Page 46 of A Place Like You

Once everything is tidy, we linger by the front door. We’re close, too close. The warmth of his body radiating, inviting me to burn with him.

“I had a really nice time tonight,” Drake rumbles, his voice gravelly.

“Me too,” I breathe, locking eyes with him, the intoxicating proximity rendering me breathless. I can see the sexy stubble on his jaw, smell his cedar and musk scent. It would take nothing to close the distance. The pull is undeniable, and I’m teetering on the edge of something I can’t afford to fall into.

“Well, good night,” I say hastily, taking a step back, breaking the magnetic connection that threatens to overwhelm me. This is for the best. I can’t complicate things for either one of us.

“Yeah . . . good night,” he mumbles. With a terse nod, he turns and walks away.

I remain frozen on the threshold, watching until he disappears from view. With a sigh, I head inside, replaying the almost-kiss in my mind. If I hadn’t pulled away, would that have been just an innocent kiss?

I spend the night tangled in restless dreams where Drake’s fictional lips finally meet mine. And I know dreams are the only place we’ll find that dangerous pleasure. I can’t let things go further, no matter how tempting he is.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Drake: Morning. I’m on my way to the office. Anything I need to know before I arrive?

Wren: Good morning. I should be there by eight. I’m pretty confused by your question. Care to clarify?

Drake: When I arrived yesterday, my office had two cats, remember?

Wren: :laughing: emoji

Drake: It wasn’t funny.

Wren: I found it hilarious, but don’t worry about it. There’re no cats or other animals in your office—or the practice.

Drake: I still can’t understand why they were at my office.

Wren: Gina just needed a safe space for the night. We can’t just let them loose in the clinic. It’s not very sanitary. She totally forgot that the office was now yours.

Drake: I’ve been there for a month, and it took me hours to sanitize the clinic.

Wren: Again, she forgot. And you had the new nurse do your dirty job. Stop complaining, Dr. Drake.

Drake: One day, I’ll have an animal waiting in your office, and we’ll see if you find that funny.

Wren: You’re fired.

Drake: You and your friend have to stop firing us.

Wren: This is the first time I want to pink-slip you. Is Jez still threatening Gael?

Drake: Of course, he dared to buy a new stove and freezer for the bar.

Wren: You Kershaws have to stop . . . I don’t even know what you’re doing. We don’t need your assistance. Remember the saying? Don’t fix what’s not broken.

Drake: Nope, it’s: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Wren: That’s what I said.

Drake: It’s not, but Jez should let the asshole help. Even when it’s for his own gain.

Wren: What is he getting in exchange?

Wren: I know it’s not sex.

Drake: He gets to be in the kitchen and cook anything he wants.

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