They shouldn’t, but they do.
I nod, keeping my expression light and my chin up. “I’m looking forward to it.” It comes out fine. Perfectly fine, which is a freaking miracle.
Something pulls tight inside me.
I’m still looking for the right thing to add to that when the door opens, and a woman walks in carrying a tray with two meals on it. She’s tall and lean, red markings visible along her collarbone above the neckline of her shirt, her dark hair pulled back in a clean ponytail. She’s beautiful. Those jeans fit her long, toned legs like a second skin.
Wow!
She stops when she sees me, her eyes going wide.
“Oh, sorry,” she says. “I didn’t realize you had company.” She has a nice voice, too.
She smiles at me and then looks over at Magma, her expression softening.
She likes him. I can tell.
“It’s fine,” Magma says. He looks between us. “Brook, this is Carla. She was about to head home. She came to say a quick goodbye.”
He’s dismissing me, and it hurts.
Holy shit, but it really stings.
“I’m glad to see you’re looking a little better, Carla,” Brook says. “We didn’t officially meet yesterday. I’m the shifter who gave Magma a ride home.” She winks at me, looking sexy.
I’d look like I had something in my eye if I tried to pull something like that off.
My heart sinks when I realize that she’s the shifter from yesterday. The one I saw naked with the high, perky breasts and the toned physique I would give my left arm to have.
“Good to see you. Thank you for rescuing us,” I tell her. I look at Magma. “I really should head back.” I reach for the wheels.
“Don’t leave on my account,” Brook says, already moving back toward the door.
She’s nice, too. Figures.
Something settles in the pit of my stomach like a lead balloon.
“No, please,” I say. “Stay. I’m done here.” I smile at her, trying hard to mean it because she really is nice. “I was just thanking Magma and making sure he was in one piece.”
She smiles back. “Only if you’re sure?” She looks at Magma, who smiles at her.
“Take care of yourself,” I tell him.
“You, too.” He holds my gaze for a moment. “Take care of Flint.”
“I will,” I say.
I start toward the door, wishing like mad that I wasn’t in a stupid wheelchair.
“Do you need help?” Brook asks.
“No! Um…no, please. I’m fine. Enjoy your lunch.” I try for a smile, but I’m not sure I pull it off.
She holds the door for me, leaving it open.
“Thanks,” I mumble, wheeling myself out into the hallway.
Behind me, I hear Brook say something I can’t quite make out, and then Magma’s low response, and then Brook laughs.
