“Dr. Hanlon! Dr. Hanlon!” Seven-year-old Mia Waters exclaimed, trampling through the door and up to the reception desk. Even on her tiptoes, they could only see the very top of the little girl’s head. “You’ve gotta see me quick. My mom told me if I’m brave today I get a pet hamster!”

Rachael Waters pulled up the rear with Mia’s two younger siblings, a set of boy-and-girl twins.

“I’ve resorted to bribery.” She sighed, stopping to wipe a piece of banana off her son’s chin. “At this rate, I’m going to end up with a zoo.”

“Happens to the best of us.” Renee checked them in on the computer. “It looks like all of your paperwork is up-to-date, Rachael. Why don’t you all head on back with Dr. Hanlon?”

Mia Waters was getting a wart removed today. Even though it was a routine produce, wart freezing even gave Renee, a rational adult, the heebie-jeebies. A pet hamster seemed like fair compensation.

What had Dan been about to say? It didn’t sound like he was leading in to sharing what an amazing night he’d experienced.

Warmness pooled between her legs as memories of their night together ran through her mind, making her heart beat faster.

She wasn’t the most experienced of partners, but even she could tell he was a good one. He’d made her feel like the most beautiful, most desirable woman in the world. The way he’d looked at her, the way he’d touched her…ravenous yet gentle. Afterward, coming not once, not twice, but three times, she’d slept more soundly than she had in years, his warm body nestled beside hers, his protective arm holding her close against his broad chest.

That next morning, Moe had found his way into her bedroom and curled at their feet. He looked as happy and content as she felt, his eyes peacefully closed and softly snoring. She’d slipped into a nightshirt the evening before, but a quick peek beneath the covers confirmed that Dan had slept naked.

Renee let out a small squeal at the thought.

Her boss had spent the night naked in her bed.

How was she ever supposed to wash her sheets again?

Twenty minutes later, Renee reviewed the office charge with Rachael Waters while trying not to imagine the clever tricks Dan had done with his fingers. “What color will your new hamster be?”

“Black and white with a pink nosey!” Mia’s little brother volunteered.

“His name’s gonna be Fluffy,” Mia announced with an air of pride.

Rachael thanked her one last time, and the family trooped back outside.