11. Erin
ERIN
T he afternoon was a whirlwind. It started with an introductory tour of Alan’s doctor’s office, including some on-the-job training in seeing patients who dropped in unannounced and signing the contract that included a two-month probation period.
Two months to decide if I wanted to stay. Two months for them if they wanted to keep me.
However, when I looked out the window and focused on the laughter floating in through the closed window, I knew I’d made up my mind already.
These people were living exactly the life I’d always wanted for myself: a loving community they belonged to, family, and friends who teased each other and supported each other. It was like a scene out of one of my dreams.
“I think we’re done for the day. Let’s go outside and meet everyone,” Alan said, helped me into my coat, and led me out the back door. Having his office in the same house as his family sure made managing his flexible work schedule easier.
Someone pushed a cup of hot tea into my hands, and I took a sip while being introduced to a whole sleuth of new people.
Soon, the names blended into each other. But from what I could say, there were a ton of attractive couples here in Moon Lake. And a lot of kids running around, having fun in the snow.
Alan introduced me to Blake, the owner of the local bar, and Jessie’s brother, who was manning a gigantic grill and managing the music. The thought of having a barbecue in the middle of winter never even crossed my mind, but they’d lightened warming fires in a couple of barrels, which made it actually really cozy.
My new boots and jacket, James forced on me didn’t hurt either.
I met Claire, Blake’s wife, and Lisa—the owner of the Moon Lake Inn—the same one James had told me earlier I wouldn’t stay in.
James.
I felt his eyes on me constantly, like an electrical undercurrent, buzzing within me and every time our gazes met—it was almost too much. Somehow, we’d started communicating without words. It was as if he understood what I was thinking, or feeling at any given moment.
If there was something funny one of the kids said, we exchanged smiles. With every new arrival, every new introduction, he was by my side, his hand resting at the small of my back. Giving me strength and security.
Not that I needed it.
Everyone who came by was truly lovely and welcoming.
I met Julie and Kevin, who apparently were in town only for a couple of days before they would fly back to the hockey team Kevin was managing.
Next came a young woman who handed me a beautiful Amaryllis. “So nice to meet you,” she said. She was glowing and clearly showing. “I’m Milli, and this is Max.”
I shook hands with Max, a handsome ginger who gave me a nod before he focused back on Milli. He was doting on her, and they seemed so happy and in love that watching it almost hurt.
I counted at least three more pregnant ladies, who all expressed their gratitude for me coming to Moon Lake.
I was feeling welcomed by these strangers in a way I’d never experienced before, which was nothing short of mind-blowing and overwhelming as hell.
“We should take Lucy for a walk.” James appeared by my side again, excused us, and led me into the house where we’d put Lucy into Jose’s—a ridiculous name for Jessie’s loopy little pup—kennel earlier.
Since she’d had stitches and was probably still traumatized from yesterday’s event, we wanted her to be able to relax a little and not be overwhelmed by all these people. Though she clearly loved the kids and Jose and even tolerated Jessie’s cats without major drama.
She fit right in, which was a miracle in and of itself.
“Let’s walk to the edge of the forest, and see how she’s doing on her feet.”
I nodded, and he fastened the collar we’d bought earlier and clipped on the matching leash before he offered it to me.
He led me through the front door. Purposefully avoiding the gathering in the back. And toward a path that was obviously well-used, by the looks of it. The snow was trampled down, but I was glad for my new boots.
We walked in silence for a couple of minutes. I focused on Lucy. She was walking slowly, but she didn’t limp or anything. Which—after yesterday, when she couldn’t even move her legs—felt almost like a miracle. The cone around her neck didn’t seem to bother her too much, either.
“I didn’t realize they invited the whole town.” My voice sounded thin, and I cleared my throat.
He grinned. “They didn’t. This is just our little group of friends. And you haven’t even met them all.”
“Peter, Lisa’s husband and deputy sheriff, is still on duty. Carter, Hawk and a couple of their guys might pop in as well and Richard and Dorothy are on their way. Though you met Richard yesterday already.”
I nodded. I couldn’t really remember much from yesterday. Probably because I was in shock after the accident. And to be perfectly honest, I was already overwhelmed with remembering the names of the people already here, and there were more on their way?
James gave me a side glance, then ran his hand through his hair and lowered his brows. “They can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you meet them all at once. Maybe this barbecue wasn’t such a great idea.”
Warmth radiated through my body, and I latched onto his hand and intertwined our fingers, and squeezed. I’d never experienced someone—let alone a virtual stranger—so acutely aware and concerned about my well-being. “It’s perfect. They’re all truly lovely, and I couldn’t be happier to get to meet them all.”
He stopped, looked at me, then raised our hands and kissed the back of my hand.
It was just a harmless nibble—something out of a different era—but my insides turned liquid, and my knees wobbled.
What was it with this man, and the chemistry between us?
His charm was off the charts. The intensity in his eyes caused a burning desire in my belly. My head told me we only met yesterday. It was too soon to be that attracted, that smitten with him. But somehow, my body was there.
Wanting him.
Needing him.
Ready to throw caution to the wind and give myself to him.