Scott was in shorts and no shirt. His hair was wet, and the water droplets that were running down the back of his neck captivated my attention and continued down his toned back. He had earbuds in, and he knelt on the ground, pushing air out of the mattress on the floor. My mouth went dry. Wow . . . just wow.
He was relaxed and rocked his head to his headphones. This man was no joke in a suit, but this was even better. I felt my cheeks flush with heat.
I wondered if he was listening to music or a financial podcast? The thought made me chuckle. I should let him know I was here and stop watching him like a creeper.
Or . . . instead . . .
I tiptoed toward him.
“Morning Sunshine!” I yelled as I leaned down and grabbed his shoulders.
Scott yelled and jumped. The back of his head collided with my nose, hard.
My eyes watered, and I grabbed my nose.
“Geez, Marissa! You’re going to kill me.” Scott held one hand to his heart as he ripped out his ear buds and turned to face me. He stepped over and picked up a t-shirt and threw it on.
My nose throbbed with pain, but I couldn’t help but laugh at how badly I had gotten him.
“Oh my gosh! Your nose!” Scott stood and ran to his desk, grabbing some tissues.
That’s when I felt the warm moisture drip. Bloody nose. I grabbed the offered tissues. I felt Scott’s hands on my shoulders as he led me to his office chair. I looked at the duct tape head rest and shook my head.
“I’m not sure I trust it enough to lean back on that.”
“Good point.” He turned and led me to the couch in the foyer and kneeled in front of me. “I’m so sorry, Marissa. I can’t believe I hit your face.”
Seven-thirty and I already had a man on his knees. Not bad. I shook off the thought. “I’m not exactly faultless.” I tipped my head back as the tissue became soaked. “Might need some more tissues or ice.”
Scott rushed to the mini office fridge and grabbed some ice in his hands. He started walking around, trying to find a bag or something. He grabbed several tissues and began wrapping the ice cubes. The paper tore and stuck to his wet hands in pieces.
“Ugh. Seriously.” He shook his hands.
He looked adorable. He was frazzled, and all for me. I felt butterflies in my stomach stir before I slayed them with common sense. Friends. Teammates. Nothing more.
“Maybe try paper towels instead.” I nodded at the small bathroom.
He nodded and rushed for the paper towels, swearing under his breath.
“Scott, I’m fine. Promise. Maybe it’s karma for the pumpkin.”
Scott came out of the bathroom with several paper towels. He handed me the ice bundle, wet tissues still clinging to his hands.
“Are you early or am I running late?” Scott checked his watch.
“I’m early.” I grinned. My nose had slowed down, although I wondered if I was going to end up with a nasty bruise. “I have some good news.”
“I hope it was worth all that.” He gestured at my nose, and I saw him stiffen out of the corner of my eye. He was unmoving and staring at me, well, not me, but my stomach. I felt my body go rigid as I looked down at my exposed stomach with its ridges and scars. My shirt must have come up during the whole nosebleed fiasco.
Questions registered all over his face. Nope, I did not want this conversation. I yanked my shirt down, stood and headed towards my desk. I would get to work. I took a few steps to my computer, realizing too late that I stood too quickly. My vision blurred around the edges, and I swayed.
Crap!
Scott rushed to my side and put an arm around my waist.
“Whoa, slow down. Are you okay?—”
“I don’t want to talk about them. The scars. They’re from a long time ago.” I felt the anxiety crawl up from my stomach to the bottom of my throat. I didn’t want to see the pity; I didn’t want the questions.
