Well shit. Look, he has chin pubes, it isn’t even a real beard, he isn’t that hot, ok. Just…no.
But ugh, the tiny omega voice is right, they are hot, and they smell good, and I just want to go flop on the couch on top of Dr. Leo–who looks a bit shell shocked right now, actually.
Maybe I should check on him, he is gonna be Iggy’s doctor after all, I don’t want to make him uncomfortable.
He would be a lot more comfortable without pants.
Shut up, inner omega.
“Candice?” I was so focused on Dr. Leo that I missed Gabe coming to stand next to me. “Everything went haywire, but Idoneed to talk to ya about your car. I mean, that’s why I came over. Things are…well, I’m not sure how safe it is to drive right now.”
Shit
I take a deep breath–bad idea. “I’m sorry, I…what?”
Gosh, but he smells good.
No, wait, what?
I mean, yeah, he smells good, great, but what?
“I’m sorry, back up. My car, what do you mean it's not safe?”
His hand comes up like he is about to put it on my shoulder, but instead he pulls back and runs it through his own short hair. Whiskey colored eyes looking everywhere but at me, “Well, your front axle is loose. It's not broke yet, but I wouldn’t feel right lettin’ ya drive around with it like that, if it does break ya could get seriously hurt. I’m not sure what ya hit, but it sure did a number on it.”
He looks almost sheepish, like he’s worried I am gonna go off on him for accusing me of running over something.
“But, I don’t drive it, I mean, I’ve taken less than four car trips this year, one of which was yesterday to the vet, the others have all been either to your shop for an oil change, or the one to the bank. I don’t go anywhere if I can avoid it. Not saying I’m a shut-in, but people make me nervous.” I raise my hand indicating all the people in my house, currently making me less nervous than I would have anticipated.
“Shit…ok, well, um, I’m not sure what to tell ya, I can take another look at it, but I’m pretty sure it is gonna need replaced. Was it wobbly or anythin’ yesterday when you took it to see Leo?”
I sigh, pulling at my own hair, I don’t have the time or the money for this. But sometimes I need a car. “No, no, I believe you…I just…I can’t afford to do it right now. I need to take care of Sunny’s vet bill from yesterday, and I still have to pay for the tires and the oil change and I just…”
I trail off, my stomach bottoming out. Good thing I haven’t had any food yet.
I’m suddenly exhausted–feeling overwhelmed by everything from the last two days, and unable to hold back a whine. I want a do-over. Let’s just go back to last weekend, so we can redo this whole week. My hands come up cupping my elbows, and then a pair of big arms wrap around me, one hand still holding a spatula.
“What the fuck man, what did you do?” It’s Jacks again, looking aggressive and staring daggers at Gabe. I reach up and pat his chest, not wanting a fight in my house.
“Shh, it’s ok, he didn’t do anything. Just some not great news, and I miss my cat. I’m sorry, I just…I’m sorry,” I can’t hold back the tears as the stress from the last couple of days comes crashing down on me.
“No. No. It's ok Little Lion, I got you.” Then I’m being lifted off my feet and carried back to the kitchen. “Here, finish her pancakes.” He thrusts the spatula into Xan’s hand, before turning and marching me back towards my nest.
Once we’re inside he closes the door, and sets me down on the mattress. “Bunch of nosey old biddies, I swear. Don’t worry about them. You stay here, rest, get a shower, just breathe if you need to. I’m going to finish making your breakfast, then we can talk once you feel better, ok?” He brushes my hair back and places a gentle kiss on my forehead, before leaving and closing the door behind him.
I can hear raised voices coming from the living room, but honestly, I don’t care at this point. After going to lock my nest door I head towards my en suite bathroom. Once the shower’s on, I turn up some classic rock to drown out the rest of the argument and just let the hot water and the music soothe my jangled nerves.
Leo
Ascent match? How the hell did I miss that before?
Yesterday was busy all day with seeing all the new clients since Dr. Jerry had an emergency and called out.
And then surgery on Freddy–I should probably call the office to check on him, I’m seriously over my lunch break. I should call to let them know how long I’ll be gone.
Then Candice’s car.
Of course, I know I reacted to her yesterday, but how could I have not realized.
