The Ash Gardeners by J. Ember Hintz

Author:J. Ember Hintz [J. EMBER HINTZ]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Specter Publishing
Published: 2022-08-04T00:00:00+00:00

15

Liam

Crammed between my brother’s larger-than-life personality and my long-ass legs, there wasn’t much room for Renae between us in the cab of my truck. It was near impossible to ignore the press of her thigh against mine or the way her braid hung over her shoulder and tickled my bicep.

As usual, Connor carried the conversation. If he wasn’t my brother, gay, and already married, I’d have been jealous of the way she paid rapt attention as he described his near-death experience research, hanging on every damn word that came out of his mouth. My brother, the heart surgeon, never failed to impress.

“How do you cope with the pressure of holding someone’s fate in your hands? Of being responsible for whether they live or die?” Renae asked.

“The trick is not allowing your emotions to contaminate your mind. You have to set boundaries, separate yourself from the work, and just do your job.”

Renae nodded as if he’d divulged something profound. She didn’t speak again until I pulled into her complex.

I held the driver’s side door open as she slid across the seat. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Connor. I’d love to hear more about your research someday.”

“If you ever find yourself in New York, call me. I’d be happy to give you a tour of the hospital.”

I slammed the door shut with a little more force than necessary.

“Are you seriously walking me to my front door?” Renae asked.

“After you.” I gestured to the staircase and followed her to the second floor.

She fumbled in her bag for the key, and I leaned against the wall.

“Renae, I need to tell you something.”

She froze, like an animal caught in a snare. “Please don’t.”

“You don’t even know what I was going to say.”

Renae sighed. “It’s been a long day. I’m exhausted, and I don’t have the energy for this conversation right now.”

“Jesus fuck!” I pushed away from the door and ran a hand through my hair. “Why is everything a battle with you? I’m just trying to say thank you.”

Her head whipped toward me. “For what?”

I grasped the doorframe on either side of her to keep from shaking her, or maybe to keep from pulling her into my arms and finishing what she started on the plane. I softened my voice. “For distracting me up there. I freaked out, and you just… you knew what to do.”

“I’ve had enough panic attacks to recognize when someone’s about to spiral. I’m glad it worked.”

Oh, it definitely worked. It was getting harder and harder to see past my need for this woman. I cupped her cheek in my hand, tracing the curve of her bottom lip with my thumb. “Was that the only reason you kissed me? To distract me?”

“I didn’t want any unfortunate incidents to ruin your brother’s day. I really like him.”

“I want you,” I said, “and I think you want me too.”

“It was just a kiss.”

Renae gave up a breathy little gasp as I leaned down and brushed my lips over her ear. “Agree to disagree.

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