Chapter 5 #2
He takes a step closer, then another, and I take one back. But Kyle clearly doesn’t understand the meaning of personal space, because the more I retreat, the more he approaches.
“Wow. You look. . .just wow.” He gives me a once-over, his attention making my skin crawl.
I’m a lot more curvy than I was in high school, and usually I’m very confident in my body. Right now, though, I wish I was wearing an oversized floor-length jacket. Kyle is practically undressing me with his eyes.
He takes another step closer, so I take one back. This time, though, I bump into something solid. And a heartbeat later, strong, tattooed hands grip my upper arms to steady me.
“Whoa. There you are, love. I’ve been looking for you.” The voice is deep and gravelly, practically melting my insides.
Holding my breath, I look up, and when I find the hot nurse who bandaged me up a few days ago, I sigh with relief.
His dirty blond hair is messy, his jaw scruffy, and his kind green eyes are fixed on me.
“Next time I’m attaching a balloon to your body so I can find you.” He gives me a small smile, then looks at Kyle. “She’s always wandering around. I lose her so easily.” He shakes his head, laughing to himself. “We should get going, yeah?”
Speechless, I nod.
The hot nurse puts his large arm around my shoulder and guides me to the self-checkout line in silence. His warm vanilla and rich leather scent comforts and overwhelms me simultaneously, confusing my senses and making my brain foggy.
If I were thinking clearly, I probably wouldn’t follow a strange man like this after having just encountered another strange man.
But I’m not thinking clearly, and he’s a nurse.
That has to count for something, right? Either way, I don’t sense danger.
Quite the opposite, really. Instead, he radiates a quiet sort of protectiveness.
When we’re out of sight of the creep, the hot nurse takes a step to the side, releasing me.
Part of me wishes his arm was still wrapped around me. Instantly, I miss the heat of his large body, the way his fingers flexed when he pulled me in closer when someone walked by us.
“Are you okay?” he asks, his concerned eyes bouncing between mine. “Did I read the situation right?”
At five eleven, I don’t often find myself looking up at people, but I have to tip my head back a little to meet his eye, and I can’t deny that I like it.
“I-I’m fine. Thank you. Your instincts were spot on. I dated him in high school, and it looks like he hasn’t changed his slimy ways,” I blurt out.
Damn. I can’t remember this guy’s name. So I do the only logical thing I can think of and introduce myself again. “I’m Joey, by the way.” I stick my hand out and plaster on an overly enthused smile.
He lets out a hearty chuckle. The guy obviously knows who I am, or he wouldn’t have swooped in like that. But I’ve been conditioned to never assume.
“I’m Beckett.” He wraps his hand around mine, his warmth seeping into me, making my heart beat erratically. He’s mesmerizing. And eerily familiar. Like I’ve seen him before, and I don’t mean on the day I fainted at A New Leaf.
“Have we met before?” I ask without thought.
His expression falls. “Uh. Yeah. You fainted at your sister’s shop a few days ago, remember? If not, then that could be a problem. Maybe you should—”
My cheeks burn red hot with embarrassment. Wow, Joey. Way to back yourself into an even more awkward situation.
“I remember that,” I interrupt, my voice shaking with nerves. “I meant before then. You seem familiar. I thought maybe we’d met before.”
“Hey, Joey?”
“Yeah?”
“You can let go of my hand now. Quite the strong grip you got there,” Beckett jokes, a blush tinging his cheeks.
“Oh.” I drop his hand like a hot potato, mortification coursing through me. “I’m so, so sorry.”
I’m going to die alone with six dogs. Maybe that psychic in Reno was right about my future.
“No need to be sorry.” He smiles down at me and the corners of his eyes crinkle in the most endearing way.
Before I embarrass myself further, I spin around and scan both boxes of toothpaste at the self-checkout. I forgot to put one down and I refuse to go back and risk seeing Kyle.
“Thanks again for all your help,” I say as I snag my receipt. “With Kyle and the whole fainting thing.” With a wave of my hand, I dart for the exit.
My face flames as I rush for my van, though the cool spring air brings a little relief.
Until I hear the unmistakable sound of heavy bootsteps behind me. Stomach dropping, I pick up my pace.
“Wait up. Let me walk you to your car. In case that weirdo is lurking around,” Beckett insists.
Valid point, hot nurse. Valid point.
With a deep breath in, I stop and wait for him. When he catches up to me, I give him an appreciative smile. “Thanks.”
As we beeline for my van, raindrops break through the clouds above us sporadically, a heavy rain shower imminent.
“This is me,” I say, stopping by my driver-side door.
Beckett’s eyes go wide with amusement. “You’re kidding. You drive this?”
I can’t help but smile. “Yes. I named her Poppy, actually,” I gush like a proud mom.
He tucks his hands into his jeans pockets and circles the retro van, eyes sparkling as he takes her in.
“Incredible,” he marvels.
“Thank you. She’s pretty great.” I run my hands through my hair to calm my skittering nerves, but my rings get tangled. Rain and my wavy hair are mortal enemies.
As I try to free myself, Beckett moves closer, hands open and cautious.
Great. Just what I need. More embarrassment.
“Let me help.” His low voice washes over me like a soft wave, calming my nerves, his touch delicate as he carefully untwines my hair.
“You’ve come to my rescue twice,” I tease to hide my humiliation. “I guess two times the charm?”
He huffs a small laugh, his lips twitching. “I think you mean ‘third time’s the charm’?”
Frowning, I tilt my head. “That’s how the phrase goes? Interesting.”
He breaks into a full-blown smile, and the expression tangles my insides in nervous, jittery knots that have my body humming with exhilaration.
I need to get out of here while he’s still looking at me like I’m not ridiculous. Two embarrassing strikes are enough. If a third occurs, it’ll probably take me out.
Clearing my throat, I look up at the sky and then back into his emerald eyes. “We better go before the storm hits. Thanks again for saving me back there.” I hitch my thumb over my shoulder.
“Anytime.” He dips his chin, his expression sincere. “Drive safe, all right?”
I nod. “You get home safe too, Beckett.” Clutching my grocery bag to my chest, I slide into the driver’s seat.
As I’m pulling the door shut, I swear he murmurs words I’m not entirely sure I’m meant to hear.
“I’ll see you around, Josephine.”