“Really?” The gasp of wonderment brought a sense of joy to Jackie. Not only was she thrilled at the baby news, this brief time spent alone with Kaylie was what she needed. Female companionship.
Jackie wasn’t sure how long they lay silent, their thoughts their own, when Kaylie asked a question. “You want to tell me just how often you treat shifters in your home?”
Jackie’s eyes popped open. “Not really.”
“Oh come on, Jackie. I may be human, but I’m not blind. Nobody goes to that much trouble and expense to furnish an exam room unless it’s going to be used, and often.”
While Jackie might evade most people, and had, she couldn’t ignore a direct question from her Lupa. Besides, she didn’t want to alienate a friend. “A couple.”
Blatant disbelief spilled over Kaylie’s face. “A couple?”
Jackie cleared her throat. “Or more. It’s just that many of the shifters, especially the older ones, are uncomfortable going to the clinic. If they didn’t come to my home they wouldn’t see a doctor at all. And while shifters are resilient creatures, they still get colds, rashes, bug bites and now evidently, bullet wounds. Besides, the clinic knows what I’m doing. Services I do at home are appropriately recorded and monies are paid to the clinic.”
Kaylie’s lip curled. “I’m not passing judgment on your ethics, Jackie. I’m making a complaint about the size of your exam room.”
Not at all what Jackie expected. “Huh?”
Kaylie sighed. “Since shifters have a pack mentality, they tend to go places in groups. After you stuff everything you need in that bedroom, you might be able to squeeze in four people, and that’s if you don’t want anyone to move. Ergo...”
“Ergo?” Jackie’s lips twitched.
“Ergo, you probably have more shifters milling about your home. What you need is a bigger room, and maybe even a designated waiting area.”
Jackie sighed out her agreement. “That’s actually my goal. I figure a few more years and I might be able to rent something bigger.”
Kaylie’s hand slapped on the mattress. “I already know the perfect place. The Kolter House.”
The former Alpha’s two-story mansion that had been up for sale for over six months and probably cost five times more a month than what Jackie was currently paying? Kaylie was insane. “You’re insane.”
“And you’re a pessimist. Listen. Not only is it secluded, it’s custom made so each room is oversized. We could easily revamp the front two rooms on the first floor into an examination and waiting room. The den even has a monster sized wet bar so we wouldn’t have to worry about installing plumbing. We could block off the hallway at midpoint, since the stairs are towards the rear of the house, and keep your living quarters separate from your working quarters.”
Jackie rolled back on her side and propped her head on her hand. “You’re saying I should live there?”
Kaylie slanted her a confused look. “Of course. That’s the whole reason for having an at-home office. It’s at-home.” She punctuated her words with air quotes. “Geez, Jackie. I thought you were smarter than this.”
Jackie wrinkled her nose at Kaylie’s obvious teasing. “Apart from your disparagement of my intelligence, what you depicted would be optimal for diagnoses of medical ailments.” Jackie ignored Kaylie’s grin. “However, I’m still paying off student loans. Ergo,” Kaylie slapped her hands over her mouth when she snorted with amusement. “I don’t have the kind of money available for that type of investment.”
Before Kaylie could respond, the bedroom door opened. “Is this a private slumber party or can anyone join?”
Dean strode forward to take Kaylie’s outstretched hand and lift it to his lips. “Hmmm. Are you wearing perfume?”
When the women shot each other startled glances and broke out into giggles, Dean bounced his gaze from one to the other. “Something I said?”
“No. We were just spending some quality girl time together.”
Dean looked uncertain. “That’s good. I think.” He turned his gaze full on Kaylie, the desire obvious in his eyes. Jackie heard Kaylie’s soft gasp just before the energy in the room started to thicken.
“I’m going to get Zan’s belongings from his rental car.” Dean said. “You want me to take you home?”
“No, but, ah,” Kaylie sat up after a brief glance at Jackie. “I’ll go with you. I need to talk to you.”
Dean quirked one dark brow, “That’s never good.”