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“I’m with you. I know there are no guarantees, but I could see it too. We’d kick ass here. We were really partners in crime back in college.”
“Hell yes, we were,” he agrees with a chuckle. “We were practically brothers. And there’s no one else I’d trust more to help me build up this clinic now.”
I clap a palm over my heart. “I’m honored, man.”
Then he goes somber. “I’m just sorry about Karli being at the house for the summer. That was definitely not part of the plan.”
“Yeah, it’s okay,” I say grudgingly, instinctively touching my tender black eye again. Probably not the best impression to make on all my new patients.
Felix laughs at the look on my face. “Yeah, the expression you’re making is doing a fantastic job of convincing me that you’re okay with having my crazy sister as your roomie.”
“Nah. I’m used to crazy women. I should introduce you to my sisters sometime.”
He laughs. “Are they hot?”
With a huff, I grab a pen off his desk and chuck it at him.
His hands come up like a shield as the pen flies through the air, his eyes twinkling wickedly. “Just kidding, bro. I know the rules. Sisters are off-limits. Geez.”
I try not to chafe visibly.Yeah. Sisters are off-limits.
“Look—Karli’s a good kid,” he continues in a serious tone. “She’s just a bit…skittish sometimes. She’s like a cat. A good cat, though. Her claws only come out when you provoke her. So just don’t provoke her, and you’ll get along fine.”
I gulp, a bead of sweat breaking out on my forehead. I want to tell him that she’s no kid. And that her claws seem to be a little sharper than he knows. But I don’t say any of that out loud.Rule number one and all.
“I’ve got no intention of getting anywhere near Karli,” I promise, holding up my hand. “Scout’s honor.”
Felix seems to take my word for it, giving me a quick nod.
“I’ll give myself a few weeks to see if I’m fitting in here, and if I end up liking it, I’ll start looking for somewhere more permanent to stay.”
“Cool. Sounds fair,” he says before quickly changing the subject. “We’ll go down to Nolan’s bar sometime this week. I’ll introduce you to some of theladiesaround town.” He winks lasciviously. “That’ll probably give you all the motivation you need to stay in Starlight Falls.”
My forehead crinkles with skepticism. “Women aren’t really my focus right about now. I’d rather concentrate on figuring out my career.”
Felix snorts loudly. “I wasn’t going to say anything but, you brought a freaking blow-up doll with you, bro. That’s a cry for help. If you’re having trouble getting laid, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. I’ve got you. That’s what friends are for.”
“I’m not having trouble getting laid.” I insist. “And I definitely don’t want your leftovers.”
Felix rolls his eyes. “Beggars can’t be choosers, Mason.”
“I’m not a beggar.”
“Again, you brought a horrendous blow-up doll to town with you.”
I try lamely to defend myself. “My asshole cousins shoved it in my car before I left town. They thought it was funny.”
“Your cousins. Sure.” He hawks an unconvinced laugh. Then, he looks down at his watch, swearing. “I’m late for my first appointment.”
“Got it. See ya later.” I rise from my seat and turn for the exit with a hop in my step.
I head back to the solitude of my new office, grinning as I shut the door behind me. I can’t put into words how right this feels, despite the chaos of my living situation.
New town.
New job.
New start.
