“What the hell was that earlier?” Ivan asks as we perform closing duties.
“What?”
“You talked to her like she was a child,” he says slowly. “You can’t do that. She’s sensitive.”
“I didn’t mean to,” I grumble. “I was just surprised that she would jump to a wild conclusion about a perfectly healthy cat. She caught me off guard.”
But there’s a clawing sensation in my chest, like I failed a test I didn’t even know I was taking.
“And how many times have we dealt with people like that?” Ivan pushes. “We saw that all the time when I was training with you. Overly anxious people that care about their pets. But you just…malfunctioned around her. Like it was your first day talking to people.”
“Why are you so worried about how I interacted with her?” I snap.
“Because youhurt her feelings,” he says, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “And I want you two to get along.”
I remain silent, frowning.
“Look, I know how you are with animals, and why you do what you do,” Ivan adds. “Iknowyou prefer animals over people. That passion you have for them? Maeve’s the loudest advocate we have for these cats. And you want to be on her good side. She’s done so much for this place. Sure, she doesn’t own it—and Piper and Blair are incredible—but Maeve adds that extrasomethingto the rescue. I don’t know how to explain it,” he mumbles, fixing his attention on the exam table.
It’s only then that I notice the slight flush to his face.
Oh.
“You like her,” I say slowly.
Duh.
How oblivious could I possibly be?
He chuckles weakly. “Yeah, I do. And I was hoping…” he runs a hand through his hair and groans in frustration, “look, I don’t know how to say this without making it weird. But you’re the smartest guy I know, and I respect the hell out of you, and she’s…the best person I know. So…ah…I would appreciate it if you two got along.”
I almost smile. Ivan and I have remained in contact since he finished his training with me, but I never knew he thought so highly of me.
I’m humbled.
I nod. “I agree. I’m sorry if I made that entire exchange awkward.”
But I’m naturally an awkward person. Like Ivan said, I’ve always been more comfortable around animals than people.
Usually I don’t entirely ruin a first impression that badly, though.
“So, maybe try apologizing to her tomorrow?” Ivan adds. “I can give you her coffee order. That would be a start.”
“Please do.”
The driveto my house is uneventful except for the rain that beats along the windshield.
Thoughts ofherplague my mind, to the point that I can’t even turn on the radio to listen to music.
I can’t stop replaying that look of hurt on her face.
I sounded cold, calculated, and heartless when I spoke to her.
Even my inner Alpha, who barely bothers to make his presence known, has been on high alert.
Comfort Omega.
Soothe Omega.
