Page 45 of Wish You Were Mine

My feet ached by the time evening rolled around. I’d been seeing clients all day, but at least tomorrow would be spent in the operating theater so I wouldn’t have to interact with so many people. I loved catching up with everyone, but it could be exhausting.

I’d cleaned up and was waving Beverley off when Asher drove into the parking lot and parked near the main entrance. I met him at the doors.

“Cookie is doing well,” I said as he approached. “She’s looking forward to going home.”

He smiled, but his lips wobbled. “She’s really okay?”

“Yes.” I wished I could hug him. He looked like he needed it.

I led him through a door labeled Staff Only to the rear room where we kept inpatients who were ready to be discharged. Cookie was curled in the cubicle nearest the door, and she stretched and butted her head against the bars when she saw Asher. He reached in and rubbed the underside of her chin.

My insides melted into a puddle of goo. They were so adorable together. I opened the cubicle, and he scooped her out and cradled her against his chest. My ovaries broke into song. Somehow, I knew he’d look just as sweet cuddling a baby.

Ugh, I had it so bad.

But for once, my hopeless crush didn’t feel quite so hopeless. Whether or not he remembered it, he had almost kissed me the other night. If it had happened once, it could happen again, and I was an expert at exercising patience.

Asher shifted Cookie into her pet carrier, which I’d stored against the wall, and followed me out.

“What do I owe you?” he asked once we reached the reception area.

I waved my hand dismissively. “We can sort it out later. I’m not as good with the billing software as Beverley is.”

“Summer.” His tone was stern. “I am paying.”

“I know.” I grabbed my bag from where I’d left it behind the counter and slung it over my shoulder. I withdrew my keycard and headed for the exit.

“I’m serious,” Asher said.

“I know,” I repeated, turning to face him. “I said we’ll sort it out, and I meant it.”

But I also knew that he wouldn’t get paid until next week—he was on the same pay schedule as Liam—and that paramedics weren’t necessarily paid what they deserved. I could afford to wait and give him a grace period.

He nodded, and the tightness eased from his jaw. Good. We wouldn’t have to fight about this. He carried Cookie across to the door. It slid open and I entered the code to set the alarm while he left the building, then I hurried out and waited until the door automatically closed.

I checked to make sure it was locked and glanced over at my Ute. “Blair!”

Kennedy’s brother was leaning against the passenger door, holding a takeout cup and a brown paper bag from Taste of Destiny.

“What’s he doing here?” Asher grumbled.

“No idea.” I smiled at Blair and waved. “But I’m going to find out. Let me know if you run into any trouble with Cookie.”

“I will.” He narrowed his eyes at Blair, huffed, and then marched to his car.

I frowned, wondering what his mood was about, but I shook it off. He was probably still upset about Cookie.

As I closed the distance between me and Blair, he called, “I heard you can sing.”

I cocked my head, curious where this was going. “I’m no Taylor Swift but I can hold my own.”

He extended the takeout cup toward me. “That’s a chai latte, which I have on good authority is your favorite.”

I wrapped my hand around the cup. Heat radiated through the cardboard. Still hot. Excellent. “Why does this feel like a bribe?”

He smirked. “It’s not a bribe. I’m just making sure you’re in a good frame of mind before I ask for a favor.” He offered me the paper bag. “Cinnamon roll.”

I opened the bag, balancing the coffee as I reached in and pulled out the cinnamon roll, inhaling its mouthwateringly sweet scent. I bit into it and closed my eyes, savoring the deliciousness, then I sipped the coffee.

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