Page 4 of Bound Hearts

Quickly catching up, it’s obvious he is fleeing and leaving me with Sutton.

He’s gone so fast that I don’t have time to question his plan, but it doesn’t matter because, well… I have no complaints.

Sometimes we have bad ideas in life. One look at Sutton with her lips pressed in a tiny smirk and I’m aware she might be one of them.

And sometimes in life, we have intuition that serves as a warning.

But when I meet Sutton’s dark brown eyes, I make the decision to ignore that warning.

2

SUTTON

Why do I find myself savoring the way Foster’s eyes lock onto me, always paired with that slow, confident smirk? And is this really Foster, out of his usual suit? His dark coat is tailored and expensive, yet somehow inviting. He’s in dark jeans, too. I have a soft spot for any man bold enough to wear a scarf. You’d be surprised how many refuse. The charcoal gray sets off his espresso-brown hair perfectly. But no matter what he wears, Foster’s chestnut eyes always seem to command the room—and right now, they’re fixed on me.

This time, his gaze lands on me with a spark that tugs a smile from my lips.

“So, you’re supposed to be my tour guide now, it seems.” He’s amused at the sudden turn of events.

I quickly glance over my shoulder to see that Hayes is down the street. Turning back to face Foster, who towers a little over me in height, I widen my smile. “I guess so. Where is it that you’re heading? I’ll point you in the right direction.”

He rubs his hands together briskly in front of him, trying to generate warmth against the freezing breeze. “I wasn’t heading anywhere in particular. I may be looking to grab a gift for an old lady in my building.”

I stuff my hands into my pockets. “That sounds like a story. Thanking her for watering your plants or something?”

He grins. “Yeah, something like that. She always bakes me cookies.”

“Lucky you. I need to find a neighbor like that.”

“That’s right. You just moved to the city. Elodie mentioned.”

I used to be buried in corporate law at a big Baltimore firm, but I was craving a change—a place closer to friends and family. With my thirtieth birthday just passed, I wanted to actually live, to travel, to find work I could love. Then Olivia, who’d been a few years ahead of me at school in Everhope, called about a role at Haven Crossroads where she worked in HR. I took a chance. The offer was too good to pass up.

I nod. “Yeah, after living on the East Coast. I’m originally from this little town, though.”

“Then you could tell me where to get a good cup of coffee? I heard something about Foxy.”

“Foxy Rox,” I correct him. “Damn good coffee.” Remembering, I wince. “But it’s also probably where Hayes and Elodie are now having their lovers' tiff, so it’s either walk in on awkwardness or pretend not to be spying.” I hold out my hands as if to balance the options.

His thumb touches his chin as he briefly considers. “Fox Roxy it is not then.”

“Ooh, sounding Shakespearian.”

“It’s the weekend. I have special talents on my days off.” In two seconds, I’ve learned that Foster saying that with his eyes fixed on me won’t help de-escalate the instant attraction that hit me from moment one, and I’ve only spoken to him once before in an elevator. But confidence hasn’t been my issue in life, which is why I’m very aware that he gave me the once-over then and approved.

“Interesting.” My expression is stoic, but a faint smile remains as our eyes hold for a few seconds. “Anyhow, the travesty of missing Foxy Rox is fixed by the fact that there is a donut festival in town. There’s a coffee truck there.”

His lips quirk out, and his brows rise. “Sounds promising. I’m a fan of donuts, too.”

“Really? Because you look like a guy who hits the gym and considers protein shakes breakfast.”

“I’ll have you know that someone in finance brings donuts from this Polish bakery once a week, and it’s the highlight of my workweek.”

“Well, it seems you are saved then. It’s that wa—” He interrupts me as I begin to look in one direction.

“You won’t walk with me?”

Now, I’m a smart woman with a law degree, and I passed the bar in two different states. I’m able to sense when to push buttons or not. I also have talent for reading the fine print. Even without a contract, I’m aware his tone and look are an invitation.