At that, I gave him a warm smile.
“So you’re not the egomaniac doctor that everyone hates?”
Luch laughed and ran a hand across his jaw.
“I try not to be. Some of the nurses have worked there for decades. They know half the people coming through the door, and how to deal with them. I welcome their advice.”
“I imagine that makes you very popular.”Plus the fact that you’re drop-dead gorgeous. I suspected every woman within thirty meters of him was likely having indecent thoughts. I couldn’t blame them. It was a struggle for me not to let my mind go elsewhere, even though there was something about this man that worried me. He was justsomasculine. If charisma had a name, it was Luch.
Luch smiled, showcasing a line of white teeth, and my insides went warm and liquid.
“So why animals and not people?” Luch asked, changing the subject.
“They don’t judge me.” It came out before I could stopit and I flushed, annoyed at myself for letting that thought slip.
“Ah.” Luch didn’t say anything else, and his silence made me nervous, which in turn made me chatter.
“It’s just that animals are pure, you know? They are joy and kindness and love. And not that humans can’t be that, because of course they can, but not in the way animals are. Even ones that are wary or scared, they’re still good, you ken? I consider it a great honor to help them.”
“I can understand that. Wee Oban’s my best pal.” At his name, Oban trotted over and pawed at Luch who bent and pulled him up. I let out a soft sigh. Once again, a strong man cuddling a wee pup just did something to me. “Any pets for you?”
“No.” My thoughts went to Gloam. I wouldn’t technically call him my pet, as he could come and go as he pleased, and was magickal. He definitely fell into a different category. “Moving around doesn’t really allow for pets. Many landlords won’t rent to you if you have animals.”
“Such a shame.” Luch smiled when Oban tilted his head and licked his face. “But you’re here now. For good it sounds like, since you bought the practice. Or are you leasing?”
“I purchased it.” Not only did I have my own savings, but my mum had left me a small inheritance as well. Nothing flashy, but enough to invest in my future. If I could stay in one place long enough. I’d had good feelings about Loren Brae, and I sincerely hoped Luch wouldn’t turn against me. “It’ll be my first time properly running my own practice and I’m hoping to make myhome here. I think I can do a lot of good for Loren Brae. I’m sure Oban would agree with me.”
I didn’t mean the words to come out slightly threatening, but I could tell Luch took them as such when his eyebrows rose.
“Aye, I’m sure he does. Really quite a miraculous healing. Wouldn’t you say?” Suspicion threaded his words, but I kept my expression calm, guileless even. I’d long had practice in responding to people questioning me.
“I’d call it luck more than a miracle. Either way, I’m happy he’s on the mend.” Glancing out the window, relief filled me. “Rain’s let up. I’ve got to be on my way, as I’ve dinner plans.”
“Hot date?” Luch rose, putting Oban on the floor and clearing the cups from the table. I stood, uncertain if I should change back into my wet clothes or just offer to drop his clothes off another time. This put me in the position of having to see him again. From a very base female side of me, I wanted to see him again. From a “protective of my secrets” standpoint, I needed to stay far away from him. Indecision warred.
“No.” I didn’t offer any other details. It was none of his business what I did with my time. I went and picked up my pack, uncertain of how to proceed.
“Do you want one?”
“What?” I glanced up and realized he was close, closer than I’d expected. I hadn’t even heard him cross the room. Now he loomed over me, all muscles and machismo, and excitement mixed with nerves. My eyes caught on his mouth as he angled his head, leaning into my space.
“I asked if you’d like one.”
“A one what?” All coherent thought left my brain as he leaned even closer, and I caught that faint scent of soap and cedar.
His lips quirked, amusement flashing in his eyes.
“A date. Even a hot one, at that.”
“Withyou?” The way I said it made him laugh and I blanched.
“Some women have been known to enjoy a date with me on occasion.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it to sound like that.” Automatically, I reached out to squeeze his arm in apology. My hand met hard muscles and that current of electricity zipped between us again. Luch looked down at my hand and then up at me.
He bit his lower lip.
It was quick, but it was enough to make heat flash through my entire body, and … I needed to leave. Now.
