Page 11 of Tangled Kisses
“That’s me. The terrifying, gasp-inducing, china-smashing runaway bride.” I glance down at myself and groan. “Although I think dust-covered, terrifying, runaway bride covers it.”
The words hang there, and I wince.
Wow. That sounds even more pathetic out loud.
“You don’t look that terrifying to me.”
“More like terrified.” I shrug, not sure whether to laugh or cry at the current state of my life. “I’m working here as the new nurse. For the time being, anyway.”
“Piper said you were coming, but you are…”
“What?” I snap, shoving a lock of hair behind my ear. “Ridiculous? Crazy? I already admitted I’m a hot mess.”
“Unexpected,” he murmurs, his lips curving as the word slips out soft as breath.
“What?” Warmth floods through me as his eyes rake over me again.
“You’re unexpected, Reese, in the best way possible.”
Great. Just what I need. Another ridiculously good-looking man swaying my ovaries with a line he’s probably practiced in the mirror.
My frustrated huff must give me away, because he tips his chin toward Chowder, still yowling at the window. “Need some help wrangling your cat?”
“Don’t bother. He’s not very good with strangers.” The words die in my throat as the cowboy hunk opens the car door and coaxes Chowder into the carrier within thirty seconds.
“How did you do that?”
“I’ve got the magic touch.” At my exasperated glare, he grins. “Always understood animals more than humans.”
“Despite appearances, he really loves me.”
“I can’t blame him. You seem pretty lovable—when you’re not trying to scare me with your size.” Another smile, his blue eyes crinkling at the corners, far too warm for a man I just met.
“Or lack thereof.” Might as well play along. At least he’s got humor to go with his absurd jawline.
“Personally, I think petite women are the prettiest.”
My eyes go wide. Did he seriously just say that?
His gaze flicks away, but not before I catch the faint flush creeping up his cheeks. “What’s your cat’s name?”
“Chowder.”
“A very New York name.”
“For a very New York cat.” I feel the stupid grin plastered across my face, which only makes it worse. He’s stunning, yet somehow approachable. Humble, even.
Absolutely not, Reese. Stop drooling over him. Gorgeous men are landmines. Remember Vander? Remember humiliation?
“I need a shower. Desperately.”
“I could turn the hose on you,” he teases, tugging his hat back into place and shading those impossibly blue eyes.
“Hard pass. Trust me, I look normal most of the time. Cute on a good day.”
Why am I selling myself to a stranger like I’m auditioning for high school prom queen?
“Just saying,” I mumble, eyes fixed firmly on the dirt at my feet.
