Page 237 of Tempting-
"Ready," she says.
I get to work on the pink dinosaur. She lies there, squeezing her boyfriend's hand as he distracts her with conversation about their upcoming vacation.
Usually, I love it when the boyfriend comes. Wife, daughter, mom, best friend, coworker—it doesn't matter. Talking keeps people distracted from the pain. If they're here alone, that's my job.
I should appreciate it more right now—I don't have a shred of comfort in me.
But, fuck, I hate seeing them happy.
I hate the way they're smiling at each other.
I hate that the sun is shining.
I hate the music flowing from our speakers.
I hate that Kay is hurting alone.
It only takes eight minutes to finish. I clean and bandage her, go through my aftercare routine, take her to the register.
She throws her arms around me. "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."
The boyfriend shoots me a friendly nod. "Thanks for taking care of her." He offers his hand.
I shake. "Just doing my job." I motion to Leighton, standing behind the counter. "Will you get them some A+D ointment?"
"Sure. But you should—" She motions to Walker, leaning against the wall, staring at me like he's thinking about how he's gonna deck me.
On anyone else, that expression would beyou're mildly annoying. But Walker never shows that he's pissed. Or hurt. Or annoyed even.
That look might beI'm gonna kill you.
He waits until the clients are out the door to approach me.
His eyes narrow.
His voice drops to a threatening tone. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"
"A lot. You need to be more specific," I say.
Leighton clears her throat. "We have customers."
Walker shakes his headI don't care. "What the fuck is this?" He shows off his cell. With a text from Emma.
Emma: Kaylee said Brendon ended things.
"And?" I press my lips together. I'm not defending my decision to him. Or to anyone.
"What the fuck, Brendon?"
"Not a question."
"Is Em talking to Kay now?"
"No. Just fielding texts. She said she sent something to you. But you know that."
Fuck. My stomach drops. "No. My phone is charging in the office."
Leighton clears her throat. Nods to the short guy waiting in the lobby.
