Page 10 of From the Start

“The paramedic hasn’t checked you out yet.”

“I’m fine.” I alternate touching my nose with my finger. “Completely steady.”

He frowns. “I don’t like this.”

“Too bad. You don’t get a say.”

He grasps my hand. I nearly jump from the jolt of electricity I feel at his touch.

“You feel it, too,” he whispers and shuffles closer.

I yank my hand away. “Doesn’t matter what I feel. You’re immature and childish and way too young for me.”

“You’re never going to give me a chance, are you?”

The hurt in his blue eyes slays me. I don’t want to hurt him. I never want to hurt anyone. But I seem to accidentally hurt people all the time. It’s my special skill.

“I’m sorry, Kai. But no.”

Our gazes meet for a long moment. I want to erase the words I spoke. But I can’t. My life is beyond busy. I’m barely managing as it is. I can’t handle one more thing to look after.

And, make no mistake about it, I’d be looking after Kai if we were in a relationship. There’s no way he’d look after me. And I want a man who will carry some of the burden for me. Not add to mine.

Kai flashes me a smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll change your mind.”

I groan. Great. A persistent man-child. Exactly what I need.

“After you.” He motions me forward.

“After me?”

“I’ll walk you to work since you’re too stubborn to get examined by a paramedic. I know all about head injuries.”

I snort. “I bet you do.”

Chapter 4

“Technically, he said no paint.” ~ Kai

Kai

Inotice the time on the clock as I park. Shit. I’m late. Rhett is going to have my ass. If Dakota doesn’t get to me first. I promised I wouldn’t be late to babysit their kids today.

I hurry out of my car and rush to the front door. It flies open before I reach it. Dakota taps her foot as she glares at me.

“Sorry. I’m late. I was ready early, so I decided to clean the house.”

She lifts an eyebrow. “Clean the house? Is that what we’re calling pranking these days?”

My nose wrinkles. “I didn’t prank anyone.”

She shakes her phone at me. “But you did make a Pinterest board with a ton of prank ideas.”

“I thought I made my board private,” I mutter.

Rhett joins us on the porch. “Good. You’re on time.”

“On time?”