Page 10 of Don't Want to Fall
I do a double take, and Devin bursts out laughing. “You should have seen your face! I really had you there. Except, if Iwasa stripper—which for the record I’m not—I’d be a really bad one for only having twelve ones on me.”
“I’d bet you make great a stripper,” I say without forethought. I’m instantly struck by the horror of what I just said and scramble to fix it. “That didn’t come out right?—”
“You sure you don’t want to have hot sex with a stranger tonight?” She reaches for the inside door handle. “It seems like you could use some loosening up.”
“Loosening up?—”
She tugs the passenger door closed, waiting for me to get in.
It’s a good fucking thing I know a shortcut, because I suspect every minute spent with Devin Rollins is going to test my resolve. And I’m starting to forget all the reasons this is a bad idea.
Chapter Five
Devin
“I think my phone fell out when I was sitting at the picnic table,” I say, hopping out of the truck as soon as Flynn parks in the same graveled spot just past the one-lane wooden bridge as he did earlier. The sun sank below the horizon minutes ago, casting a beautiful, pinkish, dusky glow over the landscape. It’s so breathtaking that I nearly forget why I’m here.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Flynn asks, following me to the center of the one-lane bridge.
He’s been extra quiet during the drive, probably because he’s been cautious of inserting his foot into his mouth again. I wonder how he’d react if I confessed that it’s my favorite side of him so far.
“It’s stunning,” I agree. “I could see living here.”
“Could you?” His question is curious with a hint of serious.
For a moment, I entertain the idea of moving to Cinnamon Creek just to see where this could go. It’s a small town, but I imagine they have a family clinic. It would be a very nice changeof pace. It’s tempting, considering I’m currently unemployed. But it’s also reckless to make such a big move for a man I only just met when my dating track record has been absolute shit lately.
No, a hot vacation fling is the best option.
It’d be a memory worthy of a romance novel scene. One that’d help me get through the really shitty days while I figure out what comes next in the life of Devin Rollins. The Director of Nursing already had it out for me before the dating a patient incident, so I’m certain she’ll make it nearly impossible for me to get another job in Omaha.
“You’d have to invest in a pair of boots,” Flynn says, making me realize I never answered his question.
“Theideaof moving here sounds great,” I admit, resting my elbows on the bridge railing and peering out at the landscape. It looks like a movie set. “But I don’t know how I’d feel about winter.”
“You from Florida or something?”
“Nebraska.”
Flynn makes a face. “I’ll take a Montana winter over a Midwest winter any day.”
“You have first-hand knowledge of this?” I challenge.
“I was stationed in Chicago for a while.”
“Stationed?”
“Navy.”
Oh damn. Flynn Conners just got hotter.
I didn’t think that was possible.
I yearn to tell Erin all about my encounter with an ex-military, mountain man, single dad. As my book bestie, she’d eat this up. He’s a combination of all my favorite tropes, wrapped in tattoos. All that’s missing is the morally gray thing, but for a flesh and blood man, I’m kind of relieved about that part.
My excitement to share this story with the ex-bride-to-be quickly extinguishes, though. Despite her insistence that her bridal party get out and have fun while we left her alone with her Kindle this weekend, I still feel guilty being here without her. I hope she’s not crying her eyes out over that piece of shit Chad. He doesn’t deserve any of her tears.
“Everything okay?” Flynn asks, the warmth of his breath gently caressing my cheek. When did he move so…close?
