Page 47 of Dangerous Men

And that appreciation includes giving them a sizable discount on their orders, of course.

It's late in the afternoon, and I’ve managed to distract myself from the unanswered text messages waiting in my phone when I hear Jade’s voice from the front.

“Hey, uh, Syd?” Jade calls to me from across the store. Her voice sounds oddly strained. “Could you come here for a second?”

Uh oh. Whatever has Jade sounding like thatcan’tbe good.

“Coming,” I call back, haphazardly shoving the rest of my books onto the Staff Picks display. I can organize them better before we close, if I have time. I keep my eyes peeled as I make my way through the shop, but I don’t see anything that qualifies as an emergency. And nothing appears to be on fire when I get to the café where Jade is standing, waiting for me. All good signs.

“What’s up?” I ask her, frowning.

Jade certainly doesn’t look like there’s an emergency. She looks amused.

Hell, she looks downright smug.

“You have some visitors,” she tells me with a smile, pouring milk into a frothing pitcher, prepping to steam it.

“Visitors? Where?” I glance around the shop. There’s a short line of customers waiting to place their drink order at the café, but nothing unexpected for this time of day. I certainly don’t recognize anyone in line. My eyes travel over the few tables that are occupied, not seeing anyone who she could…

Ohcrap.

“So, there’s three of them now, huh?” Jade asks, arching an eyebrow at me. “When did that happen?”

The table Alec normally sits at is full.

Seated there are Alec, Ash … and the doctor from last night.

“Come on, girl, dish. Who’s the new one?” Jade asks, hungry for gossip. “Because I swear, if one more gorgeous man comes in here looking for you, I’m going to think you’re dabbling in witchcraft.”

“I have no idea who he is,” I tell her honestly. “I mean, I met him, but I don’t… I don’t know him.”

From their table, Ash looks up and catches me staring. He grins and waves excitedly at me, gesturing at me to join them.

“I’ll be right back,” I mumble to Jade.

“Have fun!” she calls after me, laughing, as I make my way toward them.

Ash watches me approach, eager as a puppy looking at a fresh new toy.

“Hey, Babygirl,” he says. He gives me a smile that makes my stomach flutter, wide enough to flash his perfectly white teeth at me. “We were just talking about you!”

The dark-haired doctor gives him a stony look over the rim of his glasses. Alec is chatting on the phone with someone, politely turned away, and while Ash looks happy as a lark to see me, the doctor looks just as cold as he did last night.

“Hi, Ash,” I say cautiously. I look over at the doctor and give him a polite smile, offering my hand. “I’m sorry. I don’t think we ever officially met. I’m Sydney.”

As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I wish I could take them back. He glances at my hand but makes no move to shake it. I let it fall awkwardly to my side.

“Sebastian,” he introduces himself. His eyes are a piercing sky blue, and colder than ice as they scrutinize me. “How are you feeling today? Any… soreness?”

A blush creeps over my cheeks, the phrasing of his question reminiscent of Alec’s message this morning.

Are you sore?

“I—” I stammer. Next to him, Ash grins, rubbing the stubble on his chin.

“Your ankle,” Sebastian clarifies. I could almost convince myself I see a measure of concern in his eyes, but the rest of his face is so blank it’s unnerving. He clicks his tongue. “You look flushed this morning. Have you had any other symptoms? Any dizziness or nausea?”

“Uh, no.” I brush a strand of hair behind my ear. “I feel fine. And my ankle is… fine.”