Fighting Lust: A Deadly Sins Novel by Jennifer Miller Page A

called.
    Turning, I see a nurse I’ve worked with for a few years now. Smiling, I greet him, “Hey Bryan, how’s it going?”
    “Not too bad, it’s kind of quiet tonight, huh?”
    I put my finger over my lips, “Shh, don’t jinx it”
    We laugh and he shrugs his shoulders with a regretful look on his face, ‘True. I should know better than to say that.”
    “If we get slammed, I’m blaming you.”
    “Fair enough,” he nods. “I’ve been looking for you because I was wondering if you’re still needing some volunteers for the weekend.”
    “Yes,” I answer immediately. “Last I heard, Helping Homes hardly had anyone sign up and they have a massive list of things to do at the home. Flooring, interior and exterior painting and yard work. If you or anyone you know can come out and help, that would be so awesome.” Helping Homes is one of my favorite charities. It’s an organization that provides housing for individuals or families that are victims of abuse. Women or men that are escaping abusive relationships oftentimes don’t have a place to go. Helping Homes has apartments and shelters and a staff that helps them get back on their feet. Then, when they are in a position to buy a new home, they either build needed homes, flip houses such that they fit the individual’s needs, or collaborate with Habitat for Humanity. Regardless, they are a wonderful housing source for many. It’s an amazing organization and I’ve been involved ever since I learned about it.
    “Sounds good, Sharon and I will be there,” he says referring to his long time girlfriend. “I know you posted a flyer a while back, but can you shoot me the address when you have a chance?”
    “Yeah, I’ll text it over in a bit, but if I forget, it’s on their website calendar too.”
    “Great. See you then.”
    “See you,” I smile and turn the corner and almost slam into someone.
    Placing my hands in front of me instinctually I touch a large chest. One hand is full of supplies, the other, touches muscle. Looking up, I see it belongs to Ryder. “Just the woman I was looking for,” he drawls and I’m caught up in the smile on his face and the look in his eyes.
    “What?” I ask stupidly.
    “I was looking for you.”
    “I’m on my way back to Levi right now. Is something wrong with him?”
    “No he’s fine.”
    “Oh.”
    “I was looking for you for another reason.” I raise my brows in question. “I wanted you alone for a minute so I can ask you to go to dinner with me.”
    “Was that a question?”
    “Go to dinner with me?” he asks with a sexy smile that’s hard to turn down. Almost.
    “Why would I want to do that?”
    His smile falls for a minute and he looks confused. “Excuse me?”
    “Sorry, Ryder.” His face falls and I shrug, “I’m just not interested.”
    For a moment he looks stunned. But then it fades and a slow smile begins spreading on his face and he laughs as if we’ve just shared a private joke.
    “What?” I ask him confused. He looks down and I see that my hand is not only still on his chest, but it’s in fact clutching at his shirt. Like I want to rip it off his chest. Oh god. I feel myself flush, which is also embarrassing, and I remove my hand quickly. Clearing my throat, I add, “I don’t date.”
    Side stepping him, I move down the hallway back to Levi’s room. Taking a moment to look back, my eyes connect with Ryder’s. He’s standing, arms crossed and watching my every move with a smirk on his face. Instead of acceptance or even disappointment at my answer reflecting in his eyes, I see pure determination.
    It’s hot as hell. Great. I’m doomed.
    Walking back into Levi’s room, I see that Dr. Handy is finishing his assessment, “Yep, just like Tessa said – no need for x-rays given where the blow occurred; just a few stitches and we’ll get you out of here.” I efficiently set up the sterile field, using the supplies in the kit and assist the attending as I’ve done nearly a