Page 10 of Crocodile Tears
“How quickly does this process usually work?”
“For someone with your profile?I’d expect to have options within a few days.Maybe sooner if my instincts are right about a particular client, but I still have to conduct his intake.He’s coming by tomorrow.”
Her expression shifts to something that reminds me of a predator who’s spotted interesting prey.It’s oddly comforting to see someone else’s hunting instincts surface during professional activities.
Shecallsexactlytwenty-fourhours later while I’m in the middle of calibrating a spectrophotometer that’s been giving me attitude all morning.I answer on the third ring, not expecting Red’s cheerful voice.
“Dr.Lawson, it’s Red from Romance Expected.Do you have a few minutes to discuss a potential match?”
I set down the calibration tools and give her my full attention.“That was fast.”
“Sometimes, the universe provides exactly what we need when we need it.”Red’s enthusiasm practically vibrates through the phone.“I have someone I think you’ll find fascinating.Calvin Hargrove, thirty-six, Gila monster shifter.”Her voice drops slightly.“He’s in my office right now.”
“Another reptile?”
“I know what you’re thinking—won’t that create territorial issues?But reptile-reptile matches actually have excellent compatibility rates.You understand each other’s temperature needs, shedding cycles, and the social challenges of being predator shifters in a prey-animal-dominated world.”
She’s not wrong.The thought of dating someone who doesn’t need explanations about my basking requirements or emergency meat storage is genuinely appealing.“What does he do professionally?”
“International security consultant.Very experienced but recently transitioning to more domestic work.”
The phrasing seems carefully diplomatic.“What kind of security consulting?”
Red’s pause is just long enough to be noticeable.“He has extensive military background and has worked in some… challenging international situations, but he’s actively pursuing civilian integration and looking for stability.”
“Challenging international situations?”
“Oh, he does something with guns and occasional explosions, but he’s trying to cut back!”
The cheerful way Red delivers this information should probably be more concerning than it is.Instead, I’m intrigued.A man who’s competent with dangerous situations might actually appreciate someone whose emotional responses occasionally involve industrial-strength bite force.“Is he looking for someone to help him become more normal or someone who won’t be fazed by his unusual background?”
“Definitely the latter.He specifically mentioned wanting someone who won’t freak out if he accidentally sheds his skin at inopportune moments.”
I laugh despite myself.“That’s refreshingly honest.”
“He also listedcompetenceas his biggest turn-on.”
The admission catches my attention in a way that probably says interesting things about my priorities.“Competence?”
“Professional competence, intellectual competence, and the ability to handle complex situations without falling apart.”Red’s voice takes on a conspiratorial tone.“When was the last time someone was attracted to your brain first and your appearance second?”
The question forces me to think for a moment.“It’s been a while.”
“Calvin saw your photo—the one where you’re lecturing with partially shifted hands—and was impressed by your passion but not intimidated by your intensity.”
Something warm unfurls in my chest at the description.The idea of someone finding my professional intensity attractive rather than off-putting is almost too good to believe.“What does he look like?”The question comes from curiosity, but looks are far down on my list of considerations.
“Tall, lean build, and moves like someone who’s very comfortable in his own body.Desert coloring.He has tanned skin with those distinctive Gila monster markings when he’s relaxed.Former military bearing but not aggressively masculine.”She pauses, and I hear her say something to him before she adds, “He’s also been having trouble with conventional dating.His last relationship ended when he instinctively disarmed a waiter during dinner.”
“He disarmed a waiter?”
“The waiter was carrying a steak knife.Calvin’s training kicked in before his social awareness.”Red’s tone suggests this is a perfectly reasonable response to dinner service.“The woman he was with didn’t appreciate his protective instincts.”
I find myself nodding, even though she can’t see me.“I can understand that reaction.”
“Which reaction—his or hers?”
“His.Threat assessment is a valuable survival skill.Most people just don’t recognize it as such.”
