Kai grins at that. “I would have tried my best.”
I roll my eyes. “I guess my wires got a little crossed. I enjoyed last night.” I touch the back of my fingers to my cheeks as I feel them heat. “But then, old memories and things came up. I just questioned, for a heartbeat, whether I was there for the right reasons or whether the old Isla made an appearance, which Iknow isn’t fair because both you and Garrett gave me lots of opportunity to make those decisions.”
Kai tugs on the end of my braid gently. “And what did you decide?”
I look up at him. “That I absolutely made all the right decisions.”
He strokes a knuckle along my cheek. “Glad that was your conclusion, because last night was special, Isla.”
It relieves me to hear him say that in the cold light of day.
“I also had a major wobble about the future. Of people knowing. Of being judged. I just…”
He tugs me back into his arms, wrapping me up protectively before placing a kiss on my forehead. “We handle it together. And either Garrett or I deal with anyone who crosses a line that upsets you.”
I look up at him. “You can’t just hit someone who upsets me.”
Kai grins. “Actually, we can. And we’re pretty good at it.”
Despite everything, I find a smile as I shake my head.
“What time does your shift finish?” Kai asks.
“Four.”
“You want to stay?”
I nod. “I actually really like this job.”
“Then report him so you can.”
Kai stays with me until Dr. Michael Hendricks walks through the door carrying his own cup of coffee, his eyes narrowing when he sees Kai posted like a guard dog near reception.
“Is everything okay, Isla?” he asks as he puts his cup down to shrug out of his coat.
I open my mouth to answer, but words escape me. Instead, I start to shake, so Kai steps in and lays it all out, without embellishment.
“Is any of that untrue?” he asks me.
I shake my head. “It’s as Kai said. And the security footage from the CCTV will back much of it up.”
Dr. Hendricks rubs a hand across his jaw, something I’ve seen him do a million times when he’s thinking about the best course of action for an animal. But we all look to the corridor when we hear Noah’s footsteps.
He looks stricken, but there’s a glint of fury in his eyes. “You’re not taking their word for it, are you?” he asks.
“Dr. Lane,” Dr. Hendricks says. “I’m terminating your employment immediately. Please leave your keys, your badge, and your locker code on the desk.”
Noah opens his mouth in shock as he sneers, “You’re firing me?”
Dr. Hendricks nods. “And assisting Isla as she gives her statement to the police. I’ll be reporting this to the board, obviously.”
Kai stays with me until the sheriff arrives, and when he’s certain I’m safe, he leaves without a fuss.
So, by the time 4:00 p.m. rolls around, I’m jubilant that Noah is gone, but exhausted.
When I walk outside, Kai is perched against his bike, which is parked next to my car. His legs are crossed at the ankles, and he’s looking down at something on his phone.
“Did anyone ever tell you you’re handsome?” I say as I get closer.
