Page 34 of The Orc's Sweetheart
I’m really falling for Tilly. I may have fallen already. Who am I kidding? I’m a goner for her.
Do humans fall this fast? I hope I don’t freak her out, but she’ll have to mark out a couple of days in her schedule in the near future so I can claim her properly. The orc way.
With remarkable self-control, I’m able to draw back from Tilly before I take her back to the cottage and lock us in for three days.
Tilly smiles softly. “You’ll have to stop saying such nice things to me if you want me to function today. My brain is going to be replaying my favorite moments with you on a loop.”
I cup her face with my free hand and rub my thumb across her rosy cheek. “I’ll stop for now. But just know, I plan to give you many replay-worthy moments.”
“There you go again. Quick, change the topic before I swoon.”
I press a chaste kiss to her forehead, and assume an unaffected tone. “Okay, tell me more about what plans you have. Work-wise, or DIY plans for the cottage.”
“Nice neutral topics.” Tilly nods with approval. “My biggest aim for this week is to study some of the files of Starry Hill residents. I want to familiarize myself with their medical histories. I’d hate for an emergency to happen and to not have some kind of idea of who they are or what they’ve been through.”
“That’s a great idea.”
Tilly’s mouth turns up a fraction. “Thanks. I really care about my patients and want to give my best to Starry Hill.”
“You’re amazing.” I can’t help but praise her. Being wrong about someone has never felt this good.
“Hardly,” Tilly huffs.
“I’m not asking for your opinion, I’m just stating a fact.”
Tilly tries to hide her smile at that, but I can see how much my comment means to her.
“So… uhm…” I start uncertainly, wanting to bring up someone I’m concerned about, but not sure how to broach the subject. “It’s not my place to make suggestions that involve your job, at all, but if you’re open to it…”
“You can always make a suggestion.” Tilly shrugs one shoulder. “If I’ll take you up on it or not is something yet to be determined.”
“Fair. Do you think you can maybe take a look at Ren’s file?”
Tilly’s whole demeanor changes and her face switches into a serious expression I’ve not seen before. “Sure. Who’s Ren?”
“He’s the friend who lives in the tangerine grove, and he happens to be a bit of a recluse,” I explain.
“Is there something specific that you’re worried about?” Tilly asks in a medical-professional voice. I admire her for switching into this role so quickly and how seriously she is taking my concern.
“Well, uhm, his color seems a bit… dull,” I explain sheepishly.
Tilly’s brows furrow. It’s almost like I can see her filter through medical diagnoses. “What type of creature is he?”
“An incubus.”
“And he’s a recluse, you say?”
I nod. “Yeah. He’s really nice, but extremely shy. Ren hardly makes eye contact with anyone when he leaves his house. I stop by sometimes to check on him. If you were to visit him I could go with you?”
Tilly shakes her head. “That’s really kind, but I’m not sure what kind of message that would send if I bring my ‘friend’ along on a house call.” Her cheeks flare a beautiful rosy red and I almost lean down to kiss them, but I don’t want to distract from the conversation.
“Ren is waiting for a new generator to arrive this week. He’s a computer programmer and needs extra electricity to keep his servers switched on at all times. We could schedule your visit for the same day I drop the generator off. I’ll introduce you and explain you’re a nurse and a ‘friend’ of mine. Then I can step outside and walk you home when you’re done.”
Tilly considers that for a second, then asks, “You’d really go out of your way and rearrange your schedule to suit mine?
I aim for an arrogant expression and raise an eyebrow at her. “I thought we’ve established how much I’ll do for you.”
“Fucking hell, Bodin,” Tilly sighs. “I can’t keep swooning so much. Quickly tell me about another creature whose file I need to read.”
