Claire
“I cannot thank you enough,”Asher says through a yawn.
Twenty minutes ago, I fell into the Sit Pit—also known asthe couch cushions—and now can’t get up. It’s my brother’s fault for sending too many ridiculous memes to the group chat.
I put on a fresh shirt earlier, but what I really need is a shower to wash off the sticky lemonade.
But that can wait another minute or two. Setting my phone on the coffee table, I give my full attention to Asher. “It was my pleasure. I love kids.” It’s true too.
He swipes a hand down his face to cover another yawn.
“Tired?”
“Nah, I’m good.” He wanders into the kitchen and peers over his shoulder. “Do you want a drink? A glass of wine? Beer, maybe?”
I pick up my phone again and haul myself to my feet. “I should probably shower. Thanks though.”
For a split second, his expression looks almost like disappointment, but it’s gone so quickly that I can’t be sure.
“I’ll see you in the morning. Seven thirty.”
“But you don’t start until—” He whips around, and when he catches my grin, he matches the look. Yeah, I’ve reworked my schedule, pushing everything up thirty minutes so I’m not late. Again.
“Good night, Greer.” I salute.
“Night, Doc.” He salutes back.
Just as I’ve settled in for the night, with my damp hair against the pillow, a light out back illuminates. I roll onto my side and peep through the crack between the curtains, instantly realizing it’s a mistake. Asher is slinking into the hot tub. His abdominal muscles clench as he lowers himself into the steaming water, and like I’m admiring Michelangelo’sDavidin Florence, it’s impossible to tear my eyes away. He stretches his arms along the edge with a beer bottle in one hand and rests his head back, rolling his bottom lip between his teeth. I examine the rise and fall of his smooth chest and note the way the space between his brows actively relaxes. He really is such a pretty man.
After only a few seconds, his head shoots up, and I gasp. I’m confident he can’t see me because my lights are off, but I swear he looks directly at me as he luxuriously sips his beer.
It’s no surprise when I fall asleep to visions of Asher’s mouth on something other than that bottle.
I’m not on time for work the next day. I’m early! Setting the reminders and timers and alarms on my phone early is a genius hack. One I’ve utilized with success all week.
Dr. Love stuck around the first couple of days to show me the ropes and warned me that the clinic tends to be busy on Friday evenings, but so farit’s been quiet.
That changes quickly when Bea bursts through the door, her grandparents quick on her heels.
“Hi, Claire,” she shouts.
“Hi, Dolly.” I bend to her level and hold out my arms for a hug.
She sinks into my chest and squeezes me tight.
“What are you doing here?”I ask as I straighten.
I greet Jack and Natalie, too, and Natalie holds out a plastic bag.
Taking it, I look from her to Jack and back again. “What’s this?”
“We brought you dinner.” Bea smiles with pride.
My heart melts a little. No one ever brought me food at my last job. Other than delivery drivers when we’d order lunch.
“What? You didn’t have to do that.” I address her grandparents. “That was so kind of you.”
“It was this little one’s idea,” Natalie remarks. “Seems like our granddaughter has taken quite a liking to you.” Her words feel forced and uncomfortable, but I welcome them as sincere, nonetheless.
