Doctor Dragon: Earth Dragons Series: Book 6

by Hartnady, Charlene

  “It’s never going to happen. I would never go there! Let’s just drop the subject. If he overhears, we’re in big trouble.” She spoke under her breath. “I mean, they do have great hearing.”

  “Shoot!” Craig made a face. “You might be right. I definitely don’t want to be shat on twice in one day.”

  “Or fired.”

  “He wouldn’t fire me, would he?” Craig’s eyes widened. “I guess he would.”

  “He seems pretty intense.”

  “Yeah,” he nodded, “that’s for sure. What is it with women? If a guy’s a bit of an asshole, you’re all over him but take a nice guy like me,” he shook his head, smiling, “and I’m like chopped liver.”

  She cocked her head and narrowed her eyes at him. Craig was a good-looking guy. He was great fun and easy to like and get along with. She hardly knew him and yet it felt like they had been friends for years. He was also a specialist vet. Women loved guys who were doctors. It wasn’t true the other way around. “You talk utter bullshit. You are not chopped liver at all.”

  “I am around shifters. I might do okay on human soil but here…” He whistled. “I’m going to be seriously overlooked, particularly considering women are in short supply.”

  “It’s only a couple of months. You’ll cope.”

  He made a face. “It’ll be tough, but hey…I guess I’ll survive.”

  “Wait a minute.” She put what was left of her sandwich down. “Didn’t you get the whole ‘you’re not allowed to date and have sex’ thing?”

  Craig frowned. “No. I still can’t believe he made that a term of your employment.”

  “It wasn’t exactly a term, but he was serious about it. You’re completely wrong about him…and me…and…our attraction thing. You’re seeing things that aren’t there.” She took a sip of her water.

  “I don’t think so.” Craig looked completely serious. “We’ll know soon enough though.”

  “No, we won’t. Why do you say that?”

  “Easy! Just like Druze said, we have to spend the next few months together on this project, working really close. There is no way in hell this thing isn’t going to boil over if it’s there.”

  “It isn’t there, so we’re good.” Her heart beat like mad. Was Craig right? “I just hope that things settle, and Druze relaxes a little, so that we can get along. That’s all.”

  “That’s all?” Craig raised his brows. “Is that really all you wish for?” He had a naughty smile plastered on his face. “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely.” Druze was her boss. Her boss, for goodness sake. There couldn’t be anything more. Forget about it!

  Chapter 8

  Druze listened intently, hearing the water shut off. It wasn’t more than a few minutes and the door to the bathroom opened. That was quick. Normally females spent hours inside the bathroom. At least, that was in his experience when Amethyst was still— He stopped himself from continuing down that road, taking a deep breath instead. It still hurt to think of her. To think of what happened. If only he had—

  No!

  Druze got up off his bed and grabbed his toiletry bag. He heard footsteps go past his door. Druze held onto the handle, waiting for the sound of her door to open and close. There was a soft creak, followed by a click.

  He opened his own door, closing it behind him, all the while trying hard to keep his mind blank. The only way to manage it was by reciting anatomy inside his head. This time he chose the human skeleton.

  Skull

  Cervical

  Thoracic

  Lumbar vertebrae

  Sacrum

  Tailb—

  “Holy fuck!” he growled as he nearly crashed into the human. She squealed, almost dropping her towel which was clutched around her wet body.

  That was all she was wearing. Her hair was wet too. Plastered to her head, dripping down her practically naked body. The towel was small. It barely covered her torso. It barely covered her breasts. Her really full, lovely as fuck breasts. It clung to her body. Molding itself to her. What was he doing? “What the hell?” He pulled his eyes up to hers as he growled the words. His throat felt thick.

  “I left my phone on the vanity. I…” The column of her neck worked.

  Druze realized that she was afraid. “You shouldn’t walk around like that. You are sharing the house…the bathroom even…with two males.” He shook his head. What was this female playing at? Whatever the hell it was, he didn’t like it. Not one bit.

