Turning, I slammed my head straight into the closed door.
A door that I’d thought I’d opened.
“Och, shite. Hold on, let me look.”
“No, no, I’m fine.” I blinked as tears automatically flooded my eyes. I had properly smacked my forehead against the wood and now I wasn’t sure if the tears were from the sting of pain or the embarrassment. Luch’s hands found my shoulders, and he turned me, cupping my chin so he could look at my forehead. I didn’t meet his eyes, but that didn’t help me because then I just focused on his mouth.
His ridiculously kissable mouth.
Tearing my gaze away from his lips, I looked up and froze.
His eyes bored into mine, mossy green, with golden flecks.
“You have the most unique eyes,” Luch said, echoing my thoughts about his. “It’s like they can’t decide what color they want to be.”
“Is it my eyes or my forehead you’re examining, Dr. Carmichael?” My voice rasped, and I eased back, breaking away from his touch.
“I can do both.” Luch smiled. “Let’s get some ice on your forehead, particularly if you want to look good for your date later.”
I didn’t contradict him about having a date. It was better this way. Luch crossed to his freezer and wrapped some ice in a paper towel and handed it to me. Picking up my pack, he made a great show of opening the door.
“You’ll find it easier to exit this way.”
“Noted.” I hopped in the front seat of his Jeep, my cheeks burning. Thankfully, Luch remained silent on the drive, the only sounds that of the light rain and the radio turned low. By the time he pulled in front of my flat, I felt composed enough to function like an adult human being again. Luch popped out of the Jeep quickly, and rounded the bonnet, my pack in hand. Opening the door for me, he smiled.
“How’s the head?”
“Och, just fine, I’m sure.” I moved to exit gracefully and makemy getaway.
Instead, I slammed back into the seat, caught by my seatbelt.
“Bloody hell.” I closed my eyes and shook my head, Luch’s chuckle rolling over me. I stilled as his hand, warm at my side, found the buckle, and he released me. Tucking his arm through mine, he eased me from the car, and once again stood just a smidge too close to me.
“You still didn’t answer my question.”
“About what?”
“Can I take you on a date?”
“Why?” Suspicion crept up. The last date I went on was …possibly over a year ago. What city had I been in? Anyway, it didn’t matter. I hadn’t dated much, especially given most men seemed somehow intimidated by me.So, why does Luch want to take me out on a date?I wasn’t exactly…sweet.
“Because I think you’re one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen, we have similar interests when it comes to professions, and you intrigue me.”
My mouth dropped open. I hadn’t expected such a direct answer to my question and now I had no idea what to say.
“I have no idea what to say.”Smooth, Faelan. Smooth.
“Say ‘yes.’ Dinner, this week? I’ll call you when I know my schedule.” Luch eased back, and I shrugged one shoulder, noncommittal. “I’m taking that as a yes.”
“We’ll see.” I needed to figure out what it was about Luch that threw me off so much before I went to dinner.
“That’s not a no. I’ll take it. Now I’m leaving before you change your mind.” With a quick flash of that lightning-boltsmile, Luch hopped in the driver’s seat and drove away, leaving me standing in his clothes in the lightly misting rain. A couple in rain jackets, their arms full of bags from the market, rounded the corner and looked me up and down. I immediately realized that I probably looked like I was just coming home from a one-night stand and I bolted for my flat.
Small towns had their reputations for a reason. The last thing I needed was any gossip about me…even if it was something as innocuous as who I was dating. I’d learned to keep my head down, stay out of gossip, and do my job. It was the only way that I could last for any amount of time anywhere.
Gloam chattered at me from where he sat by my door, his coat still damp. He must have run home when the rain stopped.
“Och, poor lad. Let’s get you dried off and some food in you.” Animals gave me purpose.Theywere my world. My life’s work. It was a helpful reminder and as I focused on getting Gloam cleaned up, I pushed thoughts of Luch Carmichael to the side.
