Page 8 of Rancher’s Healing (Flying Diamond 5)
CHAPTER EIGHT
TAYLA
“ J ake, I’m going to Steam’n Sugar to get lunch. Need anything?” I asked, popping my head into his empty office.
“Pretty sure the only lunch I want you don’t need to leave the building for.” His sexy smile almost made me close the door and stay in for lunch.
“This is the office. We agreed it was off limits, Doctor Gordon.” I emphasized his title.
“Even when we’re closed for lunch?” He arched his brow and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk.
“I’ll get you a sandwich and coffee.” I shook my head and turned to walk into the staff room.
Jake’s big arm wrapped around my waist and turned me to face him.
“We didn’t say no kissing in the staff room, just the office.
” He lowered his head, and I tipped mine up to meet his.
Every kiss was sweeter than the last. I was no longer in control of my arms, and they wrapped around his neck as I leaned into him.
He pulled away and smiled. “You better grab lunch before I get carried away. Food sounds great, thank you.” We took a step away from one another, and I reached for my purse.
“I’ll be back shortly.” Walking past, I jumped when he slapped my ass.
“That’s for not letting me eat what I want.” He followed me out of the staff room and turned back to his office.
I leaned against the back door, letting the warm breeze flutter over me, settling my heart and my libido. God, that man is a constant distraction, I thought to myself as I walked away from the office to the street.
Walking to the coffee shop always cleared my head. “Hey Tayla, how’s your day?” Mrs. Jonson smiled as I passed her on the sidewalk.
“It’s really good. How’s yours?” I stopped and gave the older woman a hug.
“Oh, it’s a typical day for me. I just had coffee with the girls.
It wasn’t enjoyable. They’re pissy. I won the bingo pot last night, but I paid for their coffee so they’re talking to me again.
” The older woman laughed, and I joined her.
“Now I’m on my way to crib, so if I’m going to get my regular chair I better run.
Tell your mother I say hi. Since she’s been sleeping with that sexy PI, I never see her. ” She patted my arm.
“I will tell her, but I don’t see her a lot either, come to think of it,” I said as I frowned.
“Well, I wouldn’t go visit my mother if I had that sexy Doctor Jake warming my bed. Unfortunately for me, it’s just Frank snoring away.” She shook her head and sighed. “But he’s not all bad.” She winked and waved as she walked down to her car.
Picturing Mr. And Mrs. Jonson in bed was not the pre-lunch image I wanted in my head.
Thankfully, I made it to the coffee shop without anyone else stopping me.
I loved living in this small town, but sometimes I learned far too much about people.
Since starting at the doctor’s office, that’s increased tenfold.
Chimes rang out as I walked into the coffee shop. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite, almost daughter-in-law,” Fred smiled as I walked in.
“Hey Fred, how’s your day?” I asked, walking up to the counter.
Fred and my father had been best friends until my father’s death.
When his son Nash married Fallon, he took us all under his wing as in-laws.
It felt right, and he’d always been a part of our lives, so having him around made everything better.
“It’s been busy. All people can talk about is that auction on the weekend. Nora sure raised a lot of money.” Fred grinned.
“Yeah, I’m sure that’s what everyone’s been talking about.
” Rolling my eyes, I looked at the man. Fred’s receding hairline was immaculately cut and combed.
He looked like he’d lost some weight. No doubt that had to do with his fiancee Wanda making sure he was eating properly.
My brother had issues with Fred over the last few years, but those had been put to rest by Nora, who Fred treated like a daughter.
“Well, I, for one, think it’s wonderful, and I’ve told everyone who’s tried to get me to talk about you two that exact thing.
” He nodded curtly. “I’m just about done with your order.
I just have to grab more to go cups from the back.
” Fred left, and I was acutely aware that I was being watched.
Turning, I saw Starcie and a few of her friends, who were just as nasty as she was.
“I didn’t realize Nora’s auction was actually a fuck fest.” She said loudly, and the people around her giggled. “I’m going to have to save all year, so I can win the good doctor next year.”
Smiling sweetly as I dropped tip money in the jar, I kissed Fred’s cheek and grabbed my lunch. As I walked past the table, I stopped. “He won’t be available next year, Starcie. Looks like you lost to a Miller yet again.” Fred laughed as I left the coffee shop.