Saving Easton (Oakside Military Heroes Book 2)(14)

"Yes, when you take the time to train them, and you’re working with them night and day, there’s a bond. It's always hard to let the dog I train go, but it makes it easier, knowing who they’re going to and that they’re making a real difference in a person's life. You'd be a great candidate for a therapy dog, when you get out of Oakside." I say, as we reach the desk.

"Hey, Easton. How are you liking that book?" Noah asks, walking up.

"Pretty good, and I’m about halfway done with it. There’s another in the series, I guess?"

"There are five in the series, and we have them all in the library. I can bring them to you later," Noah says.

Easton nods, and then we turn back towards the hallway. He takes a deep breath, and we start back to his room.

"So, I won't be in tomorrow. I have a family dinner at my parents’ house, and my brother and his girlfriend will be there. My mom doesn't know it, but I'm taking Molly. I don’t like his girlfriend and neither does Molly."

"Why not?"

"It's hard to put into words. One, I always trust Molly's instincts, as she’s trained to read people. Two, she never says anything too mean, but she always finds ways to insult me. I get this feeling she’s using my brother for something, but for what, I have no idea. He doesn't have any money, he's not famous, and he's lazy and kind of a slob. I know she doesn't love him just by how she acts, so I really have no idea."

"Have you told him how you feel?"

"He knows, and I haven't hidden that I don't like her, but until I can voice exactly why, I've kept it to myself," I say.

We get to his door, and he looks over at me, and the corner of his mouth tilts up just the slightest bit.

Without thinking, I say, "You know, Easton, if I didn't know any better, I'd say this felt like a date."

I instantly regret what I said. My face heats in embarrassment, and I look away. He heads into his room and sits in his chair. I take a few extra minutes to find Molly's treats in my purse, before sitting down.

"You know, in school I had the biggest crush on you." He says, shocking me.

"Really?"

"Yep, but you’re Leeland's little sister and strictly off limits. Well, then at least."

I slowly walk over and hand him a treat for Molly. He takes it carefully not letting our fingers touch.

Sitting down, I admit, "I had a crush on you, too. It's why I'd spend so much time around you guys."

His eyes are a stormy gray and intense, as he looks at me. I'd give anything to know what he’s thinking, but the heat in his eyes is making me uncomfortable, too. He's always been hard to read because he's good at keeping his emotions in check. I guess that's why I had no idea he liked me that way growing up.

I clear my throat. "So, am I still not telling Leeland that you're here?"

"If you don't mind. I promise, I’ll talk to him, but I'd like to have made more progress before I do. Your brother was always pushing me, even when I didn’t want to be pushed, so I feel I need to be stronger first."

"Oh, trust me, I know. At one point in my life, I had to have it out with him, because he was in a phase where he thought he knew what was best for everyone, and really he didn't. He barely has his own life together. He's gotten better, but not by much," I say.

"So, will I see you the day after tomorrow?"

"Yes, I’ll be here, if that's okay?"

"Paisley, I want you here. So, whenever you can be here, no notice required is fine by me."

"Good. Then yes, the day after tomorrow."

As I’m leaving, I pass Lexi and Noah at the front desk.

Both smile at me, as I walk up.

"You got him out of his room again." Lexi squeals.

"He's doing a little better each day. I think the key is not to push him; he can push himself. He just made a comment about not wanting to see my brother just yet, because my brother always pushed him too hard. So, just go at his pace. It might be slow, but I think we’ll get there."

"Thank you seems too insignificant," Noah says.

Mandy walks up from downstairs. She’s the charity coordinator and handles all the donations, fundraising, and all that. She started here as an intern when they were just getting off the ground, and Lexi brought her on full-time, when they opened.

"Paisley, everyone is calling you the miracle worker," she smiles.

"What?" I ask.

"You’re getting Easton out of his room. I think you’re giving Dr. Tate a complex that he couldn't figure out how to do it first."

At that, I laugh. "Well, I have one thing he doesn't."

"Boobs," Mandy says dead serious.

Lexi and I start laughing, causing a few heads to turn.

"Okay, two things. I was going to say I have a history with Easton. I think that has been a big help."

"Well, whatever it is, keep doing it," Lexi says, and they all agree.





Chapter 10





Chapter 10


Easton





I'm really beginning to not like the days that Paisley doesn't come to visit. I know she’s at her family dinner today, so I've been trying to read, but I keep getting distracted with thoughts of her.