didn’t like that.
She didn’t like that she didn’t like that. God, she was a mess.
Wanting to get away from her thoughts, she grabbed the envelope and hurried from her office. “I have a present for you.”
Pam spun around in her chair. “Oh! I love surprises.”
Jaylin lifted the wad of cash from the packet and fanned herself with the money.
Her friend’s mouth dropped open. “Girl, what were you doing back there?”
“Good Lord, Pam, does your mind always go to the gutter?”
“Of course. Seriously though, where did that come from?”
“Mrs. Biggerstaff. I’ll need for you to cancel my appointments for the rest of the week.”
“You mean all four of them?”
Jaylin grimaced. “I thought I had seven.”
“You did. Miss Pratt got a new boyfriend, so her depression vanished. Mr. Potter finally called his son and they had a long heart-to-heart, and Mr. Jones just canceled, stating a conflict with his tee time.”
“I guess this came at a great time then.” She split the money. “Here’s your half.”
“No way.” Pam held up her hands. “You were paid that to do a job, not me.”
“We’re a team, Pam. Take it.” When she still refused, Jaylin added, “I’ll be in Cancun.”
Pam gasped then snatched the money. “Well in that case.”
Jaylin laughed, then started back to her office.
“Hey, Jay?”
She looked over her shoulder. “Yeah?”
“Do you ever worry you made a mistake by cutting the shifter community from your client list? They were a majority of your patients and the human list isn’t really growing.”
That was the question of the day.
“Yeah, I do,” she admitted.
“Do you think you’ll add them back in?”
“I don’t think I have it in me to, Pam.”
“Why not? You were a superb therapist, and everyone knew it.”
“I probably would’ve agreed with you not even a week ago. But what kind of therapist am I really? Yeah, I talk a great game, but who am I to counsel others on what they should do when I failed to do the same?”
“What in the world are you talking about? Failed what?”
“Not what, Pam. Who. I failed Aidan. I, Dr. Jaylin Avgar, esteemed therapist, ruined a shifter’s life. I knew what was happening, and I didn’t stop it. I’ll never be able to forget or forgive myself for that. How am I supposed to ask someone else to put their faith in me after that?”
…
Jaylin checked the ticket once more as she hurried through the airport, dragging her one piece of luggage behind her.
The itinerary Mrs. Biggerstaff had given her for the next four days actually left quite a bit of time for Jaylin to enjoy herself, but she’d packed light anyway. A few business outfits for when she was in session with Jasper, including the gray skirt suit she wore now, a couple of pairs of shorts and shirts, and a few sundresses. She’d been indecisive on the bathing suit, feeling very unprofessional in packing it for a business trip, but in the end she’d tossed it in, reminding herself that she wouldn’t be with Jasper 24-7.
As she reached the desk, she handed her ticket to the flight attendant, who looked it over, then allowed her to enter the terminal. When she stepped inside the jet, she froze.
Holy. Shit.
How much money did this woman actually have? The walls were made of black reflective paneling that made the oversize silver leather seats and sofa stand out. Everything was sleek, stylish, and expensive, including the top-of-the-line entertainment system mounted on one wall. What a way to start off the trip.
She shoved her suitcase in one of the overhead compartments, then slumped into a seat. Tension seeped from her body and she closed her eyes, sinking deeper into the luxurious cushions.
Even though she knew this was a working trip, she felt as if she was going on vacation. In a way, she guessed she was. The change in scenery and a few days of tropical air should help her come back ready and focused. At least she hoped it did.
The sealing of the door announced they were about to depart. Paradise, here I come.
She smiled.
“One day you’ll smile at me that way.”
Her eyes snapped opened and she shot a glance to her side.
Un. Be. Lievable.
Aidan had traded his jeans and T-shirt for an expensive bespoke suit. His hair was immaculate, groomed in a way that was so unlike him that it was almost laughable, if he hadn’t appeared as comfortable in those duds as he did in casual clothes. She sat up straight. “What the hell are you doing