Chapter 5 #2
“I try not to be. Some of the nurses have worked there for decades. They know half the people coming through the door, and how to deal with them. I welcome their advice.”
“I imagine that makes you very popular.” Plus the fact that you’re drop-dead gorgeous.
I suspected every woman within thirty meters of him was likely having indecent thoughts.
I couldn’t blame them. It was a struggle for me not to let my mind go elsewhere, even though there was something about this man that worried me.
He was just so masculine. If charisma had a name, it was Luch.
Luch smiled, showcasing a line of white teeth, and my insides went warm and liquid.
“So why animals and not people?” Luch asked, changing the subject.
“They don’t judge me.” It came out before I could stop it and I flushed, annoyed at myself for letting that thought slip.
“Ah.” Luch didn’t say anything else, and his silence made me nervous, which in turn made me chatter.
“It’s just that animals are pure, you know? They are joy and kindness and love. And not that humans can’t be that, because of course they can, but not in the way animals are. Even ones that are wary or scared, they’re still good, you ken? I consider it a great honor to help them.”
“I can understand that. Wee Oban’s my best pal.” At his name, Oban trotted over and pawed at Luch who bent and pulled him up. I let out a soft sigh. Once again, a strong man cuddling a wee pup just did something to me. “Any pets for you?”
“No.” My thoughts went to Gloam. I wouldn’t technically call him my pet, as he could come and go as he pleased, and was magickal. He definitely fell into a different category. “Moving around doesn’t really allow for pets. Many landlords won’t rent to you if you have animals.”
“Such a shame.” Luch smiled when Oban tilted his head and licked his face. “But you’re here now. For good it sounds like, since you bought the practice. Or are you leasing?”
“I purchased it.” Not only did I have my own savings, but my mum had left me a small inheritance as well.
Nothing flashy, but enough to invest in my future.
If I could stay in one place long enough.
I’d had good feelings about Loren Brae, and I sincerely hoped Luch wouldn’t turn against me.
“It’ll be my first time properly running my own practice and I’m hoping to make my home here.
I think I can do a lot of good for Loren Brae. I’m sure Oban would agree with me.”
I didn’t mean the words to come out slightly threatening, but I could tell Luch took them as such when his eyebrows rose.
“Aye, I’m sure he does. Really quite a miraculous healing. Wouldn’t you say?” Suspicion threaded his words, but I kept my expression calm, guileless even. I’d long had practice in responding to people questioning me.
“I’d call it luck more than a miracle. Either way, I’m happy he’s on the mend.” Glancing out the window, relief filled me. “Rain’s let up. I’ve got to be on my way, as I’ve dinner plans.”
“Hot date?” Luch rose, putting Oban on the floor and clearing the cups from the table.
I stood, uncertain if I should change back into my wet clothes or just offer to drop his clothes off another time.
This put me in the position of having to see him again.
From a very base female side of me, I wanted to see him again.
From a “protective of my secrets” standpoint, I needed to stay far away from him. Indecision warred.
“No.” I didn’t offer any other details. It was none of his business what I did with my time. I went and picked up my pack, uncertain of how to proceed.
“Do you want one?”
“What?” I glanced up and realized he was close, closer than I’d expected. I hadn’t even heard him cross the room. Now he loomed over me, all muscles and machismo, and excitement mixed with nerves. My eyes caught on his mouth as he angled his head, leaning into my space.
“I asked if you’d like one.”
“A one what?” All coherent thought left my brain as he leaned even closer, and I caught that faint scent of soap and cedar.
His lips quirked, amusement flashing in his eyes.
“A date. Even a hot one, at that.”
“With you?” The way I said it made him laugh and I blanched.
“Some women have been known to enjoy a date with me on occasion.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it to sound like that.” Automatically, I reached out to squeeze his arm in apology. My hand met hard muscles and that current of electricity zipped between us again. Luch looked down at my hand and then up at me.
He bit his lower lip.
It was quick, but it was enough to make heat flash through my entire body, and … I needed to leave. Now.
Turning, I slammed my head straight into the closed door.
A door that I’d thought I’d opened.
“Och, shite. Hold on, let me look.”
“No, no, I’m fine.” I blinked as tears automatically flooded my eyes.
I had properly smacked my forehead against the wood and now I wasn’t sure if the tears were from the sting of pain or the embarrassment.
