Page 39 of Beating Heart
I heard laughter coming from the bathroom, and I’d forgotten that Nash was close enough to hear our conversation.
“I don’t need anyone to fight my battles, but thank you,” I said, a bit louder than I’d been speaking before, and I heard him chuckle again from down the hallway.
“I’m happy you live next door to us, Sunny,” Cutler spoke over a mouthful of noodles.
I reached for his hand. “Me, too. This fresh start is exactly what I needed.”
I cleaned up the dishes, and Nash came padding out of the bathroom wearing gray joggers and a white fitted tee.
Who looks this good after vomiting everything in their stomach?
Nash. Freaking. Heart.
His hair was a rumpled mess, but it only added to his appeal.
“Hey,” he said, his voice gruff and tired. “Thanks for helping out. I’m all right now.”
“Yeah? You sure?”
“Yes. You’ve done more than enough. I appreciate it.” He cleared his throat and set his half-finished glass of Gatorade on the counter.
“All right. Well, you’ve got my number if anything comes up,” I said, giving Cutler a hug before he jogged down the hallway when Nash told him to go get ready for bed.
“I do. We’ll be good to go by morning.”
I called for Winnie, who’d made herself completely at home as she lay on her back with her legs flayed out to the side like she owned the place.
“Winiford, come on, girl. Have some pride. Let’s go.”
Nash laughed as he followed me to the door, and my dog ran out ahead of me.
“She’s always welcome. And hey, if you decide that you want to pull a Winnie and come lie on my couch like you own the place, my door is always open.”
I laughed as I turned around when I got to the edge of the porch. He had his arms up, gripping the door frame, and his white tee lifted just the slightest bit, exposing a sliver of toned abs. I squeezed my thighs together as I tried to act unaffected.
My God, this man was so freaking sexy.
I hadn’t had sex in months, and I was clearly missing it.
But just being in Nash’s presence made me feel like a teenager with raging hormones.
“I hope you feel better.” I reached for the railing. “I’m going to turn around this time so I don’t fall into your bushes.”
He chuckled. “Mind if I watch?”
I was hoping you would.
I shook my head; my cheeks heated at the thought of his eyes on me. When I got down to the grass, I glanced over my shoulder.
“Is that heart of yours beating now?”
He placed a hand on his chest. “It sure the fuck is.”
“Goodnight, neighbor.”
“’Night, Sunny,” he said, and the nickname sounded sexy as hell coming from him.
I walked across the yard and pulled my back door open and looked back at his porch. He was still standing there.
