Page 66 of Flirting with 40

“Not anymore, it seems,” I murmur, rather enjoying watching her get dressed. There is an efficiency to it that is equal parts admirable and sexy.

“All because we were laughing.” She pulls a shirt over her head and it hangs just below her butt. “All because we were having a good time.”

“You proved you weren’t scared of Heather’s wrath.” She steps out of her suit and slides a rather sexy pair of lacy panties up that mile-long stretch of legs until I can’t see them anymore. “Hope can be contagious.”

She glances over at me again and laughs. “Hope?”

“Hope.” I take a step toward her. “When people give it to them, even in such a simple form as laughter, it’s contagious.” She steps into a pair of jeans. “I see it all the time in the hospital.”

“I think you’re giving me too much credit here.” She turns as she tucks in her shirt and fastens the waist. “For all I know, I’ll go to this next session and this whole conversation will be moot.”

“I doubt it.” I take another step toward her. I brush back a lock of her hair that’s fallen loose from her ponytail and tuck it behind her ear. “But if I’m wrong, I’m going to be pissed we were interrupted.” I lean forward and kiss her smile.

“I’ll make it up to you.”

“Famous last words,” I say and walk toward the door and open it. “Hey, Gemma. You doing okay? Not too sore after too many Downward Dobermans?” I joke. “What’s Ted up to?”

Her laugh says it all. “Frustrated that he has to be here. He isn’t exactly a yoga man.”

“I think it’s apparent that I’m not either.” I grin. “It hasn’t exactly been a blast for the men.”

“Should I worry that you’re formulating another plan?” Blakely asks as she closes the door behind her.

“I am.” I wink at Gemma. “I plan on changing the male perspective a little while you ladies do whatever it is you’re doing next. You okay with that?”

“Do I want to know?” Gemma asks.

“Nope.” I press a chaste kiss to Blakely’s lips. “But you’ll thank me for it.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Blakely

“Hey man, I hate to ask, but can you check on her for me?” Slade walks from one side of the dock to the other and chuckles softly. “Nah. Same old bullshit. They have to wait for her to wake up. No decision until then.” His shoulders are tense, and he pinches the bridge of his nose in what seems like frustration. “I appreciate it. Yeah, I can hold.”

Slade doesn’t speak for a few moments as he waits.

“Christ,” he finally mutters, his shoulders sagging. “Thanks for checking. I know the position I put you in by asking.” He nods. “Sounds good. Later, man.”

“Shit.” He hisses the word to himself as he takes a seat on the end of the dock.

Watching him for a few seconds, I debate whether to leave him be or approach him. He seems so lonely that I know I can’t just walk away. Not after he’s been my biggest cheerleader.

I know he knows I’m there as my footsteps vibrate the dock, but he just keeps his eyes on the water ahead.

“Hey,” I murmur.

“Hi.” He doesn’t look my way.

“Can I sit, or do you want to be alone?”

“Sit. Please.” He looks up at me and offers a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Of course, sit.”

I take my flip-flops off beside where his are and take a seat next to him, letting my legs dangle over the side so that my toes skim the water. We sit in a comfortable silence for a few minutes as I enjoy the feel of the sun’s warmth on my cheeks and the sparkle of its rays on the water around us.

Even though our hands are behind us, he manages to slide his closer to mine and hook our pinkies together.

I’m not sure why the motion makes me swoon, but it does.