“That’s it.” I smile as I dispose of the needle in the sharps container and peel off my gloves. “You did great.”
She holds the cotton ball in place, grinning. “I knew I was being a big baby. Although I have to say, you have such a gentle touch.”
“That’s sweet of you to say.” I make a note in her file, documenting the vaccination with the date, time, and batchnumber. Then I go to my computer and do the same on the online registry for the Mainland’s records. “Were there any side effects from last year’s vaccination?”
“Nope, nothing at all.” She examines her arm where I injected her. “See.” She smiles. “It’s all healed up already.”
“That’s great,” I tell her. “If you have any concerns at all, don’t hesitate to call us.”
“I will. Thanks, Wren.” She hops down from the exam table.
“You’re all set, then.” I walk her toward the door. “Take care of yourself, Lyssa.”
“You, too!” She gives me a warm smile before heading out.
I walk her out into the reception area, where Sally sits behind the front desk, typing away on the keyboard.
I wave as Lyssa heads toward the exit, then turn back to Sally. “I’m going to grab my lunch and—”
I stop mid-sentence because Sally is staring at me with the strangest expression on her face. It’s somewhere between amused and mischievous, and I know that look. Nothing good ever comes from that look.
“What?” I ask, tempted to look over my shoulder. “What is it?” I press when she doesn’t answer right away.
Sally glances at her watch, and her grin widens. “I know it’s lunchtime, that you want to head out, but your favorite shifter is on his way here with a runner.”
My stomach does this stupid little flip that I hate. I try to keep my expression schooled, even as heat creeps up my neck.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I frown. “I don’t have a favorite shifter.” I snort.
“Really now?” Sally grabs a file from her desk and holds it out to me, smirking. “I could swear that you did. Runner’s name is Kaine. Grimalicious is on his way as we speak.”
I take the file from her, refusing to meet her eyes. “Perfect. I’ll wait for him to get here. If Grim hears you call him that, he’ll have a fit.”
“And you’d love every second, with drool at the corners of your mouth.”
I snort-laugh. “Bullshit.”
Sally leans back in her chair, arms crossed, looking far too pleased with herself. “You do know that I’ve seen the way you look at him, right?”
“I don’t look at anyone in any particular way,” I lie, flipping open the file and pretending to read it, even though the words blur together.
“Wren.” Sally’s voice drops into that knowing tone that makes me want to hide under my desk. “I’ve seen the way you look at Grim. You practically stop breathing when he walks into a room.”
I squeeze my eyes shut for a second, then open them and meet Sally’s gaze. There’s no point in denying it.
“Fine. Yes. I find him…somewhat attractive. Okay? Are you happy now?”
“Somewhat attractive?” Sally laughs. “Girl, you look at that male like you want to lick him from head to toe.”
“Sally!” My face is on fire now.
“I’m just saying.” She holds up her hands in mock surrender. “There’s nothing wrong with it. He’s gorgeous, even if he is the grumpiest bastard I’ve ever met.”
I slump against the counter, clutching the file to my chest. “He isn’t nice at all. In fact, he’s rude at times and barely says two words to anyone. He’s just…good eye candy. That’s all it is.”
“You’d love to climb him like a pole and ride him like a rodeo cowgirl.”
I choke out a laugh. “That’s not true. I like to look. I don’t want to touch.”
