Page 60 of The Quirky Vet

"Are you sure you're okay?" I ask.

"Of course I am." Muir turns to gaze out the window at the endless, barren expanse of the Australian outback. "I just wasn't expecting that, is all. Sorry."

"Stop apologising for things there's no need to apologise for," I scold him with a half smile.

"Sorry," he mutters, half-smiling back.

"Now, let's talk about something more fun."

"Cool. Just please don't start droning on about periodontal therapy. You've been going on about it for weeks."

I scoff under my breath. "I have not— Okay, maybe I have been a little excited."

"A little excited?" he teases. "Notice how everyone automatically vacates the staff lounge whenever you come in?"

"Okay. I've been a lot excited. It's fascinating stuff."

He snorts. "Fitzgerald Mortimer Humphrey Eastridge. You really are one of a kind."

I let the full-name usage slide since it seems like Muir has shaken off the shock of my announcement about Erin, and that's what matters.

It's funny. The moment I read Erin's message, my stomach dropped. But it had nothing to do with seeing her again and everything to do with Muir and how he might take the news. I didn't want it to upset him or rattle him in any way.

Because, truth be told, if it were the other way around, if he was catching up with Maisey, it would rattle me. Which is my coded way of saying it'd make me jealous.

And that's totally out of character for me since I've never been the jealous type before.

Before.

Before I got into whatever this is with Muir.

I'm still not sure where this thing is headed, but one thing isclear—my life can now be divided into two stark sections: before Muir and after Muir.

And that's another uncharacteristic thing.

Because until I popped the question to Erin, I'd never given much thought to the future, to settling down with just one person, and doing the whole settling down thing.

But with Muir, I can feel forever.

I want it.

I think about it.

I imagine what it could be like.

With Muir, I'm in it for the long haul, baby.

11

Muir

I pace restlessly across the plush carpet of the dimly lit hotel room. My eyes dart to the door every few seconds, like if I just focus hard enough, Fitz will come walking back in.

Why is my heart pounding? Why am I so on edge? Why am I freaking out so much about Fitz seeing his ex-girlfriend?

Stupid questions because I already know the fucking answer, I'm just not wanting to deal with the fact that my feelings for my best mate have only grown since we've started doingstuff.

They've solidified.

---