  “I’m…I’m really sorry, I thought I could sneak in and out. I didn’t think—”

  “That’s right, you didn’t think.” He realized that he was being a dick but couldn’t help it. Right then he had his towel and toiletry bag clutched in front of his cock. His very hard throbbing dick. All he wanted was to push her into the bedroom and to— The thought horrified him. It wasn’t the first time he had pictured her naked. Druze had wanked off at lunchtime to thoughts of this human on the end of his dick. It was so fucking wrong. All of it. Blaming her for his sick fantasies was wrong too, but then…why the fuck was she out here, practically naked?

  Breastbone…not going there.

  Sternum

  Scapula

  Clavicle

  Humer—

  “I apologized. Why c-can’t we leave it at that? I’ll b-be more careful,” she stammered. “I was just—”

  “That would be wise, Dr. Baker.”

  She took a step towards the bathroom and then paused, her eyes narrowing a fraction and her jaw tightening up. “Why can’t you call me Brittney? You call Craig by his first name.” Her big dark eyes were searching his. She took a step towards him still clutching the towel. Her knuckles were white. “I’m starting to get worried that we might not be able to work together, especially if you can’t treat us like equals. I might be a woman but that doesn’t make me less qualified or less able or—”

  “You have it all wrong.” Druze exhaled.

  “I seriously doubt that. I think you’re a sexist, Druze. Maybe it’s a shifter thing. I don’t know for sure, but you have something against me because I’m a woman.”

  “It’s not that at all.” He pushed out a breath through his nose. “This is awkward.”

  “What is?” She shook her head, more droplets running down her bare shoulders.

  “Our colleague, Dr. Burgess…” he put emphasis on the surname, “was right. I’m attracted to you. Very much so.”

  He watched as her mouth fell open. She gripped her towel more tightly. “You heard us?” Her eyes were wide.

  “Yes, I did. Every word. I didn’t try to listen in. I couldn’t help it.”

  “Craig was…it was—”

  “I’m attracted to you and I don’t like it. It’s bad. Really bad. Nothing will happen or can happen between us. You’re right, I have been treating you differently, which will have to stop. I’m not…used to feeling this way. I normally have more…control over my emotions. Again, don’t misunderstand, it’s been a long time since I was attracted to someone. I don’t like it…this.” He could feel that he was frowning heavily. “From now on Craig will be Dr. Burgess and I will keep my distance from both of you. You were right when you told Dr. Burgess that we have an employer/employee relationship and that those lines cannot blur.”

  He could see her mind working.

  “I believed I owed you an explanation. If you feel you can’t remain on the team because of my revelation, then…” He paused, hoping she would agree to leave, which made him feel even more guilty.

  “No!” she half yelled. “We have a job to do and I fully intend doing it. I’m not going to be pushed out just because you are pissed off at finding me attractive, and therefore need to act like an asshole at every turn.”

  He raked a hand through his hair, looking down at his feet for a moment. “I might act like one again. It can’t be helped. I will ask to be moved to another accommodation in the morning. I am sure we can find a way to work together. Just as long as you know there will
be nothing between us. It can never happen. You can’t come onto me again or I will have to let you go.”

  Her eyes turned stormy. “Come onto you?” She choked out a laugh. “What are you talking about?”

  “This little stunt.” He let his eyes dip down to her towel.

  She gasped. “Stunt! This isn’t a stunt. I left my phone on the vanity.”

  “Sure you did.” He nodded once.

  “It’s there, go and look for yourself.” She used her head to gesture towards the bathroom. Her eyes seemed darker.

  “Oh, I’m sure you left it there, but I doubt it was an accident.”

  Her mouth fell open and she made a noise of exasperation. “You’re too much. You believe whatever you want but I completely agree. This,” she gestured between them, “is unacceptable, and not just because you’re my boss. I like my men sweet and kind. You are none of those things.” She turned on her heel, heading for her bedroom. He was sure he heard her mutter ‘full of shit.’

  “What about your phone?” he asked. Maybe he had been wrong.

  “Keep it!” she grumbled, slamming the door behind her.

