Page 31 of Tangled Kisses
I knew he was blowing smoke up my ass with those compliments.
My gaze volleys between my sister and Sabine as the tension ramps up.
No way, universe. It’s far too early, and I’m still road-lagged from my trip.
Not today, Satan.
Pulling out two cups, I hand them to the women and nod toward the bathroom. “You know the drill. Once you’re finished, we’ll do the blood draw. Sound good?”
Just like that, I regain control of the room. As it should be. This ismyterritory now.
Thankfully, both women cooperate, and by the time I place a bandage on Sabine’s arm, two more residents are waiting, which means I won’t have to deal with Ms. Erotic Universe again for another few days.
Or gag on mental images of Griffin and Sabine engaged in all manner of Cirque du Soleil-level contortions.
It’s the little wins that count.
Apart from Sabine and her dour disposition, the remaining staff is polite and welcoming—particularly Dorian. Broad as a barn door, with arms the size of tree trunks, he looks like he should be guarding the gates of Valhalla. Yet, the second Chowder winds around his ankles, the giant turns into a puddle, crouching low to scratch behind my cat’s ears like he was born for it.
Before I know it, most of the staff is done, and my stomach is growling for lunch.
“How’s your first day shaping up?”
Glancing up, I smile at Capri leaning against the doorjamb. She’s a striking woman, her platinum bob framing sharp cheekbones and wide-set eyes that miss nothing. “So far, so good.”
“Excellent. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you.”
Thrusting a cup in her direction, I grin. “For you.”
Capri stares at it, one brow arched. “Reese, I don’t get tested.”
“According to the rules, every resident at the ranch gets drug tested.” I hold up a bag with my name on the label. “If it makes you feel better, I’ve already submitted mine.”
That earns me a short laugh. “You’re tougher than I thought.”
“Only to protect the people I care about. You helped me when I needed it most. I won’t forget that—even if I run my clinic like a navy ship.”
“Could be worse,” Capri remarks as her gaze shifts to the bouquet.
Hard to miss, with their vibrant purple and yellow blooms practically screaming,look at me.
“Lovely flowers.”
I nod quickly, trying to downplay them. The last thing I need is another reminder of what a tease Griffin is, and how very special I’m not. “Griffin got them for me. At least, I assume he did. Sabine said he’s a terrible flirt and does this sort of thing for everyone. But I still think it’s nice. They’re my favorite.”
Capri’s mouth curves, like she’s fighting the urge to laugh—not at the flowers, but at me. “Sabine said that? Griffin has never brought anyone flowers. Especially not those. They require a half-mile hike to the valley floor. Trust me, he doesn’t flirt with anyone. Until now.”
Her words should reassure me. Instead, they stir the butterflies cocooned in my belly, leaving me more tangled in knots than before. Capri’s still watching me, eyes sharp and knowing, like she’s pieced together a secret I haven’t dared admit.
The restof the afternoon passes quietly until a knock sounds at my door. Griffin pokes his head in, a sheepish grin tugging at his mouth. Dirt streaks his shirt, and his hair is mussed, with that stubborn forelock falling into his eyes.
“Hi. Sorry I’m so late. My job ran over, and I lost track of time.”
Oh God. Could he have picked a worse phrase? Job ranover. Exactly what I want to hear from an escort.
Not that I’m falling for his charm, anyway.
Even if he looks infuriatingly good standing there like a ruffled farmhand fantasy.
