I clocked him as soon as he walked into the clinic. He was so tall and broad-shouldered. He seemed to take up all the space around him. He glared around the room like it had purposefully upset him, and I smiled at the grumpy look on his face.
My eyes caught on the rough, red lines leading down his neck, and my heart broke for what he must have gone through. I wanted to ask him what had happened, but I knew that wasn’t appropriate.
Then it was his turn to check in, and it took everything in me not to blush as he asked my name. He didn’t seem to want toleave after I checked him in. I’m still wondering why. What could he have wanted with me?
I shake my head, trying to forget about Grant and the feelings he stirred to life inside me. I shouldn’t be thinking about him at all. There’s no way that a guy like Grant would be into a girl like me. I should keep my focus on other, even less attainable things, like my dream of being a doctor.
I sigh as I sink back into my chair. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, but I’m pretty sure that working the reception desk on base is the closest I’ll ever come to that dream. No matter how many hours I work or how hard I study, I know I’ll never be able to afford it on my own.
I could join the military so that they would pay for it, but I’ve always been plus-sized, and I know I’d have to lose the weight first before I tried.
I yawn as I lean back in my chair. I’m exhausted after working all day and spending most of last night staying up late to study. I groan as I think about all the studying I have to do tonight.
The door opens, and I look up, locking eyes with Grant Bennett again. I suddenly forget all about being tired or my plans to go back to my apartment, curl up with my textbooks and a cup of tea, and study until I fall asleep in my old recliner again.
This is so foreign to me. Usually, I’m so focused on work or school that I barely pay attention to men. Grant is impossible to ignore, though, especially when he beelines right for me.
He’s the last patient to leave. I look away from him, trying to steady my racing heart as I gather up my things and prepare to leave.
“I’ll walk you out,” he says.
I peek up at him. “Oh, you don’t have to.”
His lips press together as he frowns at me. “I want to.”
“Oh, okay…”
I sling my purse over my shoulder and make my way out from behind the desk.
“I don’t have a car, though,” I tell him. “I take the bus.”
He grunts. “I’ll drive you home.”
“You don’t have to.”
He takes my arm, turning me and pressing until my back is against the wall.
“Listen, darling, you need to know that I never do something I don’t want to do.”
I stare up at the handsome warrior and lick my lips. We’re so close, his big body is bracketing me against the cool wall, and I feel small and delicate next to him. My body reacts to his nearness. My nipples pebble in my bra, and my body grows hot and achy as I stare up at him.
“All right,” I whisper.
His intense gaze holds mine for another moment before he steps back.
I dart away from the wall, leave the medical clinic, and head down the hallway toward the exit. Grant falls into step beside me, and when we step outside, he wraps his arm around my shoulders, tucking me against his side.
“Where’s your jacket?” he asks as we step out from behind the building and the wind hits us.
“I only have my hoodie.”
He growls as he leads me to the parking lot. “I parked close.”
I briefly consider saying no to his offer, but the thought of not riding the bus for an hour or waiting half an hour in the cold for it to arrive is too tempting.
So, I let him lead me toward the parking lot, wondering what the hell is happening and why this scarred warrior is so interested in me.
THREE