  Shit! What if he’d misread the situation? She technically hadn’t told Craig ‒ Dr. Burgess ‒ that she shared the attraction. She hadn’t denied it either. When he’d seen her in the hallway, he’d been sure it was a set-up designed to try to hook up with him. The females at med school had tried various crazy things to get him into bed as well. He’d automatically assumed—

  It didn’t matter. It was better if her feelings were hurt. If she thought him a dick. Much better! They didn’t need to like each other, in fact, given that there was an attraction, it was better if she hated him. As long as it didn’t affect her work, he didn’t care.

  Druze realized he’d been staring at her closed door. He gave his head a shake and headed for the bathroom. There it was, on the vanity, behind the sink on the right. Her phone.

  Chapter 9

  “This is my beautiful mate, Vicky.” Talon looked at the woman in his arms like he never had and never would see anything or anyone so gorgeous ever again. Like the sun and the moon revolved around his wife. It was at moments like this that she thought that maybe she was missing out, like maybe putting her career first hadn’t been the best decision.

  Then she realized that Talon was looking at her expectantly. Of course, they were in the middle of introductions. “Oh yes! Lovely to meet you. I’m Dr. Baker but you can call me Brittney. I’m an Ob-Gyn.” Brittney shook hands with a beautiful, dark-haired lady. Vicky had lovely contrasting blue eyes and rosy cheeks. Her belly was ever so slightly rounded, but she looked more on the plump side than pregnant. In that in-between phase that most women hated. When their clothes stopped fitting, but maternity wear wasn’t quite right yet either. It didn’t matter because she was radiant; glowing was the correct term.

  Craig also introduced himself and they all sat down. Where was Druze? She hadn’t seen him yet that morning. Truth be told, she didn’t want to see him. Her phone was on the floor outside of her door earlier. “I’m sure Dr. Druze will be with us shortly.”

  Talon looked at the clock on the wall. “I am too. He’s meeting with Leukos to discuss the possibility of moving into new accommodations. I’m sure there are a few nests available. He might even be moving in as we speak. Probably why he’s late.” Talon frowned heavily. “I believe we messed up and only put one bathroom in for all the bedrooms.” He shook his head. “An oversight and I must apologize.”

  “It’s fine.”

  “Um…” Craig made a face, “I also noticed that although you put a lovely pool deck on a lower level to the house, you didn’t put stairs leading down to said lower level. I’m afraid that we humans aren’t great at flying.” He smiled. “We tend to fall and go splat.” He chuckled at his own silly joke.

  Vicky giggled. “I guess one of us humans should have looked at the plans before you built. At the very least, I should have gone and had a look before you invited guests.” She laughed.

  Talon didn’t look like he found it funny. “Leukos is fuming.”

  “It isn’t a train wreck,” Britt said.

  “We don’t have any trains on Feral territory,” Talon cocked his head and smiled, “although I suspect that was one of your silly human sayings.”

  They all laughed. “It is,” Britt admitted. “It isn’t a big deal,” she tried again.

  “It can be fixed,” Craig added.

  “It’s not the end of the world, hun.” Vicky gave Talon’s leg a squeeze.

  “Should we wait?” Craig asked. “Before starting…?”

  “Do you guys mind waiting a few more minutes for Druze to join us?” Brittney asked the couple.

  “I don’t mind,” Vicky said, still smiling. She was friendly. Brittney liked her.

  “So how long have the two of you been married?” Craig asked.

  “Just over a year,” Vicky said. “Time has flown.”

  “Time flies when you’re having tons of fun.” Talon leaned in and kissed Vicky. It was a soft brush to the lips, over in a second, and yet it was so intimate it made Brittney feel like an intruder. These two were in love. It oozed out of every pore.

  “That’s true.” Vicky smiled up at her mate.

