“Actually, if you don’t mind, I’m going to have Joey take the patients this afternoon, and I’ll supervise. It’s important for them to know they can trust Joey as much as they trust me.”
“Good call,” she says, distracted by preparing to leave. “Let’s do that.”
I send Joey a wink, and she does a happy dance. She’s worked hard and deserves the new responsibilities. Never mind that the part of me grateful for Joey’s enthusiasm has to do with the things I don’t say out loud.
“I’ll walk Dr. Zamora out and grab some coffee before the madness hits,” she says, grabbing her coat. “Want your usual?”
“Add an extra shot. Espresso or rum, your choice.”
Dr. Zamora laughs at me as she and Joey start toward the exit.
Mason perks up and exchanges a glance with Freddy.
“Hey, Joey, mind if we join you?”
She steps in the middle of them, hooking arms with them on either side of her. “The more, the merrier.”
Seconds later, they’re gone, and it’s just Mac and me.
“Looks like you know how to clear a room.”
“I guess so,” I say, leaning in. Mac puts her hands on my hips as she pulls me into a kiss.
After a moment, she pulls back. “What’s wrong?”
I wave away her concern. “Got some difficult pregnancies I’m monitoring, and I’m worried.”
By way of answer, Mac silently wraps her arms around me and holds me for a few moments.
Fuck, it’s like I can breathe again.
“We actually do need to chat about something,” I say, regretfully pulling away from her.
“Oh yeah, what?” she asks, giving me a sweet forehead kiss.
“Freddy’s been coming over a lot lately. A lot. He and Mason aren’t exactly quiet.”
Mac grimaces. “Not exactly the picture I want to paint about my tour manager.”
“Considering how thick my walls are, you’re not wrong.”
“Why? Why would you do that to me?” she asks, bringing me in for a noogie. And another kiss.
Sigh.
Focus, Kinley.
“So,” I say, patting her chest as I practically rip myself away from her tempting lips. “I chatted with the boys about possible solutions, and they agreed with my idea.”
“Sounds dangerous,” Mac jokes, running her hands up and down my sides.
Rolling my eyes, trying to hide how nervous I really am, I plow forward. “I say we give Mason and Freddy the cabin—”
Mac cuts me off with a sharp inhale and a dramatic hand to her chest. “Oh no! Whatever will I do? I’m being thrown out on my ass, cold and cabin-less.”
“Oh, shut up,” I say, bringing her in for another kiss. “I was going to see if you wanted to stay upstairs, but now I’m not so sure.”
She scratches her nose. “Why would I want to stay upstairs?”
