Page 19 of Lightning Strikes

“Head on back! I think you’re the last of the party to arrive… At least according to the hyper red head.” She snorts and waves me off and I pat her shoulder on my way past her.

“Hope you get a break soon.” I wink at her before I step through the dining area and barely restrain myself from plugging my nose from all of the amazing food that’s being served and eaten around the room. If I thought walking by the kitchen from the exterior was bad, this is so much worse. I grumble as I move through the double doors that leads to the space Mel rented out, placing a smile on my lips as I walk up to them at the small bar area. They’re all talking, starting to dance, and when Mel sees me, she rushes up to me with her manic smile on her face.

Damn it.

“Angela! Now we can get the party started!” She wraps her pale arms around me and spins me around. “Come on! They’re about to bring the food out.” She narrows her gaze at me and lowers her voice. “I knew you would be the last to arrive.” She bumps her hip into mine and drags me across the room to the bar.

Miguel and Randy tip their drinks to me. “This is wonderful, Angela. Thank you for thinking about us.” Randy smiles at me and his cheeks are reddening from alcohol consumption. He’s too damn cute.

“This was all Melissa.” I wink at her as she pouts and flutters her eyes at the men.

“Well, it wouldn’t all be possible without her!” She points her thumb at me over her shoulder and she pours us all more margaritas. She’s wearing a translucent pink dress that showcases her generous curves and lacy red underthings. I don’t have any idea how she’s walking in those six-inch heels, but I still shake my head at her attire. Only Melissa could pull something like that off without being arrested for indecent exposure.

Our new tech, Willow, waves at me and is sitting next to Miguel, flirting with him every time he looks her way. Adorable. Her brown hair is straightened down her back and her bright green eyes are glowing with happiness. She was an amazing addition to our clinic.

Everyone is dressed up and looks ready to have a good time. The men are both wearing slacks and dress shirts, and it seems like the girls also had the same idea with wearing dresses, at least Willow is wearing something more modest like me. I’m the only one in boots though, both Mel and Willow are in stiletto heels.

I take a seat beside Randy with a sigh and he sends me a smile. “So, you guys have been up here for a month now, how do you like it?” I ask as I take a sip of the blended strawberry margarita and groan at the taste. So delicious.

“It’s a lot quieter up here… slower. I don’t mind it at all. I’m glad to be out of the dang heat and actually excited about buying a house with actual land.”

“That’s understandable. I went to Midwestern U in Glendale and it was a shock to my system. All of the houses are so close together and the summers werebrutal.”

The talk is easy, the food is amazing. But after a few sips of alcohol my wolf started flipping the fuck out, the first I’ve heard from her in damnweeks.I assumed she was pissed at me for how much I’ve been working and sleeping instead of going on runs… and now she’s mad about alcohol? Damn wolf.

I stick to water the rest of the night, eat my weight in tacos, chips, and salsa, and dance around with Melissa until I’m ready for bed. My coworkers all seem content to stay here until they kick us out and seem respectable about the place and aren’t wasted… so I feel content with leaving them here.

I murmur my goodbyes, hug Mel, shake hands with the others and make my way out. I’ve been checking my phone repeatedly to make sure that Mac and Scout are doing okay, and the last one I received from thirty minutes ago was from him saying Scout just ate and he’s going to lay down with Max until I get here. Poor guy is has been working almost every day and thankfully has the weekend off.

After I make it back to the clinic, I lock up and make my way back to the recovery rooms to find Mac snoring and out like a light. Max wakes up to blink at me and wag his tail before curing back around Mac’s shoulder… The kitten is warm, fed, and asleep… So all that’s left is for me to wash my face and change into pajamas. I want to wake Mac up so that he can go home and sleep in his comfortable bed, but at the same time, I miss cuddling with him. So now he’s staying the night with me.

I step out of the bathroom barefoot, wearing a t-shirt and a pair of shorts, and I braid my hair as I lean against the wall, watching them all sleep. I crawl onto the makeshift bed and curl into Mac’s chest and smile as he wraps his arms around me, groaning softly into my hair. He still smells the same, like pine trees and fresh snow, and I chuckle under my breath as he nuzzles his chin against my forehead. It tickles my skin with his whickers.

He’s never grown a full beard, but lately he’s been growing out his facial hair and keeping it trimmed. It looks damn fantastic on him, and he looks older, more mature with it. He’s always been handsome, but now he’s probably beating women away with a stick, especially when he’s in uniform. Who doesn’t love a man in a uniform?

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“Good morning, Ang.” Someone whispers into my ear and massages my hip. I grunt as I blink my eyes open… I swear I was just up feeding Scout a few minutes ago. Mac’s tired eyes are hooded and there’s a smirk painting his lips to just make this morning all that much sweeter. Little shit.

“Morning.” I whisper, glancing around the room, looking for Max.

“I just took him out into the yard and he wanted to stay out there to run around and play. What are your plans?”

I send him a droll look and wave my hand around. “You’re looking at it. I have several appointments today and tomorrow. Once Cassie comes back, hopefully next week, I’ll have my talk with her about either hiring more people or someone can choose to take weekends… I really want out of this town.” I whisper and he nods.

“I know. We’ll make it happen, Ang. I have Monday off, too. Why don’t we spend the day with my parents and then we can go on a family run like we used to? I was serious about leaving with you… I know that it was probably just you venting your frustrations, but I think it’s a great idea.” I nod into his chest and groan as I slowly stand up, stretching my arms above my head.

I wink at Mac as his gaze burns from my head to my toes. I refuse to look into his eyes, because if I do, I don’t think we will be leaving the room. I step out into the hall to the restroom so I can get ready for the day. And not jump my best friend.

Ever since the first time I met him, I knew he would be an important part of my life. Either as a best friend or a mate… He fits both roles so well that it crushes me when I remember that he doesn’t see me as anything more than a best friend or fuck buddy. Sorry, ‘friends with benefits’. Not that I’m complaining, because I don’t think I will ever settle down with just one man ever again.

I wash my face, brush my teeth, and braid my hair down my back. I have a few clean sets of scrubs stacked on the shelf, scratching my temple as I glance through them. Kittens, kangaroos, or puppies… Kangaroos sound fun. They’re a dark green with a million prints of kangaroos in different positions. Punching, kicking, and jumping. I snort to myself as I slide on my shoes, finding Mac dressed, leaning up against the wall as holds Max’s leash in his hand with a frown on his face.

“Can I bring you breakfast?”

I wave him off and kiss his cheek. “Don’t worry about it. Go enjoy your weekend and talk to your parents about Monday.” I pick Scout up, ignoring Mac’s worried gaze, and I lead the boys to the front so that I can open up and settle in for another busy day. “Thank you for helping out with Scout and keeping me company last night.” I wink at him and kiss his cheek before stepping back. He chuckles as he shakes his head. He runs his thick, long fingers through his messy brown hair and he winks back at me. Gosh, even tired and in rumpled clothes, he’s one of the most beautiful men I’ve ever seen. I push thoughts of Adam and Cal from my thoughts. Especially Adam… And shove Mac out the door.

“I’ll call you later, Ang.” He waves, then spins around to walk to his black truck, and I turn around as they drive off.

“Well, little one. It’s just you and me for about another hour. Ready to eat again?” I kiss her soft head and she squeaks at me until I nuzzle her into my neck. Spoiled kitten.

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