  “Were you…?” Craig asked something else, but Britt’s thoughts wandered to the brooding shifter. So, Druze had gone through with it. He had moved out. Good! She was glad. She was still reeling at the cheek of the whole incident the night before. That Druze had actually believed she had faked leaving her phone so that she would catch him in the hallway, at that precise moment. With only a towel around herself. With the purpose of seducing him. Like she had a crystal ball and knew when he would be there. He was insanely annoying and even more arrogant. Definitely sexist as well, even though he denied it.

  She’d meant it when she’d said she liked her men sweet, kind and sensitive. Scholarly types who…were straight forward and easy to read.

  The fact that he had admitted to being attracted to her did nothing for her. It left her cold. Like a deep freeze. No! Like the North Pole in the middle of winter.

  The way he’d spoken to her had also made her mad. It made her so angry she’d laid in bed half the night thinking of things she wanted to say to him. Names she wanted to call him. Like ‘arrogant asshat’ or ‘egotistical dickwad’, among others.

  Druze had told her he was attracted to her and then he’d told her she couldn’t have him. He’d said it like she was throwing herself at him, or something, which she wasn’t. Like he was trying to hold her back.

  Unfortunately, she did find him attractive, but that didn’t mean she wanted him. She didn’t! There was no way she was giving up this assignment either. Druze could go suck eggs. She wasn’t giving up and letting a sexist asshole like him win. If she gave up on this position, then she would be giving up, period. Brittney didn’t give up. She just didn’t.

  As if responding to her thoughts, the shifter breezed in.

  “Sorry I’m late,” Druze addressed Talon and his mate, glancing at them.

  Britt nodded once and then looked down at her iPad. Why did an asshole like him have to be so good-looking? Also, why did dragon shifters insist on wearing those cotton pants? He wore a cream-colored pair today. They were slightly loose-fitting, like yoga pants, with a tie at the front. They rode low on his hips.

  “No, don’t get up on my account,” Druze said, putting a hand out as Talon began to stand. She glanced up, noticing how Druze’s abs crunched as he sat down. Then there were his broad shoulders, with biceps made for holding onto. Thank god he had moved out. She didn’t want to have to look at that while listening to his asshole, sexist comments. Her body and her mind had officially gone into war with one another. Britt looked back down, noticing that Druze had no shoes on. Even his feet were good-looking…if that was even possible.

  “No worries about being late,” Talon said, introducing Vicky to Druze. “I hope you managed to get your accommoda
tions sorted out. Did you move in?”

  “I had a talk with Leukos but there isn’t anything available at present. Besides, we’re only here for one more night.”

  Talon made a face. “That doesn’t sound right. There must be something available.”

  “There isn’t. Please don’t worry about it. The three of us are okay sharing.”

  She made a snorting sound. It just came out of her mouth before she could stop it. Druze had made it clear he wasn’t okay sharing…certainly not with her.

  “Dr. Baker, was there something you wanted to add?” Druze turned those cool green eyes on her. “Do you have a problem sharing the bathroom with Dr. Burgess and me?”

  “I don’t mind in the least. I certainly don’t have a problem,” she quickly retaliated, placing light emphasis on the word ‘I’.

  “Good!” He kept his cool stare on her for a moment or two longer. Britt had to work not to squirm in her seat. She had to work even harder not to hold his gaze, which felt like it was burning into her. “Shall we get started?” He gave Vicky a quick half-smile.

  “No problem,” Vicky said.

  Holy shit! He really did look different when he smiled. He went from being really good-looking to super sexy. The smile was gone in an instant and his broodiness returned. The guy should be crowned king of broody.

  “I said, would you like to begin, Dr. Baker?” Druze touched her on the side of the arm. His fingers brushed against her.

  Brittney jumped from the contact. Her iPad fell on the floor. They both went down to get it, his hand clutching around hers. They both let go and dropped the thing all over again. It was like a scene from one of those crap B-rated movies. It was also really embarrassing. She needed to seriously pull herself together. Britt didn’t act like this…ever. “I’m s-sorry,” she muttered. “I didn’t sleep very well last night.”

  “Oh no.” Talon looked deflated. “Was the bed not comfortable? Was there something else? It might help if you made a list of all the snags in that house,” he half-muttered shaking his head.