! We need them ALL!
Paige: LOL . . . you guys get all my details! I swear it’s not real.
Alice: Could it become real?
Gigi: If he needs fake in-laws, tell him my nonna is available!
Paige: I will not involve your sweet grandma in the lies . . .
Gigi: She’d love it.
Paige: She probably would!
Alice: Seriously, though. Is there tension?? Chemistry?? Do you want to kiss his face??
