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This is a terrible idea. But stress and necessity make for strange bedfellows sometimes. On multiple levels this is clearly asking for trouble.

Gillian is on the run.

It’s obvious in the way she answers questions in a deflecting manner. She shies away from getting personal unless it’s something she feels comfortable sharing, and it isn’t an introvert deal. I know her type.

Plus the fact that she’s Soren’s stepsister. He’s got a whole bag of mixed emotions when it comes to his family and his past, and as his friend, it’s not up to me to pry his issues apart. It’s not on me to force him to heal when he isn’t ready.

Not to mention she’ll probably be gone soon. This seems to be a temporary stopgap.

Once she figures out how to handle her issues, she’ll be back on the road.

My nostrils flare when Gillian pops her head in and finds me still in the same place.

“Mrs. Patterson says she was supposed to be seen at noon and she has a doctor’s appointment at three,” she pipes in.

I toss my gloves in the trash. “Then we’d better get her into exam room 4, please.”

Maybe the biggest issue, and one I hadn’t counted on, is the temptation. Gillian is beautiful and easy to talk to. She’sgot a confident touch, and an odd way of twitching her nose when she’s concentrating on something.

She’s also smart, witty, and driven. And those luscious curves?—

My cock gives a jolt and I glance down at it, slightly horrified. Now is the wrong time for that.

God, how long has it been since I’ve buried myself in a sexy young woman?

Too long. There’s only been one person since Dana.

Gillian isn’t exactly forbidden, but if I decide to let her help me for more than a few hours, I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep my hands to myself.

Soren is overprotective. She needs to be hands-off.

But at the end of the day the clock strikes six, and it’s only Gillian and I left in the clinic.

The front door is locked and the lights are off except in the employee lounge. She tosses her last pair of soiled gloves in the garbage before moving to the sink and spreading soap suds across her hands.

She looks tired, but happy. The creases around her eyes are deeper than they were when she first arrived.

I have to admit, having her around was a particular delight. Not only does Gillian know what she’s doing but she refuses to falter. Her energy remains consistent without flagging.

“This obviously isn’t your first full day in a clinic, but what did you think of us in Holly Brook?” I can’t help but ask. “Is this really the life for you?”

Her smile remains in place and her hands damp as she steps up to me, wrapping her arms around my waist for a hug. She presses her head to my chest and my heart gives a resounding thud.

The only thing Gillian says is, “Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. You’re the one who did me a favor,” I mutter awkwardly.

My arms hang at my sides. I’m hesitant to return the hugeven though the constrictions in my chest and back start to relax at her touch and warmth spreads through me.

This isn’t false affection. Gillian holds on to me tightly. But I’m not her stone in the storm. I’m not the one she needs to squeeze as though she’ll shatter at any second.

I’m unstable.

I force my arms up to cradle her, daring to touch and hating myself for wanting more.

“Thanks for giving me a chance. For letting me help and get out of my own head.”

She tilts her chin up to look at me and I am lost.