My always-trustworthy instincts screamed warnings, while my body shouted something downright pornographic.
This newfound physical attraction was just plain inconvenient. Staying distant and professional was going to be a top priority. Especially since the other time I’d experienced a reaction even close to this was with Jordon, and that hadn’t ended well for either of us. I still had some serious emotional ghosts, as Melanie called them, haunting my heart.
“Hey, I didn’t mean to be so gruff.” Luke caught up as I tried to slink from the women’s restroom, where I’d applied lipstick, for the first time I could remember. I moved on to the coffee maker.
He was pretty much in tune to my routine. Organize cubby. Visit the restroom. Drink too much coffee. Then work. Always in that order.
Predictability was one theme I appreciated about my job. The information the animals broadcasted had the potential to interrupt my calm façade, but otherwise, work was my safe place. Now, without warning, a new man had upset the one place where routines kept me grounded and semi-sane. Sure, on my extended commute I’d wished for something exciting to happen, but Zane wasn’t what I had in mind, and work wasn’t the place.
“I’m sorry,” Luke pressed, eager to restore peace.
“You didn’t even tell me you’d interviewed someone,” I accused. Luke had always been upfront with me. I guess I felt slighted, although I knew that was silly. Consulting with me wasn’t in his job description. But, still —
“I’m not sure what it is about our new employee that has you so rattled. I figured you’d like the help. This guy is good. You should see his references.”
“I’m not worried about his references or his skill level. I’m worried about his cocky, know-it-all attitude,” I huffed.
How else could I explain what I was feeling?
Gee, Luke, the guy is the hottest thing I’ve seen, ever. He makes me uncomfortable. Yep, that word — uncomfortable — still harassed me like an un-exorcised demon. And I owe him my life, that’s always a plus in any relationship.
“Everyone else seems to like him.” Luke filled another cup with steaming coffee. He had the nerve to sound offended.
His unexpected defense of Zane infuriated me more.
“Good for them! I don’t.” I knew I was acting like a spoiled brat, but I didn’t care.
Grabbing my mug, I marched away, not bothering to clean up the brown liquid I sloshed onto the floor. I could imagine what Luke was thinking. He was aware I was prone to an occasional emotional tirade, but my rant today far exceeded anything he’d witnessed. He’d have something more to say later, once he figured out how to approach me.
I could count on it.
Careful to calm myself before entering the central courtyard, I tried breathing through my nose then out my mouth, while counting from one to ten. Most of the time, the method worked. Realizing ten wouldn’t be enough, I continued to twenty, which proved to be the magic number, allowing me to walk, not stalk, to my usual bench.
The concrete slab featured a name plaque engraved with one of the wildlife park’s founding families. I avoided sitting on the engraved wording. Not only did it offend my behind, but it also felt kind of sacrilegious.
From my perch, I sipped my coffee, wishing for more sugar, and listened to the awakening animals. Chirps, growls, and a few roars chorused, signaling the start of a new day at Plum Beach Wildlife Park.
For a blessed moment, I forgot my new partner.
My bliss flipped to frustration as Dr. Zane Marshal strode into the courtyard surrounded by several admiring female workers, including Rhonda, and a small troop of men eager to prove their worthiness to this god of men. Ridiculous! It was like high school all over again.
Attempting to ignore the commotion, I willed myself to listen to the animals, hoping to catch a clear impression. In most cases, I had to be focused on one specific creature, yet the canine patrol dog had confirmed I was getting better at communicating from afar.
Shutting my eyes, I forced all nagging thoughts away and listened.
She’s one beautiful bitch.
What —? My eyes flew open in time to see one of the park’s free-wandering goat’s lips part, ready to nibble.
I lifted the goat’s head and gazed into her eyes.
I’m so hungry. I’m so hungry. Just a little bite … The goat’s mind reflected her desire to chew on my clothing, just as I’d expected. Goats weren’t the most intelligent beasts on the block.