Chapter 22
Magnolia
Despite how tired I was, I didn’t sleep well. I kept tossing and turning, wondering if I should just give up and head back to the clinic. Eventually, I decided better of it as Dr. Lewis would promptly tell me to go back home and to bed. When my alarm finally did go off, I was wide awake, looking at the ceiling with my heart still in turmoil from yesterday’s events. I pulled myself out of bed and forced my way to the hot shower while my muscles protested my movements.
I didn’t process much of my usual morning routine, other than the fact that I did it. My main and only goal at this time was getting to the clinic as soon as possible to be of help.
Stepping out into the fresh air with a hint of salt from the sea was jolting me awake more than my coffee ever could, but a truck idling next to mine had me stopping on my front steps. Then I realized exactly who that truck belonged to.
Sloan .
The door to his truck popped open, signaling he was indeed getting out. I had to admit, I was a bit shocked to see him at such an early hour. I had assumed he would still be in bed, fast asleep, not here, walking over to me with what looked like a latte from one of those artsy coffee shops in town. The way too expensive kind, but oh so good kind .
“Hey there, gorgeous. You’re a sight for sore eyes this morning.”
I couldn’t help the befuddled look I’m sure was clouding my features. “What are you doing here?”
My tone sounded even a little harsh to my ears, and I saw him wince as he took a step back, as if for the first time he was second guessing his actions.
“I figured you’d be heading back in as early as you could, and I wanted to be ready with some coffee…although, it might be cold now. I had it nestled on the passenger’s seat with the heated seat option on…”
I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped me. “The heated seat option, huh?” I held out my hand. “Well, since you went through all the trouble…”
Sloan placed the drink in my hand, and I couldn’t help the grimace that took over. It might have been good, but it was positively cold.
“It’s delicious,” I choked out.
Now it was his turn to laugh and he shrugged. “I should have gone with the ice coffee version; I’ll remember that for next time.”
“Pretty ballsy for you to assume there’d be a next time.” I took a second sip of the cold coffee. Even though it was cold, it was still caffeine, and I’ll be damned if I let that go to waste.
“Won’t there be?” He posed the question to me, effectively leaving the ball in my court.
Instead of opening that can of worms, I went with a subject change instead. “So, just the coffee this morning? Or is there something else I can do to help you with this morning, Sloan?” For some reason, every time I spoke his name, goosebumps erupted over my skin—it was becoming a real problem .
“I’d like to follow you to work again, considering you didn’t sleep much last night, and help out this morning if needed. I also have some donuts in my car…”
“You seem to come bearing gifts you know I won’t turn away.” I’d always been such a sucker for a good donut.
“So is that yes?”
I couldn’t help the small grin that took over, but did my best to cover it up with an eye roll. “If I say no, will you just follow me, anyway?”
“There’s a good chance.” His eyes bore into mine; he didn’t even have the decency to look somewhat ashamed of his bulldozing.
I sighed. “Alright, let’s go.”