Page 43 of I've Got You

“May I speak to you privately?”

Her gaze was assessing as she nodded. “The staffroom is empty.” She turned back, and I followed her on through, closing the door behind me so we had privacy.

Once we were alone, I didn’t give her the opportunity to speak. Instead, I launched straight into my apology. “I need to thank you.”

Her eyes widened; no doubt it was not what she was expecting me to say. “Go on.”

I didn’t dare allow my lips to twitch at her focused tenacity. “You did the right thing reporting me. I’m grateful that Carter has you to support him, and the clinic is lucky to have you.” I waited for a beat as her head tilted slightly, her eye contact unwavering. “Thank you for stepping up and reporting my behavior. If it wasn’t for you, and if it wasn’t for Carter, I would never have had the courage to admit I was gay”—her brows shot high at my admission—“and I wouldn’t have been lucky enough to earn Carter’s forgiveness and friendship.”

I took a deep breath, proud of myself for keeping the shake from my voice. I’d had no intention of sharing so much with her. My personal affairs were my own, but it had felt right in the moment; plus the words felt freeing.

“I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors—”

“So they’re true? You’re buying the place.”

I straightened up a little. “Yes.” When she didn’t respond, I continued. “One day I’ll step into the role of managing the clinic too, but I don’t plan for that to be until a few years have passed. I love practicing, so am not ready to give that up for an admin role. Not just yet. Plus, Terry is doing an excellent job.”

She nodded. “He is.”

“And I apologize for putting you in a position where you had to step in to prevent a situation that should never have happened.” While I wanted to rush through the words, I owed them the time and respect they deserved, just like I owed the same to her.

When Lauren smiled, breath rushed out of my lungs. She stepped toward me and held out her hand. “Congratulations, and thank you. I look forward to working with you and for you.” I took her hand and gave a firm shake, surprise making my head fuzzy. After she released my hand, she looked up at me. “You need to know I do speak plainly, and sometimes I say more than I should.” I knew this about her for sure. “I’ll always show you the appropriate amount of respect as my boss, but respect has to be earned. You didn’t have to apologize, so I know it took some pretty impressive balls to do so.” She smirked, and I mimicked the gesture.

“We all do stupid shit sometimes and fuck up along the way. Carter’s sung your praises so much recently that I’d already started coming around, but still, I appreciate it.” She glanced at her watch. “I have to go.”

“Okay. Thanks for being so understanding.”

She bobbed her head. “Doesn’t mean I won’t call you out on shit in the future though.” She smirked. “With respect, of course.”

I laughed lightly. “Of course.”

“Also,” she threw over her shoulder as she tugged open the door, “there’s nothing quite like a new coffee machine for your soon-to-be dedicated staff to help make us loyal as hell.”

I shook my head as she left and ran my hand over my face. My return to the clinic couldn’t start fast enough. A smile drifted across my lips as I left and made my way to my meeting.

Chapter Fifteen

DAVIS

I stoodat the door and stretched my neck from side to side. Libby, oblivious to the rare nerves taking flight in my gut, wriggled in my arms, desperate to be put down. She was so eager to explore and walk. She was growing too damn fast.

“In a few, wriggle ass.” I tickled her tummy, and she squealed in delight. The door opened midsqueal, and I glanced over at a smiling Scott. “Hey.”

“Hey, back.” He stepped outside rather than waiting for me to step forward. His lips landed on mine, but for nowhere near long enough. “Here, let me take this little lady.”

Warmth spread in my chest. I loved his confidence with Libby, his eagerness to not only help but to get to know her. I lifted Libby so he could take her and shook my head, my lips curving upwards when I heard the raspberry he blew.

“Come on in.”

I did so and was immediately aware the house no longer looked or sounded like it did the last time I visited. Instead, the sound of Scott’s nephews playing filled the house, with what sounded like a kid’s TV show playing in the background. Also, the once organized space was littered with toys and mismatched shoes.

“I’ll introduce Libby to the boys.”

I followed Scott, dropping her change bag on the floor before I stepped into the sitting room. The two boys were parked in front of the TV, where some loud and brash show was playing. The younger of the two was on his feet doing a dance, while the eldest’s attention drifted between the screen and the cars.

“Toby, Hunter.” Scott’s voice was light, and I was certain there was a smile on his face. His nephews turned to face him. “This here is Libby.” He sank to his knees and placed Libby down. Immediately, she reached for a car and started to bang it on the ground.

Toby’s mouth twisted a little when he looked at Libby, his toy, then at Scott.

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