2. Meredith
MEREDITH
Three Days Later
I’m browsing some job advertisements on my laptop when there’s a soft knock at the door.
“Come in,” I call out, and Beatrice, my receptionist, sticks her head in. She’s the head psychologist’s daughter, and she has no idea what she’s doing. She clearly only got the job because her father owns the practice.
“There’s a new client here for you,” she says, sounding excited. She does this when attractive men step into the reception, like we’re here for speed dating and not people’s mental health.
I check my schedule, and I’m not meant to have a client for another hour. Clearly, dear Beatrice has fucked up the schedule again.
“Okay, send them in,” I tell her, closing my laptop and taking a deep breath.
I always wanted to be a psychologist. They say that those who want to understand human behavior might have felt misunderstood themselves, and I guess that could be true.
I am the outsider in my family, but I’ve always had a curiosity for human behavior.
The man who steps inside my office isn’t anyone like I was expecting.
His blond hair is tied back at his nape, and dark lashes frame the most beautiful blue eyes.
He’s wearing a tight black T-shirt that shows off his tall, lean, yet muscular build, light denim jeans, and leather boots. He makes my office look tiny.
And he walks like it’s heavy.
If you know, you know.
Okay, that was very unprofessional, but I can’t control the thoughts in my head. All that matters is that I don’t act on them. I keep my expression neutral, not giving anything away, but that is one good-looking man. Standing up, I offer him my hand.
His presence is masculine and a little overwhelming. I should feel scared, but for some reason, I don’t. “Hello there, I’m Dr. Shannon.”
“Nate,” he says in a deep, husky tone. His hand lingers on mine.
“Nate, have a seat. Did you fill in one of the forms at reception?” I ask him.
He shakes his head, waiting for me to sit back down before he does—a gentleman.
“Okay, we’ll get to that.” I pull my notebook closer to me and pick up my pen. “What can I do for you?”
He stretches out his legs, making himself comfortable. This is a man who is confident and used to being in control. I try to read him, but he gives nothing away.
“I’ve had some… changes in my life recently, and a friend of mine told me it might be a good idea to speak to someone about them.” He leans forward, his elbows resting on his thighs. “Apparently, I can be closed off.”
“What changes have happened?” I ask, studying him.
He smiles, tilting his head to the side, and my chest tightens. He’s beautiful. I can’t remember the last time I had an instant attraction to someone. Even the sexy biker, Pyro, that I met at the animal shelter didn’t make me feel like this. “If I answer a question, do I get to ask one?”
My eyes narrow. “That is not how this works, Nate. You came here because you wanted my help. If you want to play games, you walked into the wrong office.”
“Life is a game, Doc,” he replies, dragging his blue eyes from my face down my body and back up again. “Don’t you think we should build some trust before I go telling you all of my wildest secrets?”
Of course, I’ve met men like this before. He wants me to work for his trust, to prove that I know what I’m doing.
Putting down my pen, I turn my chair toward him. “Let me guess, you’re a man who usually gets what he wants. Women, money, cars, motorcycles… whatever you’re into.”
A muscle works in his jaw, but other than that, he stays silent.
“You take care of yourself. You don’t trust easily. You said there’s been some change. A death in your family, maybe?”
His throat works as he swallows. “No death, but I do feel some loss.”
“I see. Someone close to you?”
“My brother. We used to do everything together, but he’s got his own life now. I’m happy for him, but I’m finding it hard to… adjust,” he admits, leaning back and crossing his arms over his chest.
“Okay, well, let’s unpack that. I don’t know what it’s like to be close to a sibling because I don’t have any, but I know how tight those bonds are meant to be. Do you feel like your brother has left you behind?”
“Yeah, I think I do, but I don’t blame him. I just feel… a little lost. He’s the good one, you know? He’s always been more responsible. He’s quieter, but always solid. Reliable. He centered me.”
“And now?”
A sexy smirk plays across his lips. “And now I’m running wild.”
His phone buzzes, and he frowns. “I have to get out of here, but thanks for the chat, Doc. I’ll be back.” And then, without another word, he walks out.
After work, I head straight to the animal shelter. A few dogs have come in this week, and I want to take them for walks and show them some love.
Pyro is training a large Rottweiler when I step inside. I have to admit, he’s good at what he does. When he showed up on his motorcycle wearing a Serpents of Chaos MC leather vest, I didn’t know what to think, but he’s been lovely. I don’t know where he came from, but we’re lucky to have him.
“Hey,” I say, then smile down at Bruno. “And hello to you! I know you’re going to get adopted this week.”
Pyro grins, twisting the cap on his head so it’s backward.
He’s tall, really tall. Blue eyes, short dark hair, a strong jaw shadowed with stubble, and a nose ring that is kind of sexy.
I’m tall for a woman at five-foot-ten, so I can appreciate a man who I can wear my heels around and still feel feminine.
“He’s a good dog. Sadie’s got a soft spot for him. ”
“He is,” I agree, glancing back to see him studying me with a curious expression. He rubs the back of his neck, and then says, “You seeing anyone?”
“Me?” I ask, frowning. “No.”
“You know any bikers?” he asks.
“Aside from you? No. Why?”
“Just wondering,” he mutters, looking like he wants to say something more, but then he hesitates. “Come on, Bruno, let’s go work on your recall.” He leaves me standing there, confused.
Was he going to ask me out?
Would I say yes?
I’m not sure.
Shaking my head, I move off toward the kennels.
Time to get my steps in, and let some dogs burn some energy.