Page 94 of Rescuing Dr. Marian
It was late, but my brain was buzzing, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep for a while, so I reheated the pasta and sat down near Jasper. He’d gone back to reading his book, so while I ate, I took out my phone and checked my messages.
To my surprise, I had three new ones just in the past few minutes.
Mom
Can’t wait to see you for Anna’s birthday dinner.
Way
You didn’t hear this from me, but your sister wants tickets to see Femme Theory in Bozeman in August. It’s a band. Here’s the link for tickets.
Mom
If you happen to have any friends at SERA you’d like to invite, we have plenty of room.
I huffed out a laugh.Smooth, Mom.
After taking another bite of pasta, I sent a response to my cousin.
I forgot Anna’s birthday is tomorrow. What time is dinner?
Way
6pm. We’re having it at the ranch and everyone’s coming. Bring your new boyfriend.
I bit back a curse.
Who said I have a new boyfriend?
Way
Your mother and now half the town. Said he’s a SERA instructor. I’m picturing hiker’s ass, climber’s calves, and rope-callused hands. Tell me I’m wrong. Better yet, send proof in a pic. Or three.
Pretty sure your husband would take issue with you lusting after another man.
Way
Pretty sure my husband would ogle him with me. Besides, my husband is hotter than any man you could land. Bet.
I snickered.
Not a chance in hell.
Way
Prove it.
I cleared my plate back to the kitchen and cleaned up after myself before thanking Jasper again and making my way to Trace’s office. He wasn’t there, so I headed to his cabin.
“Just the man I wanted to see,” he said from his spot on a battered porch swing. His cabin was larger than the instructor cabins, maybe about four times the size, and it was clear he’d made it a home over the last few years.
I propped my ass against the porch railing and crossed my arms. “I want the job,” I said firmly. “Permanently.”
Trace’s eyes widened in surprise. “Well, shit. If I’d known you were interested, I would have hounded you sooner. Hell, I would have hounded you, period.” He grinned.
I took a breath and let it out. “I obviously need to know what the details are. Compensation, time off, all that. But I really like what you’re doing, and I want to be a part of it. I think I can make a difference here. I’ve admired the work you’re doing for a long time; I just never considered moving up here to be a part of it before.”
He peered at me. “Why now? What changed?”
