“You don’t have to say nice things. I can come across as bossy and cold. It’s funny. A woman does her job and directs people without any nonsense, and she’s called a bitch. Yet a man can do the same job and be considered an alpha male.”
“Has someone called you a bitch here?” he asked, surprised.
“I have a couple of disgruntled nurses. It’s typical in my profession,” she admitted, giving Zeus more water in his bowl, despite him already filling it. She seemed uncomfortable.
“Have you spoken with Kassie or Doc? They don’t seem the kind to put up with silly nonsense. You work extremely hard and have made a difference there. I’ve overheard Kassie speaking very highly of you when she gives potential patients a tour,” he informed her.
“No. It only makes things worse. When they realize I don’t bend on my rules, they tend to fall in line or leave. I like having things in order,” she said, straightening her dish towel on her stove.
As Liam glanced around, he realized the home appeared homey yet sterile. The only room showing any trace of her personality was her bedroom.
“What will you do the rest of the day today?” he asked.
“I’m spending time with Zeus, and then I’ll bake those treats for you. Thank you again for taking care of him,” she murmured.
Taking her hint, Liam headed toward the door. “Have a good day, Addy,”
“Goodbye, Liam,” she said softly.
Liam got into his SUV and watched her play with her monstrous dog, appearing happy. Then why did it feel like she only went through the motions of life?
CHAPTER 7
In the middleof the night, Leo lay in his bunk debating whether to drag his ass over to his home on his hands and knees and apologize to his wife or let her have space.
For the first time in his marriage, he didn’t know how to talk to his wife. He thought they worked in sync. The other team members finished their work and spent the long weekend with their families. He missed having her lie on his chest.
Finally giving up sleeping, he rose from his bed and dressed. He drove to his house and saw the light on. He watched Kit Kat hold the baby, trying to console their son. She appeared as tired as he felt.
Getting out of the truck, Leo entered the house.
“Leo,” she exclaimed, “You scared me.”
“What’s wrong, Kit Kat?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Derrick won’t stop crying. He’s not eating or sleeping,” she said, worried.
“Does he have a fever?” he asked, taking him from her arms.
“He didn’t earlier,” she said, pulling out the thermometer and checking his temp.
“What does it say?” he asked, glancing over her shoulder.
“It says 101 degrees. Let me get the acetaminophen. Strip him down, and I’ll give him a tepid bath. Maybe it’ll help calm him,” she said, opening the cabinet and getting the baby medication.
A cry from the other room let them know Derrick’s crying woke Grace. Kit Kat hung her head for a moment before measuring out the liquid and giving it to her upset son.
“Take him, and I’ll get Grace,” Leo offered. “I can get her back to sleep and then help you with him.”
Holding out her arms, Kit Kat took Derrick and headed toward their bathroom while he went into Grace’s room.
When she saw him, she held out her arms, and her hands beckoned him. “Daddy,” she cried.
“I’m here, my little warrior,” he soothed. Picking her up, he changed her and sat in the rocking chair. Leo rubbed her back and spoke softly to her. “Do you want Daddy to tell you about bomb making or fallout shelters? I tried to talk your mama into letting me take you to visit the new K-9’s. She says you can’t go until she’s checked them out. We can have a little saddle made, and you can ride it. What do you think?”
Grace’s crying quieted as she lay her head on his shoulder. Her warm breath tickled his neck, and he loved the little sounds she made while sucking her thumb. Within a few minutes, she fell back to sleep. Rising slowly, he put her in the crib.
Leo entered their bathroom to find the baby still crying in the tub. “Should I call Michael?”
