Page 6 of Shot Taker

It’s easy to get swept up in the simple joy of creating. I’ve been standing like this, leaning over the seat of the ladder, for so long my foot is numb. When I stand and stretch, my muscles spasm.

I hear what sounds like my name, but it’s far away. When I twist toward the sound, Miles is coming down the hallway, Jayden at his side. His expression is bright with happiness and surprise.

I catch a toe and slip.

The floor hurtles upward, my sketchpad flies through the air.

“Nova!”

“Shit,” comes another voice. Jayden’s maybe.

I was always so worried about dying in a plane that I never stopped to think about the more boring ways I might go.

But now, I’m going to land on my head in the middle of the Kodiaks' arena.

This is it…

I squeeze my eyes shut.

My head hits a hard chest, and muscled limbs band around my ribs and legs.

It’s more welcoming than the floor.

Barely, I decide as I look up into Clay’s face.

He’s more gorgeous than I remember.

His hair curls around his ears, brushing his neck. His brows are pulled into a line. He’s clean shaven for once, which only makes his firm mouth stand out.

But it’s his eyes, dark and full of concern, that trap me.

Clay’s skin brands my exposed legs, our breath mingling.

He doesn’t say anything, but I swear the air between us throbs.

A dozen memories race up at me, like the floor was racing up at me a moment ago.

My heart feels as if it’s going to beat out of my chest, pounding against his.

Someone clears their throat, and Clay practically drops me on my feet.

“Damn, that was close. You okay?” Miles asks.

“You shouldn’t yell at girls on ladders, dumbass,” Jayden chides.

“I’m fine,” I murmur as I turn, reaching for my sketchpad on the floor.

“She was obviously lining up to fall into my arms,” Miles goes on. “Clay had better timing for once.”

“I have better timing always.” The low, familiar voice has the hairs on my arms lifting.

When I straighten, I rub my arms where he touched me. I half expect Clay to tell Miles to back the hell off because he’s always been possessive, but Clay’s the one who steps back.

“Thought you went back to… Boston, right?” Jay asks.

I nod. “James called with an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

Clay’s eyes bore into me, but I focus on Miles.

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