Chapter 8 #2
Tenley’s husband is the first to converse as we head toward the bar. “Hey, I’m August. Tenley told me everything there is to know about the new doctor in town. Glad you could make it out with us tonight.”
I laugh, fighting everything in me not to look to my left. “Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing, but I’ll take it. Thanks for letting the new girl tag along. It’s not easy making friends in your thirties, especially in Atlanta. I swear this city is huge, yet everyone seems to know each other.”
“You’re not wrong about that. That why you moved to the outskirts? I’ve always dug this neighborhood. No neighbors right on top of you. Big lot lines. What do you say we move out this way, Mama?” August turns to face Tenley, and I don’t miss the way her eyes flutter at his nickname for her.
“As much as I love it out here, I’d rather watch the Dodgers beat the Strikers repeatedly for the rest of my existence before ever moving again.”
Reaching into my purse, I twirl my lucky butterfly trinket between my fingers, needing all the steadiness I can manage.
I had to hunt it down in my scrub pants from yesterday, knowing it would do me good to have it tonight.
“I feel you on that,” I say. “And to answer your question, yes and no. I knew I didn’t want to be in the busyness of the city.
I moved out of Nashville because of that.
I really wanted to find a house to stay in long-term.
A place that could grow old with me, ya know? ”
“You do know Atlanta is one of the most overpopulated cities in the country, right?” And now he decides he’s got something to contribute.
Knowing I have no choice but to face him, I turn my head and instantly regret it. Bad move, Juniper. I’ve seen Crew Briggs in dad mode and work mode, but nothing could ever prepare me for going-out mode.
Hot damn. Where has Mother Nature been hiding this delicious piece of athleticism and sex appeal? He’s wearing what looks to be ass-hugging jeans covering his muscular legs, a brown knitted button-down shirt, suede brown Chelsea boots, and a light tan backward Nike hat.
Good god, I’ve never seen anything hotter. The casual mixed with dressy is a style I hope never tires.
And that’s saying something because hot men saturate Nashville. Too bad they’re all dumb as rocks and want to be the next country star. Not my thing.
I need to have sex, and soon. Or else, I might risk it all and jump someone else’s husband. Speaking of…I have yet to meet Addie’s mother. You’d think she would be here with him. Maybe she’ll be at the follow-up appointment scheduled next week.
I smile softly, not wanting to give him too much of my attention after he was so short with me just minutes ago. “Yeah, well, that’s why I moved out here.” I point out the window, gesturing to the paths of oak trees littered along the wide sidewalks, homes planted on acres of their own.
Zero congestion. One hundred percent quaint privacy.
“That the only reason you moved? Working at a hospital to owning your own practice is a pretty big change in direction.”
I cock my head. “You looking me up, Crew?”
“Yeah, Crew, been doing some research on my new friend Juniper?” Tenley chimes in, and believe it or not, a blush creeps up his face. “Oh my god. Are you blushing? August, Crew’s blushing!”
“Can’t look. Driving. Take a picture so I can see proof later,” August tells her, and Tenley pulls out her phone, Crew holding out his hand to block his face.
“Man, fuck all of you,” Crew mutters, unable to hold back his laughter. He then turns back to me in sympathy. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to be an asshole. I’m just curious. Atlanta can be…overwhelming if you let it.”
I get that, but can’t everywhere? “Let’s just say getting out of the busy city isn’t the only reason I bought the practice and moved my entire life here. We can leave it at that.”
Crew nods in response, but there’s an uncertainty behind his gaze. He prolongs his stare, studying the meaning I have yet to share. My life story isn’t information I’ll disclose with just anyone. He’s got to earn that side of the friendship.
Tenley and August ramble on about the upcoming season and plans she has for the team as their social media coordinator, but Crew just watches me.
His forest-green eyes track my hands with intention as I cling tight to the butterfly that has brought me more comfort in this lifetime than a person ever has.
His head follows mine as I examine the dirt road we take to get to the run-down bar. I feel him all around me.
There’s an intensity accompanying Crew’s presence alone, but add the heat of his unashamed stare, and it makes him lethal. I think he’s in tune with me, too, because as soon as I pivot to move, he averts his gaze.
Crew isn’t timid, yet the way he watches me makes him seem both vulnerable and untouchable.
He didn’t exactly seem surprised to have me join. But he doesn’t seem upset about it, either.
I have so many questions, and I have no right to ask them.
Looks like I’ll be in for the fight of my life tonight, hoping like hell neither of us is forced to make what little prospect of friendship we already have something we’re both ashamed of tomorrow morning.
Especially if he really is with Addie’s mom.