Luch’s hands found my shoulders, and he turned me, cupping my chin so he could look at my forehead.
I didn’t meet his eyes, but that didn’t help me because then I just focused on his mouth.
His ridiculously kissable mouth.
Tearing my gaze away from his lips, I looked up and froze.
His eyes bored into mine, mossy green, with golden flecks.
“You have the most unique eyes,” Luch said, echoing my thoughts about his. “It’s like they can’t decide what color they want to be.”
“Is it my eyes or my forehead you’re examining, Dr. Carmichael?” My voice rasped, and I eased back, breaking away from his touch.
“I can do both.” Luch smiled. “Let’s get some ice on your forehead, particularly if you want to look good for your date later.”
I didn’t contradict him about having a date. It was better this way. Luch crossed to his freezer and wrapped some ice in a paper towel and handed it to me. Picking up my pack, he made a great show of opening the door.
“You’ll find it easier to exit this way.”
“Noted.” I hopped in the front seat of his Jeep, my cheeks burning.
Thankfully, Luch remained silent on the drive, the only sounds that of the light rain and the radio turned low.
By the time he pulled in front of my flat, I felt composed enough to function like an adult human being again.
Luch popped out of the Jeep quickly, and rounded the bonnet, my pack in hand. Opening the door for me, he smiled.
“How’s the head?”
“Och, just fine, I’m sure.” I moved to exit gracefully and make my getaway.
Instead, I slammed back into the seat, caught by my seatbelt.
“Bloody hell.” I closed my eyes and shook my head, Luch’s chuckle rolling over me. I stilled as his hand, warm at my side, found the buckle, and he released me. Tucking his arm through mine, he eased me from the car, and once again stood just a smidge too close to me.
“You still didn’t answer my question.”
“About what?”
“Can I take you on a date?”
“Why?” Suspicion crept up. The last date I went on was … possibly over a year ago. What city had I been in? Anyway, it didn’t matter. I hadn’t dated much, especially given most men seemed somehow intimidated by me. So, why does Luch want to take me out on a date? I wasn’t exactly … sweet.
“Because I think you’re one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen, we have similar interests when it comes to professions, and you intrigue me.”
My mouth dropped open. I hadn’t expected such a direct answer to my question and now I had no idea what to say.
“I have no idea what to say.” Smooth, Faelan. Smooth.
“Say ‘yes.’ Dinner, this week? I’ll call you when I know my schedule.” Luch eased back, and I shrugged one shoulder, noncommittal. “I’m taking that as a yes.”
“We’ll see.” I needed to figure out what it was about Luch that threw me off so much before I went to dinner.
“That’s not a no. I’ll take it. Now I’m leaving before you change your mind.
” With a quick flash of that lightning-bolt smile, Luch hopped in the driver’s seat and drove away, leaving me standing in his clothes in the lightly misting rain.
A couple in rain jackets, their arms full of bags from the market, rounded the corner and looked me up and down.
I immediately realized that I probably looked like I was just coming home from a one-night stand and I bolted for my flat.
Small towns had their reputations for a reason. The last thing I needed was any gossip about me … even if it was something as innocuous as who I was dating. I’d learned to keep my head down, stay out of gossip, and do my job. It was the only way that I could last for any amount of time anywhere.
Gloam chattered at me from where he sat by my door, his coat still damp. He must have run home when the rain stopped.
“Och, poor lad. Let’s get you dried off and some food in you.” Animals gave me purpose. They were my world. My life’s work. It was a helpful reminder and as I focused on getting Gloam cleaned up, I pushed thoughts of Luch Carmichael to the side.
It was the path I’d chosen to walk in life. A friend to animals, a healer to all, and though it was frequently a lonely, solitary path, it was mine.
“I think you’re one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen, we have similar interests when it comes to professions, and you intrigue me.”
Luch’s intrigue wasn’t good. Was it?
“You can’t make attachments to men, Faelan. You know this. Especially a man who’s making roots in this wee town.” I took the damp towel and tossed it in the washing machine. There were a lot of self-lectures today, but living on my own, I was used to talking to myself.
Alone. The safest choice for me to make … which was why I needed to steer clear of Luch.
It was far harder to hide in plain sight if I let someone get close to me.