Page 47 of Absolution

His brows raise as he stares at me, grinning, finally motioning with his hand for me to lower my window. I do as he asks, gaping as the scene unfolds with me as a spectator—a very giddy voyeur.

“Hey,”

“I hope you don’t mind; I’m wondering if we can talk.” His voice is rough, deep, and alluring. Yeah, I’m sprung. I’m also in a lot of trouble, he’s everything I don’t need right now but so much of what I’m missing.

“Sure, I just need to allow my sitter to leave.” I pause. “You know, Emmie’s gonna be here. Are you okay with that?”

He slowly nods with a lopsided grin. “As long as she understands, nothing is going to happen between us. We can only be friends.”

“It takes a strong man to turn her down, good luck!” I giggle, albeit nervously. He’s like a different man, and it’s a little unsettling. I can’t help but wonder if this is a part of his injury.

“I’ll take my chances.” He bites his lip, continuing to smile coyishly. His smile makes me sigh. Stop, Scar! Don’t think about his smile.

“Just remember, I warned you.” I pull into the drive, trying to watch as he exits his SUV. I slam mine in park, hurrying out, so I can meet him by the steps.

“Nice place,” he jerks his head toward the water. “near the beach too.”

“Thank you, we like it.” I move to the porch, reaching for the door. “You didn’t bring Doc with you?”

“Ahh, no. I thought this was best left to us, so I left her with Crawford and Kathryn.” He steps toward me, grabbing the handle and crowding me against the wall. “Let me get that for you.”

“Umm, yeah. Thank you again.”

“After you,” he widens the door as I walk in.

I slip my shoes off, setting my things down by the door. “Please, come in.”

“This place is amazing.”

Michelle saunters in from the kitchen. “Hi! I’m Michelle, the sitter.”

“Hey, Chelle. I’m Creed, crazy dog dad.”

“Well, you’ve followed the right person home.” Michelle giggles, bumping into my shoulder. I’m smiling at her nickname Creed has given her. “I’ll get my things, Emmie’s still awake.”

I turn to Creed; he’s still standing by the door. “Please, make yourself at home while I go change and check on her.”

“Take your time.” He nods, kicking his shoes off. Michelle’s face brightens as she passes me in the hall, and I chuckle. She spins, following me through the house.

“What is going on?” The words are out of her mouth before the door shuts behind her.

I yank a hoodie and shorts from my chest, running in the bathroom to change. “I don’t have a clue, but I’m about to find out.”

“He’s gorgeous, and if you tell me you hadn’t noticed, I’ll be inclined to believe Amy.”

I jerk my clothes off, pull on the clean ones, and wash my face. I start to join Michelle in the bedroom but stop. I stare at myself in the mirror, at first, I thought about brushing my hair and teeth, but there’s no reason to.

I drag the door open, walking past Michelle. “Yes, he is but I can’t. There’s no way anything is going to happen between Creed Hatcher and me.”

“Scar…” Michelle stops short of saying the one thing she knows I refuse to hear. I avoid looking at her as tears well and threaten to escape. I can’t fight them, but I try willing them away.

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning, same time, alone.”

She frowns as I stroll past and follows me out. “Love you party pooper.”

“Love you!” I whisper as she passes, peeking in on Emmie. She’s sound asleep now, and I’m beginning to wish I were too. I leave the door slightly ajar, creeping through to get a look at him.

He adjusts his position, moving one way and then the other. Odd, but then again, what do I know? I ease through, stepping into the kitchen before letting him know I was behind him.