cool.”
Caroline wasn’t much help in the discussion herself, especially when Liam and James diverted to the topic of technical things and video games. James did seem to thaw at the assertion that there was indeed some basic WiFi, and that a better connection was being worked on.
“You heard of the Gladiator controller?” Liam asked casually.
“Oh, yeah,” James said avidly. “I’ve read about those. Top of the line, state of the art, better connection speed, fewer drop-outs. They’re sweet.”
Caroline, who knew what was coming, smiled and was able to watch her son’s face as Liam grinned and said, “Well, you might have a pleasant surprise, back in your room.”
James stared. “What?”
“I cleared it with your mom,” Liam said. “Merry Christmas.”
“Get out!” James said in astonishment. Then, scrambling, “I mean, ah, thank you. Wow. Seriously? A Gladiator?”
He babbled about the device’s technical specs for a while and Caroline felt a warm feeling of relief come over her at his unabashed enthusiasm. Buying an expensive gift for her son wasn’t a sure-fire way to win him over, but Caroline thought that it certainly wouldn’t hurt, and when Liam assured her that money was no issue, she had approved the purchase. She was glad, now, that she had, watching the delight in James’ face and the way he relaxed with Liam.
What’s more, after a delicious light dessert of toasted sugar Crème Brûlée, the waiter, Breck, came to gather their plates and casually ask, “You wouldn’t happen to play Zombie Fighters Five, would you?”
Caroline looked at him as suspiciously as James did.
“Yeah…” James said slowly.
“Well, it just so happens that we’re putting together a tournament this evening after I get off shift. Care to take on the island experts and an actual retired Marine?” Breck’s tone was completely innocent, but Caroline recognized that they were being maneuvered, and she was deeply grateful.
As lovely as it was to sit next to Liam and share a meal in person, instead of emails about meals, she wanted him to herself. She wanted to feel those arms around her, and bury her face in his shoulder, and twine her fingers into his, without the scrutiny of anyone else.
She wanted her kiss moment, dammit.
“Can I, Mom?” James begged.
“We might run late,” Breck said, with a smile for Caroline.
“It’s not like I have school tomorrow morning,” James pointed out.
“I was thinking we should start unpacking tonight,” Caroline teased.
“I’m happy to help you with that tomorrow,” Liam offered, as James moaned, “Come on, Mom, that can wait…”
“Yes,” Caroline laughed. “Yes, but not too late.”
“You’re the best,” James declared extravagantly.
Shifting Sands Bay was a short, delightful walk from the resort. James was enthusiastic about the apartment off the medical center, and his room, and most of all about the controller, in its glossy packaging. He immediately started setting up his computer.
The few pieces of furniture they’d brought had already been arranged in the only sensible way that it fit in the rooms, though all of their shipping boxes had politely been left unopened. Caroline wandered through the medical center, which had already been finished and stocked according to her wildest requests. The counters were all flawless stainless steel, and all of the equipment still had the clear protective film over the readouts.
“Everything was finished so quickly,” she said in awe. It smelled like fresh paint and glue, but not cloyingly so. The windows were open, curtains stirring in the evening air.
Liam stood in the doorway, watching her walk around the room trailing her fingers over things in awe. This was going to be her clinic, she realized, and her heart gave a little trill in her chest. Her clinic, in this gorgeous place for shifters. A place where she didn’t have to hide what she was. A place...with her mate.
Caroline circled the room back to Liam and wondered if this could be the moment she’d been waiting for.
But the dismay was back.
Everything had been so lovely over dinner, so casual and easy. Caroline had begun to wonder if she’d imagined Liam’s retreat, or if she had built it up too much in her memory.
But here it was again, conflict and fear clear across features that were already dear.
Before Caroline could ask what made him look like that, there was a knock at the door.
“Doctor?”
“Caroline is fine,” she corrected quickly.
The red-headed man at the doorway flashed her a brief smile. “I’m Neal, ma’am,” he said politely. “Breck said your young one was interested in a gaming tournament and that it was alright with you?”
“That