Page 38 of Rescue Us (Next Generation 7)

Pulling up a chair, I started typing away on the computer.

Setting up a few appointments for Jay, Brogan, Meeka, and Maxine, the ladies who owned the establishment, I was lost in my own little world when a dark shadow loomed over me.

My stomach started doing somersaults, my heart picking up speed.

Breathe, Ainsley. Breathe.I told myself that mantra over and over until the shadow disappeared.

“Hey.”

I looked to my left, finding Cyrus crouching beside me.

“You good?”

My eyes widened when I saw that his lip was split, a dark bruise sat under his right eye while a small bandage sat on his left cheek.

What happened?I reached out to touch him, wanting to make sure he was okay.

He grabbed my hand, running his thumb along the edge of it. “Don’t worry about it, baby.”

I pulled from his grip, brushing my fingers over his mouth before signing,How’s the other guy?

He chuckled. “Went to the hospital last night with a dislocated shoulder and a broken nose. I offered to pop them both back into place, but he refused. Apparently, I’m a big meanie.”

Was this a random fight or are you an actual fighter?

“None of the above, pet. I fight to take the edge off at the moment.”

Do you get paid for it?

“Yes, but I don’t keep the money,” he explained.

What do you do with the money?

“I give it back to the community. A random bookstore, a library, a funeral home. I gave a homeless person five-hundred bucks before.” He shook his head, chuckling at a memory. “He offered to buy me a steak as a thank you but I ended up treating him to a few drinks instead after getting him cleaned up. One of my favorite moments.”

My heart swelled.That’s pretty amazing.

“I don’t do it for the recognition, but I do love helping when I can. What are you doing here?” he asked, nodding to the computer screen.

Besides teaching ASL, I’m also the receptionist. I guess seeing my face first, helps ease people’s anxiety.I shrugged.

“Trust me, pet. Seeing you first thing would definitely be the highlight of my day too.”

I stared at him. Even though you could clearly tell he had been in a fight, he was still gorgeous. He looked like he walked right off a GQ magazine. I bet he looked delicious in a suit.

He tilted his head. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

I’m imagining you in a suit.

His lips pulled into a grin. “Really? Well, I guess you’ll have to wait until our date, so you can see me in a suit then.”

My cheeks burned, my eyes widening at the thought.

He chuckled, rising a touch and leaning toward my ear. “Tell me what else you’re imagining me in or...” His lips brushed along the shell of my ear. “Not in.”

I shivered at the soft touch.

His laugh deepened, rumbling through every inch of me. “So, Ainsley, you ready for our date?”

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