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She stares at me, and I can see the wheels turning as she gathers gossip to spread around. “Are you a patient?”

“No. I was in an accident with her this afternoon, and I wanted to check on her.” It’s mostly true.

“Have a seat and I’ll see if she has the time to speak with you.”

I sit in one of the chairs on the other side of the waiting room and mentally practice what I’m going to say to my soulmate.

When the automatic doors open and Carlie strolls through, my mind goes blank, and all my well-rehearsed words scatter. “How can I help you, Mr. Marrow?” Her cool, professional smile irritates the fuck out of me.

“I wanted to check on you, Tigress.” Her eyes widen and she glances around to see if anyone heard me using her nickname.

“I’m fine.” She leans close to whisper, and my cock turns to stone as her sweet fragrance wraps around me. “And I’m at work. I don’t want to be the subject of gossip.”

I place my lips next to her ear. “It’s too late. The Silver Spoon Falls grapevine has been buzzing all afternoon.”

“I have to get back to work.” We both know she isn’t busy. This place is fucking dead, but I decide not to press my luck.

“I’ll be here to pick you up at eleven-thirty.” I smile down at her before placing a kiss on her soft lips. It takes every ounce of control I possess not to pull her into my arms for a real kiss, but I manage to restrain myself.

“Can I have your phone number?” she asks, shocking the hell out of me. “It’s pretty dead in here so I might get off early.”

“Give me your phone.” After she hands over her cellphone, I type in my number and send myself a text before giving it back to her. “Now we have each other’s numbers.”

“Oh.” She glances down at the screen. “Okay. I guess I’ll see you later.”

Yes, you will, Tigress.