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I glanced at her a moment and wondered if she was kidding. I wasn’t sure what I was going to say, but my phone got a call and it was attached to my car… And it was Mandy.

Like what were the odds?

No, seriously, what were the odds, and did the gods hate me?

She snorted. “Don’t mind me. Go ahead and answer your first love’s call. I heard you’re getting back together and—”

“I would think you of all people know there are liars out there who have their own agenda and see things as they want,” Icut in, my tone harsh as I tapped the display to reject the call. “I was going to tell you that I don’t know her now well enough to be her referral or recommend her for a position. She’s probably calling to make sure I’ve done as she wanted.”

I might have said more, but the jealousy I scented on her actually made me happy. If it had been about anyone other than Mandy, I might have let her believe something was going on just so she was jealous and paid attention to me.

No, no, I wouldn’t have. I knew how much that could hurt, and after she’d just ended things with someone emotionally manipulative, I couldn’t be the same.

“Sorry,” she whispered as I pulled up to our condo’s parking. “I figured there was some truth if you didn’t—I heard she said it right in front of you.”

“No, she didn’t, and I don’t know why she’s here or what she’s up to,” I grumbled as I rolled down the window and swiped the fob to be let in. “But thank you for letting me know that’s what she’s been saying. I haven’t had much time to figure it out because—”

“Because of all the fawning over you at your dumpling afternoon parties?” she drawled. She winced at whatever was coming off of me. “Sorry. Wow, okay, I’m in a worse mood than I realized. I truly apologize, and I’m sorry I’m taking it out on you when you’re doing me a favor.”

“I tried to do something nice and bring some community into the hospital. I didn’t know it was going to turn into a fucking fangirl gathering or things were at that childish level,” I bit out, not trying to hurt her but also not taking the blame for this. I had no idea that every single straight female on the medical staff in the fucking hospital would show updailyto try and chat me up.

That really wasn’t the idea or purpose of what I’d tried to do, and I wasn’t happy they were shitting all over it. My staff wasnow upset and annoyed, but I risked pissing people off if I shut it down or—I didn’t know what to do.

“If you have anything helpful to add, I’d love that instead of just riding me,” I grumbled as I pulled into my spot and threw the vehicle in park harder than needed. “Have a good night, Ms. Reed.” I got out and slammed the door, heading to the elevator.

The car auto-locked after a few moments so whatever, she could stay in there all night or not.

I rode the elevator up alone, so… That said a lot and left me unhappy.

Given how we left things, the last thing I expected was to find her at my door Sunday about lunchtime. I was stepping off the elevator and she was turning away from my door like she was giving up knocking.

She jumped like she’d been caught and cleared her throat. “You weren’t home.”

I was still in shock at her being at my door. “I was at the gym and pool swimming.”

She was already focused on my naked chest and slowly nodded. The scent of her desire hit me and annoyed me for some reason.

“What did you need, Ms. Reed?” I asked as I went over to my door and punched in the code.

“Oh um, sorry, I was—I wanted to apologize for the other night and ask you for something.”

I snorted as I scented exactly what she wanted but still let her in. “Yeah, I bet.”

Shock flashed in her eyes and she cleared her throat. “Sorry, you’re shirtless and wet from the pool—you obviously scent—I didn’t come here for that.”

I slammed the door closed and then cornered her against it. “You didn’t? You didn’t come here forthat?”

She shivered. “I did, but I wasn’t starting there.”

“Well, that’s what I’m most focused on when it comes to you, and you were kinda a bitch to me Friday night. So we’re going to start where I want.” I waited until she nodded. “Say it.”

“What?” she breathed.

“Say what I want to hear, Ellie,” I growled.

She met my gaze and licked her lips. “Please take all my stress away, my Alpha.”

Oh fuck. Like…Oh fuck, hearing her say that in her breathy, sweet voice was even better than I’d hoped for.