Page 40 of Crash

His glare was so delicious that it took everything not to smile.

Instead, I cleared my throat. “In any case, I can’t afford to move, and even if I could, my lease doesn’t end for another six months. I see no signs of mold, but your concern has been noted.”

His jaw ticced as he looked around my small space again, and I recognized that expression. The one where he was gearing up for a fight.

Not happening.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” I said before he could launch into another chapter of his argument, “I have to get to an important meeting with the caterer.”

His features tightened. “Inperson? Tell me you’re joking.”

“It has nothing to do with romance novels, I assure you.”

“You just got released from the hospital.”

“Keyword being released.” I opened the front door, praying he’d leave before he discovered my special collection. The one Scarlett had strict instructions to burn if I ever actually died.

“Tessa, you need to rest.”

“I will. It’s one meeting.”

“Your heart stopped yesterday.” The reminder came with enough intensity to make my actual heart skip.

“And look at me now. Fresh as a daisy.”

“You need to stay home.”

“Again, your opinion has been noted. Now if you could go before bugs invite their friends, I’d appreciate it.”

His jaw set in that stubborn line I remembered all too well from residency.

“I put a rush on your labs.” He stepped on the front porch. “Should have the results soon. When I call, you’d better answer. Because if you don’t, I’ll assume you’re unconscious and bring the entire ER to your doorstep.”

So bossy.

“And where areyouheaded?” Why the hell did I ask that? Hello, my only goal was to get him to leave.

And why in the world were my lungs deciding to threaten a strike if he said anything about another woman? Blake probably had a thousand women he was dating. Surely, he’d grown out of his aversion to the female species and discovered what his body was capable of doing to the opposite sex.

“I have … an engagement.”

“He said cryptically.”

Look at his coffee-colored eyes assessing me. Was he being deliberately mysterious just to mess with my head?

“I’m glad you’re okay, Tess. I want you to text me when you get back home from your meeting.” His attention swept to the neighbor’s door. “Safe.”

The reason I watched Blake saunter to the car wasnotbecause he had the hottest ass I’d ever seen, nor was it because I savored the way his broad shoulders stretched out that shirt. I was simply making sure he didn’t have a run-in with my neighbor.That’s it.

Okay, fine, yes, I was also massively wondering what kind of “engagement” had him looking worried.

And why did I have a feeling it had everything to do with me?

24

BLAKE

I stood frozen on the mansion’s doorstep, my hand hovering over the brass knocker. Each visit here felt like crossing an invisible line between the life I showed the world and the darker one I shared with my chosen brothers.