At least smile!
My lips tremble as I force what I hope looks like a smile to my face.
Easton recovers from the shock of seeing me, and the corner of his mouth lifts. It makes him look devastatingly attractive, which in turn amps up the nerves spinning in my stomach.
“Hey, Nova,” he says, his tone not as harsh as when he spoke to Sylvia.
When he takes the last few stairs and walks toward me, I somehow manage to get up from the stool while practically squeaking, “Hi.”
My legs feel numb as I move around the island, unsure of what I should do. At least my voice sounds semi-normal as I say, “It’s been so long. How are you?”
“It has,” he agrees as he stops a few steps from me, his eyes drifting over my face and body. “I’m good. How are you?”
With a thundering heart and sweaty palms, I feel very awkward as I stand in front of Easton, the star of every fantasy I’ve ever had.
“I’m okay.” Fidgeting, I clear my throat. “Thanks for letting me visit.” Unable to stop myself, my gaze drifts over him. “You look good.”
Jesus. The man knows he looks good. You couldn’t think of something else to say?
“You look good too,” he replies, his eyes glued to my face with an intense stare that makes me wish I took time to put on some makeup. The corner of his mouth lifts again. “Wow, you’re all grown up.” He lets out an incredulous-sounding chuckle. “For some reason, I kept picturing the teenage version of you whenever Rachel mentioned your name.”
I smile awkwardly before glancing around the kitchen because it’s too unnerving to keep eye contact with him. “Ah ... was the flightokay?” I think to ask. “Can I make you some coffee?” Spinning around, I hurry away from him, and not waiting for his reply, I prepare a cup of coffee while rambling, “Rachel and Lainey are still asleep. It’s pretty early, and I don’t know what time they usually get up on a Saturday.”
For the love of all that’s holy, please calm down!
“Lainey won’t wake up until ten,” he murmurs. “Rachel should be up soon, though.”
“Okay.” I take hold of the mug, and turning around, I see Easton has moved closer. He’s leaning back against the island with his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes locked on me. The muscles in his biceps strain against the short sleeves of his T-shirt, and even though I’ve sworn off all men, I can’t help but admire how amazing he looks.
When I hand him the coffee, I clear my throat before saying, “I added two sugars. I don’t know if you take it differently now.”
“Still two sugars. Thanks,” he replies before taking a sip. “Is it your truck parked out front?”
I nod, feeling super self-conscious and completely inadequate.
I might be imagining things, but I can swear there’s a flash of concern on his face as he asks, “Was the drive from Verona okay?”
“Yeah,” I reply. “It wasn’t too bad.”
Easton glances toward the stairs before looking at me again. “Do you know what the problem is?”
I nod while my teeth tug at my bottom lip.
“And?” He gives me a questioning look.
“It’s not my place to say.” My voice is hoarse, so I clear my throat again before I add, “It will be better if Rachel tells you.”
His eyes sharpen on me, making me feel even more nervous while familiar apprehensiveness tightens my stomach.
“Is it serious?” he asks.
I nod and lower my gaze to my scuffed shoes while my heart clenches in my chest.
We hear a door open upstairs, and the sound has Easton saying, “Sounds like Rachel is up.”
God. The news is going to devastate Easton and Lainey.
When Rachel comes down the stairs, Easton stares at her. “Hey, Rach.”
