Sweeter Than Candy (The Davenports 1)

“I should go settle the bill.” I rise and make my way to the front as quickly as I can without raising the alarm. I’m losing sight of things.

I force a polite smile for the petite woman with brown, curly hair in a cat-covered scrubs at the front desk.

“Hi, I’m here to settle up my bill for Rook.”

“Of course.” She smiles. “I love it when I see people like you come in with rescue animals. It restores my faith in people. You and your girlfriend are adorable, by the way.”

“She’s not my girlfriend.” My reply is sharper than I meant it to be.

“No? I’m sorry. I could’ve sworn.” Her face reddens.

I remain silent, unwillingly to ease her discomfort when my own panic level is rising by the second. This is the start of a new friendship. I’m not going to mistake the excitement that comes with meeting someone who gets me turn into anything more. Resolve firmly in place, I take my receipt and return to the waiting area.

“Everything okay?” Clara asks.

“Yeah. We’re all set. They’ll call if anything changes, and keep us updated on Rook’s progress. It’s getting late, so we should get you home.”

“You’re right. I have work in,” she glances down at her watch, “six hours.”

“Me too. Our boy’s worth losing a little sleep over though, isn’t he?”

“Yeah he is,” she agrees with a smile. “Do you think we can see him before we go?”

“I’m not sure.”

Standing, she grabs my hand. “Let’s go find out.”

The woman arches an eyebrow at us when we appear at the counter. I ignore her smirk. “Is it possible to see Rook before we leave?” Clara asks.

“That shouldn’t be a problem, but I’m going to check with Doctor Phelps.”

“Thank you, Emma.” She took the time to look at her nametag. The small act of kindness stands out. Even at one in the morning after waiting to hear what will happen to Rook, she puts a personal touch to this interaction. I’ve been around a lot of fake personalities. Having money enables me to do a lot of things, but it also brings in people looking to scam, extort, and climb the social ladder.

Emma disappears and returns a few moments later. “Rook is still sleeping off the anesthesia, but you can come back.” I trail behind Clara as we’re led into the recovery room where Rook is resting on a thick cushion, which makes him seem even smaller than I remember him being.

“There’s my boy,” Clara coos. I have a feeling this miniature fighter is going to change things.

“You want to tell me what the hell is going on with you and Clara?” Micah plops down beside me.

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve spent a lot of time together over the past couple of months.”

“So? We’re friends. She’s in my gaming group now, and we like the same movies, so we’ve been hitting up the Esquire for all those special showings they have.” I hesitate. “We’re going to see The Birds there tonight.”

“You can’t really be this blind to what’s going on.”

“Men and women can be just friends.”

“They can. But not you and Clara.” He shakes his head.

“Why not?” I scowl.

“You co

nnect too deeply. I haven’t seen you this happy, or into a girl, since …” He trails off.

I sigh. “I had my soulmate, Micah. I don’t expect another chance.” Nor do I deserve it after what I allowed to happen.