Page 92 of Undone

“Oh, you know, the usual. Arthritis is kicking up again, but that’s what happens when you get old.” She gave a light laugh. “How about you? How’s that sweet little girl of yours?”

“All is well,” I replied curtly.

She gave me a run down on her cat, who’d been vomiting a lot more often over the last month. I focused on examining him but could feel Mrs. Hargrove watching me.

But my mind started to drift back to Noah. It had been over a week since we’d spent time alone together, and the ache to be near her was eating me alive.

It was maddening.

Even when I had her, it wasn’t enough. Her body tangled with mine, her nails dragging down my skin, her breath hot against my neck—it still didn’t quiet the constant need for her. She was in my head all the time, a relentless ache I couldn’t satisfy, no matter how many nights we spent together.

Fuck. Now is not the time to pop a boner in front of Mr. Pickles.

“Nothing too serious,” I finally said, moving away from Mr. Pickles. “A little upset stomach. I’ll give you some meds for him, but he should be fine in a few days.”

“Oh, thank heavens,” Mrs. Hargrove sighed.

“Thank you, Dr. James. I don’t know what we’d do without you.” I offered a small nod.

“Just doing my job.”

As I handed her the medication and walked her to the door, I couldn’t help but think how easy it was with animals—they didn’t ask for more than you were willing to give.

No complicated feelings, no expectations. With them, I knew exactly where I stood. But when it came to people, especially one person in particular, things weren’t that simple.

Thankfully, Mr. Pickles was my last patient of the day, and I was able to spend some time catching up on paperwork and all the miscellaneous admin tasks that always seemed to pile up.

My phone buzzed on my desk, and Colt’s name lit up the screen.

“Hey, man, what’s up?” I answered, leaning back in my chair.

“Wanted to see if you and G wanted to go to The Lodge tonight with me,” he said.

My eyebrows raised. “Did you just ask me out?”

“Not for you, jackass. Want to see my niece.”

I chuckled, leaning forward again. “Right, of course.” He didn’t say anything, so I sighed. “Yeah, she’d love that.”

“Meet you there?”

“Yup, I’m finishing up paperback and will be headed there in ten.”

Colt grumbled an okay before hanging up, and I set the phone down, grinning.

THIRTY-TWO

Dorian - September

HEAR YOU ME - JIMMY EAT WORLD

The Lodge wasthe same as ever. Warm, noisy, and packed with locals. It wasn’t fancy, but it was the kind of place everyone in Woodstone Falls came to for a decent burger and a break from their day. Gracie was already bouncing up and down as Colt and I followed the hostess to a booth near the back.

“She’s excited,” Colt commented dryly, watching Gracie practically vibrate in place.

“Food always does that to her,” I replied, sliding into the booth, while Colt and Gracie sat across from me. Gracie started coloring on her kids’ menu.

“I’m not like that!” Gracie protested, her little face scrunched up in mock offense. I shot her a teasing grin.

---