Page 84 of Lorcan
As he grabbed his keys, he ducked his head. “You’re too good to me.”
I grasped his chin. “That’s easy for me. You’re one of the best men I’ve ever met. I get the privilege of loving you. What more could I ask for?”
His eyes went wide. The echo of “loving” hung between us.
I opened the door, and all but shoved him out. I didn’t want him to feel he had to reciprocate my words. Feeling good at having said them, I headed into the bathroom.
Showering took little time. As did dressing and preparing for my day.
Twenty minutes later, I pulled into the parking lot at the ranch.
Justin was just getting out of his SUV. He took one look at me and whistled. “Someone got lucky last night.”
I grinned. “There’s more.”
“Let me get some caffeine into me first.” He grabbed his messenger bag and closed his door. “Is this something private? Or are you up to sharing?”
“With Kennedy and Rainbow? Nothing’s ever truly private.”
“Hey! I can keep secrets.”
I laughed. “I meant me, you silly man. You think I can keep this goofy grin off my face all day? With patients? Sure. Around my good friends? Not a chance.”
He slung an arm around my shoulder as we made our way into the ranch.
As if sensing my excitement, Tiffany greeted me at the door with her tail wagging. The golden lab was a beautiful creature who did much of the heavy lifting in the clinic. She was a ray of sunshine—not just for the patients who needed her—but also for the staff who often faced tough situations.
“Coffee’s fresh.” Rainbow’s words made their way from the kitchen to the waiting room where Justin and I removed our outerwear and donned inside shoes.
He sniffed.
I grinned.
Kennedy walked down the stairs from the upstairs living quarters. “And yes, fresh cranberry-bran muffins.”
I moaned.
She eyed me as she headed into the kitchen.
“He’s gotnews.” Justin nudged me.
“Oh?” Kennedy poured herself a mug of tea from the brewed pot. “Do tell.”
“Tell what?” Rainbow gestured to the kitchen table. As we sat, she placed mugs of coffee before both Justin and me.
I often felt uncomfortable at the level of service she provided to us. I was happy to make my own coffee. And when she was out in the stables with the horses, I tried to do things that made life easier for her.
Still, when she was back a moment later with a basket of muffins and a container of butter, I didn’t hide my grin.
“Oh yeah, something’s up.” She put the basket down. She returned to the counter where she poured herself coffee. Thenshe joined us at the table—strategically placing herself next to Justin—across from me.
Without much thought, we always left the head of the table for Kennedy. Now I had the rapt attention of three coworkers. “Uh, is Denise coming?”
“She’s working this afternoon.” Kennedy arched an eyebrow.
“Avery?”
“Appointment with Dr. Grantham.”
