Page 54

She can handle things. She’s clearly seen too much in her short life if the sight in front of her doesn’t faze her. Gillian barely bats an eye as we work to clean away maggots and dead tissue.

My brows draw down. “You’re old enough to be registered?”

“Twenty,” she snaps. “I worked hard to get ahead.”

She’s much younger than I am. “Clearly. How far do you want to go?”

“I’m researching schools for veterinary medicine, but it’s slow going.” She removes another maggot and adds it to the tray. “It’s expensive. You must have worked hard too, to have your own clinic at your age.”

“It pays to know the right people. The old vet was my ex’s father and someone I knew my entire life.”

Shouldn’t a pretty girl like Gillian be out there enjoying life rather than being here? Forcing herself to work when she has no skin in this game? I’m not going to turn away help, but it makes a guy wonder.

We pluck out the last maggot and I begin the tedious process of cleaning out the wound site.

“I got lucky,” I add. “Not everyone is in the position I am. Most practices are floundering because the vet would rather find a practice to buy in an area where they’re guaranteed to make money. Bigger cities. No one wants to go the small town route anymore.”

Why am I telling her these things?

“But you’re here.” She sounds curious.

“I’m a fool. I’ve wanted to get out for years, yet I stay. I can’t bring myself to leave.”

“You say it like it’s some kind of terrible thing, but I see it as a testament to your character.”

I glance over at her with a challenge in my gaze. “I grew up in this town. My parents raised me here, so I know thepeople and I know their needs. How could I be selfish and abandon them?”

Acrid bitterness churns suddenly and I shift away from her. I’ve recited the excuse so many times, it’s by rote at this point. I can’t tell her the truth. I’m too chicken-shit to leave, and now that I’ve dug a comfortable hole, I’m not sure I ever will.

I should’ve left when I had the chance. Instead, I’m still here. Still hurting.

“Like I said.” Gillian moves a little closer. “A testament to your character. Now, where are your sterilized needles?”

I point to a spot on the tray and she moves to grab the needles and get them set up for my use.

“What are you doing here, Gillian? Seriously?” I ask. “I know you won’t tell Soren and Aiden the truth about your presence, but I think I deserve to know.”

She looks up at me and bats those long black lashes. “I’m selfish too, Tase. I’m spinning in circles and I can’t find anything to hold to get my bearings. I came to your clinic because I needed a familiar setting. A stone to stand on.”

We finish up the stitching together, the dance nearly completed. “If you’re looking for a job, I can’t hire you permanently. I appreciate your help today. But I have a new girl coming in on Monday.”

“I don’t want to be hired permanently. Just let me assist a little.” She bites down on her lip. “I’m young, true, and I know enough to understand that when I’ve made a problem in my life, I’m the only one with the power to fix things. This will help me. Even if it’s only for today, it will help you as well.”

She lifts the corners of her mouth.

“You’re so sure of yourself,” I murmur, staring at her.

What’s up with this girl, and how does she effortlessly dig furrows in my skin? They’re large enough for someone to slip in if I’m not careful.

“I’ve seen the crowd in your waiting room,” she says. “Ifyou don’t get some help, then your poor receptionist is going to go out of her mind and the poodle might start nipping at your ankles.”

Together, we finish getting the dog situated in a clean kennel with an IV drip.

“I’ll go check on your next appointment and we’ll see how quickly we can get everyone out of here.”

Gillian winks at me before heading back into the lobby, and the moment she’s out of my presence, I groan.

Fuck me.