Page 98 of Smitten Pucking Orc

Dr. Lundrig, we’d like to confirm if you’re available for an in-person interview Friday? We’d cover all travel expenses, of course.

My thumb hovered over the keyboard.

Tomorrow was game day. I’d already planned not to attend, which meant I could fly out the morning after the game. Interview for the job. Fly back on Saturday.

If I went, I’d know what I was dealing with. I’d have options.

This could be a chance to prove I was worth more than what one scared hockey player thought.

Yes, Friday works, I texted.

Wonderful. We’ll set up your flight and hotel.

Crim was leaning against my car when I walked out at the end of the day.

I sighed when I reached him. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Talk about what?”

“Anything.”

“Tough.”

We faced each other off. Brother versus sister energy, the kind we’d perfected over years of living in the same house.

“You’re thinking about taking the job,” he said.

I’d told him about it not long after receiving the email.

“How did you know I was seriously considering it?”

“You’ve got this look, the one that says you’re about to do something brave that you’re pretending is practical.” He shifted his hip on the side of my car. “You had it right before you left for your fellowship.”

I didn’t deny it.

“So which is it this time?” he asked. “Running toward something or away?”

“Ah, yes. Another person suggesting I’m considering this solely to run away. Not because I’m qualified or because it would be an amazing career opportunity.”

“It’s all that, but you need to make sure you’re clear in your mind about why now is the right time to jump on this opportunity.”

“Does it matter?”

“Yeah, it really does.”

I looked away, focusing on the facility entrance instead of his face. “Maybe I’m running or maybe I’m being savvy about my career. Men do it all the time. Why not women?”

“Denver’s a good opportunity. You’d be stupid not to consider it.”

I frowned at his about-face. “Really?”

“Really.”

“I thought you’d tell me to stay, to work it out with Kedish.”

“You can’t work it out if he won’t let you get close.”

“He tried to apologize.” My throat went tight. “I wouldn’t let him.”