Page 30 of Shifter Marked and Claimed

She had gasped and averted her eyes. I was tempted not to dress after that and see how far things would go, but I also knew I had to get back to work quickly so I had dressed and essentially cock blocked myself.

Much to my surprise, she’d made soup and it was waiting for me. She’d denied it when I challenged her on that fact, but she’d blushed instantly giving herself away.

Knowing she had been hoping I’d stop by made me deliriously happy.

“Will you be coming by tonight?”

“Do you want me to?”

She shrugged. “You’re welcome to, but we’re having the same thing for dinner.”

“It’s delicious, but I have appointments booked through nine tonight.”

“That late?” she asked sounding disappointed. “But won’t you get a break for dinner at least?”

“Nope. Afraid not. I keep snacks at the office for days like this, but otherwise this will probably be the only thing I eat today.”

“Did you skip breakfast too?”

I shrugged. “Not the coffee.”

She scowled and shook her head. “I’ll swing by and drop some soup off on my way to pick up Vada. If you’re running back in your fur there’s no way you can carry it with you now.”

I started to tell her she didn’t have to, but then bit my tongue.

“Okay, that would be great.”

It was hard to walk away from her, but I knew I had patients waiting for me. Still, I took my time undressing on her back porch. She was inside, but I could see her shadow through the window just as I had that first time I’d gone for a run and my wolf had taken me right to her backyard.

The afternoon dragged on.One patient after another. It had been this way for months, mostly those displaced after the big rescue. They were rarely sick or even injured. It felt like I played the role of psychiatrist more than physician lately.

When my two o’clock finally left at a quarter to three, I was feeling exasperated and more than ready for a break.

The bell out front chimed again. I hated that damn bell. I wanted to throw it out the window.

I took a moment to regain my composure and then walked out to the front lobby.

My entire demeanor changed as I stepped closer. I could smell Lucy.

By the time she saw me I was grinning from ear to ear.

“You came.”

“I told you I would.”

I hugged her like it was the most natural thing in the world and I kissed the top of her head before letting go.

“Perfect timing. I’m starving.”

“Are you free?”

I looked down at my watch. “Nope, less than ten minutes until my next patient arrives.”

“You better eat quickly then.”

I shrugged. “I’d rather spend it with you and warm it up later. Thanks for bringing it by.”

“Can I ask you something? Where is your receptionist?”

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