Page 74 of Captivating Anika

“No, I was just coming to see if you wanted something for lunch. I offered to do a run, seeing it’s my first day and all.”

“I’m good, thanks. Hog already got me lunch.”

“In that case, I’ll leave you to enjoy…your food.”

They send me a cheeky wink before disappearing. As I swing around to Hog, I can hear Fergie inside the salon, “Whoa, someone hose me down!”

“Colorful individual,” Hog remarks.

“Yeah, I don’t think we’ll be lacking for entertainment here. I’m afraid Landon has a serious crush on Fergie. I just hope that doesn’t blow up in my face.”

“They’re grown men…individuals,” he corrects himself.

“Ah, yes, supposed to be, but when it comes to matters of the heart, all bets are off.”

I take a seat behind the desk and reach into the brown bag. As I pull out the carry-out containers and bamboo cutlery, Hog sits down across from me.

“So, tell me about your appointment?” I prompt him as I lift the lid off my bowl.

Damn, that smells good. I take a bite and stifle a moan when the flavors hit my tongue. It tastes even better.

“Burns are healing well. He was pleased overall.”

I swallow my bite, before probing more.

“Pleased overall. Does that mean he cleared you? You’re going back?”

“Not exactly,” is his casual response as he stuffs a forkful in his mouth.

“I don’t understand.”

His eyes meet mine and there is something in their depths I can’t quite place.

“I told him I still get dizzy from time to time.”

That’s a surprise to me. I’m pretty sure he told me that dizziness had passed.

“I didn’t know that.”

“He told me to sit out one more rotation, just to be safe.”

Suspicious now, I narrow my eyes at him.

“Hog, what are you doing?”

“You know, I’d probably be more of a liability than an asset to the crew. My mind wouldn’t be in it.”

“Noah…tell me you’re not doing this because of me.”

He reaches across the desk and grabs one of my hands.

“Everyone has priorities, Sweetheart. You happen to be mine.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

Hog

“Oh my God. Look at them, they’re so adorable…”