Page 60 of Changing Lanes

“So, are you going to approach him?” Lea presses for answers.

“I’ll wait on him.” Our food arrives and the conversation moves on to babies. We begin plans for showers for Lea and Thayer.

Maisyn and I walk Main Street after lunch, just window shopping and girl talk. She’s a great a girl. I give thought to a tattoo. My father would fall over and threaten death if I did. So, I ask. “Do I need an appointment to see you? If I would want a tattoo, not saying I do.” I laugh nervously.

“Just give me a call, I’ll fit you in. I reserve time for special clients, it’s how I met Lachlan.” Her smile stretches across her face when she talks about him.

“Gosh, I wish I had someone to make me smile like you just did.” I envy her for more reasons than one. She’s so open about their relationship.

“Torrie, you do. I had my doubts about you. Brannon and I have known each other for years. I was worried he was hung up on someone who didn’t feel the same. Then, you started talking about him. Your eyes sparkled, your cheeks flushed, and you become a shy girl with a coy smile.” Maisyn’s line of sight shifts to over my shoulder.

Scanning my surroundings, my gaze catches what she’s looking at. A man, dressed in a three-piece Armani blue suit, saunters toward us. His sunglasses reflect her in them as he gets closer, his focus is on one target.

Taking his hand from his pocket, he runs it through his jet-black hair, cropped tight to align with his chiseled jaw. A smile breaks his face, and Maisyn sighs loudly beside me. “Lachlan, I presume?” Elbowing her as I ask.

“Yeah.” Her face glows as she begins to fidget the closer he gets.

“You’re gorgeous, stop moving. He’s in love, you have nothing to be nervous about,” whispering so he doesn’t hear. Or read lips.

Just as I’m about to excuse myself, I’m goosed from behind. Screaming from the unexpected contact, “AHH. What the fuck?” I swing around just to be wrapped in the one set of arms I prefer. “You. Damn it.” It comes out so much worse than I meant it to, I was scared.

Brannon releases me, his hands in the air, his face smashed up from anxiety. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Torrie.”

“Are you alright, lass?” Lachlan stands with Maisyn in his arms. He doesn’t realize I saw him wink at Brannon.

“I’m good, but I may kick his ass. Hi, I’m Torrie and for some reason, I think you already know Brannon.” Smiling, I shake his hand.

He winks. “He’s a lad of mine. It’s good to finally meet you.”

“Really? What have you heard?” Narrowing my eyes at Brannon, he looks worried, poor baby. Smiling at him, I grant him a reprieve from my wrath. “I know it must be all good.”

“It is, very good. Brannon, how’s business?” Lachlan shakes Brannon’s hand.

“Good. I’m working for Torrie and One at the moment. One’s asked me to join his team before the new baby comes,” Brannon says proudly, oddly making me smile with pride. Brannon side eyes me, studying my face.

“Wonderful. Maisyn’s going to open a second shop, ground up. You interested in designing it?” Lachlan is in serious business mode, I love it.

“I can attest to his mastery; Brannon is a wonderful untapped talent. Perfect man for the job.” I heap praise on him like a doting wife, to everyone’s amazement. “I mean, from what I’ve seen of his work so far.”

“Looks like you have a job.” Maisyn grins.

“Thank you. And thank you, Torrie, for the words of encouragement.” He shakes Lachlan’s and Maisyn’s hands, placing his hand on the small of my back.

Trembling from his touch, my words fall from me, “You’re welcome. It was good to meet you both.”

“Call me. We’re gonna run.” Maisyn hugs me.

“Yes, it was great meeting you. Brannon, we’ll be in touch.”

“I do appreciate your recommendation,” Brannon says as they walk away.

“I meant it. You’re doing a great job.” We stand there, staring into each other’s eyes.

“So, where were you going?” He breaks the silence.

“Just window shopping and girl talk. Want to join me?” I give him my coy smile.

“Girl talk? Hell, yeah. I’m pretty good at that now.” Waving his hand in front to coax me.