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“Not today,” I huff. “Not unless you’re offering a big fat ibuprofen.”
“When did it start?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “It seems to be getting worse since this morning,” I tell him truthfully. “Ever since I left Noah’s.”
Parker scoffs. “You’re staying over now?”
“It just made sense,” I tell him wearily. “Since I was there so late.”
“I know you think I’m being a dick—”
“A valid opinion,” I cut in.
“—butI’m worried about you, Mack. That’s all. I thought it wasa bad idea when you got wrapped up in this whole fake-mate nonsense, but I don’t think you’re considering the possible fallout of all this.”
“Keep your voice down,” I hiss, looking around to find us still alone. “You’re making too big of a deal about it, I promise. It’s a damned headache. Not an existential crisis.”
“I know, but you’ve always been so careful about how close you get to people, and now you’re diving into this pretend relationship headfirst without a second thought. I know you want to help Noah, but I worry you’ll end up getting hurt.”
“I said, keep your voice dow—”
“Hey,” a lilting voice calls from the counter behind us. “Do you have a list of Mr. Wheeler’s medication?”
I turn, immediately feeling my spine stiffen as I notice the last person I want within earshot of this conversation. Dennis Martin is smiling at me from the other side of the counter, his expression seemingly devoid of any indications that he might have heard what Parker and I were talking about.
“Oh,” Dennis says with innocent surprise. “I didn’t see you there, Dr. Carter. I mean, Mack.” He chuckles to himself. “Right?”
“Right,” I say woodenly. “Mack is fine.”
“I thought you were a nurse,” he says with another quiet laugh. “Any idea where they’ve all gone?”
“Staff meeting,” I tell him. “Parker was just looking at a wonky terminal while they were gone. They should be back soon, though, if you need something.”
“No, no,” he says casually. “I can come back. It isn’t urgent.” He braces his elbow on the counter, leaning against it. “How is Noah?”
I feel myself bristle. “Noah is... fine.”
“Good, good,” Dennis answers cheerfully. “He’s seemed a little off lately, hasn’t he? I worry, you know.”
I bet you do.
“Just stress, I think,” I tell him, trying not to let the panic in my belly show on my face. “He’s been very busy.”
“Oh, well, that’s good to hear,” Dennis offers, that same unreadable smile at his mouth. “I know all that fuss with the board must have been such a hassle.”
I keep my expression even, refusing to tear my eyes from his for fear of seeming guilty. “Fortunately, it was just a misunderstanding.”
“Right,” he says, his smile tilting up further.
He stays like that for a second too long, finally drumming his fingers against the countertop as he pushes away from it.
“Anyway,” he tells us in that same cheery tone, “I guess I’ll come back in a bit. Hope you guys get this situation sorted.”
He points to the terminal Parker has been gaping at him from behind for the last few minutes, and I give Dennis a tight nod. “Sure thing.”
“Tell Noah I said hi,” he calls over his shoulder as he starts off down the hall.
I don’t answer, Parker and I keeping quiet until Dennis’s footsteps have faded away down the hall. How in the hell had we not heard him coming up to begin with? I blow out a heavy breath when it’s clear he’s gone, bending to brace my hands on my knees. My headache is exponentially worse than it had been before Dennis’s interruption.
