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All three of them, actually.

Which means Ireallyneed to get this solved and get the fuck out before I make a mess of things.

I drive through town, the streets already busy despite the early hour. It’s Monday. Everyone is heading to work, and with the promise of good weather in the coming weeks, no doubt preparations are being made for an influx of tourists.

This is the kind of small town vibe that people crave when they need an escape from the city.

I find a place to park further down the street from the clinic and keep watch over my shoulder for anything suspicious. Soon enough, though, the serenity of the early morning calms me and I’m in a better mood by the time I push through the unlocked front door of the clinic.

Tase rounds the desk at the same time and looks up from his files at the sound of footsteps. Oureyes lock.

Christ, is it possible to have multiple crushes on multiple real-life men at the same time? I used to have crushes on celebrities, but never more than one or two at a time once I decided to give them my entire girlish affection.

Now I scour Tase from top to bottom, the way his lab coat fits and the dark richness of those whiskey-colored eyes.

His brow furrows. “You’re right on time.”

He says it like he’s surprised.

“I usually like to be early,” I say. “But I couldn’t remember what time you open.”

He winces, lifting two fingers to pinch the bridge of his nose, and I struggle to hide my smile. He went a little too hard last night. I see it in the lines around his eyes. Not that any of them will ever admit to it.

“Point me in a direction and I’ll do whatever you need,” I urge.

“You and Kayla will both be starting today. Belle can show you the ropes. I’ll help where I’m able, but I hope you’ll both be familiar with what’s expected in a working practice.”

Belle, the slightly overworked but pretty girl from Saturday, comes around from the back and her smile grows when she sees me.

“Gillian, this is Belle.” Tase is gruff with the introductions.

“I know you,” she says. “You came in the other day and saved my ass.”

Tase buries his nose in the files. “Take Gillian to the break room and find her an extra pair of scrubs. Introduce her to Kayla.”

I might be early, but I’m the last one to arrive.Shit. So much for first-day impressions.

Soon enough, we’re so swamped with the morning rush it’s impossible to worry about the implications of what happened last night with Aiden.

But the fantasy of what I want to do with Tase is growing by the minute.

The more time we spend dancing around each other, the more I warm to him. He doesn’t say much and what he does unleash is ruthless and funny and smart. Witty.

He always catches himself before he goes too far but it’s impossible to mistake his dry flirtations for anything else.

Or, and this is probably right, I’m starved for affection to make me feel better about myself and my body issues.That’s what this is.

I’ve isolated myself from the world for too long and gotten comfortable there. Being in front of a camera is not the same as interacting with the general public or going out on dates.

The attention I get from the private users on my account is world’s apart from real, honest attention from a man who sees me for me.

Or as much of myself as I’ll allow anyone to see.

Having Tase compliment my steady hands is a different beast. Having Aiden say nice things about me, or jerk off to me, is a dream come true. Even Soren’s brush against my nipples, like he couldn’t stop himself?—

I’m only fooling myself.

It’s all because I’m new. Just a shiny new toy for them to play with and get their hands on. Once the novelty wears off, then they’ll all feel the way Soren does and want me gone. I’m sure of it.