Текст книги "Reckless Nights"

Автор книги: Karen Erickson

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Sometimes dream crushes do come true.

Vegas Nights, Book 1

Reagan can’t believe her luck—and not in a good way. One minute she’s hanging out with her friends at an exclusive party in Las Vegas. The next, she’s attracted the attention of a famous actor. Not just any actor. Declan Carter, the man on whom she used to—okay, might still—have a fangirl crush. Whose blue eyes leave her embarrassingly tongue tied.

All Declan wants is to meet a nice, normal woman who won’t use him as a stepping stone to fame. Something about Reagan tells him she could be that rare woman, and he follows his instinct to invite her back to his suite—where they proceed to have wild monkey sex. All. Night. Long.

What was supposed to be one night of no-regrets sex stretches out into a blissful weekend of two people who can’t get enough of each other. But when the glamour of Sin City wears off, they’re standing on the edge of a once-in-a-lifetime chance to turn a weekend fling into something lasting. Will they take the jump?

Warning: Smokin’ hot sexy weekend with a gorgeous actor? There shouldn’t be a warning—more like encouragement to indulge your fantasies!

Reckless Nights

Karen Erickson

Dedication

To my friends Melody Grace, Cora Carmack, Lexi Ryan, Jen McLaughlin, Christina Lee, Tammara Webber, Jay Crownover and KP Simmon for hanging out with me in Vegas on a Saturday night. This one’s for you.

Chapter One

Declan Carter was holding her hand. Yes, one of her favorite actors, who had seemed to disappear off the face of the Earth a few years ago when he was on top of his game, was grasping hold of her hand like he never wanted to let it go. His long fingers were strong and warm, his palm pressed against hers. Staring at her with those intense, light blue eyes Reagan remembered being mesmerized by from his movies.

Eyes that seemed to pierce her soul and see right through her, like they never wanted to let her go. They’d had that affect when she watched him on the big screen long ago and they were having that exact effect right now, at this very moment. She parted her lips, eager to say something, anything, but no words wanted to come out. He’d struck her silent with just a look.

He still hadn’t said anything to her either, though she’d uttered a lame “hi” in greeting when James introduced him. Speaking of James…

“Talk, man,” James said under his breath as he sidled up to Declan, giving him a nudge on the shoulder. “Swallowed your tongue or what?” James turned his attention on her. “See? I told you that you look damn good in that dress. He can’t even speak, he’s so enraptured with you. And this man can charm the panties off just about any woman.”

“Shut the fuck up, James,” Declan said, his gaze never leaving Reagan.

Slowly she extracted her hand from his grip. This was getting kind of weird. She felt odd, what with this man staring at her and not saying a word. What was his problem?

And no way was Declan enraptured with her, as James so kindly put it. He could have any woman he wanted. She wasn’t that special.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Reagan said, feeling stupid. Woefully inadequate. Yeah, she was wearing the awesome dress James had convinced her to buy and she’d spent too much money on. It was red and gorgeous and wearing it made her feel sexy, but maybe…

Maybe this was a mistake. Her biggest dream was coming true, meeting Declan Carter, but it didn’t necessarily feel right. First off, he hadn’t really spoken to her. Second, she was a fraud, wearing the expensive red dress when really she was an emergency room nurse. She didn’t wear pricey dresses and attend glamorous parties in Las Vegas. Her normal life consisted of the graveyard shift five days a week, seeing unimaginable things and sleeping throughout the day when normal people went about their business.

Work and sleep. Sleep and work. That was half the reason she and her best friends Andrea and Natalie had planned this girls’ weekend in Vegas in the first place. So they could let loose and have a little fun. Drink fancy cocktails, dance in a crowded club, gamble and flirt with boys. Men.

Sexy, tempting men.

Things hadn’t started out right. Their flight had been delayed—a few times. Their luggage was lost. They met James when they were going shopping for new outfits as they waited for their still-missing luggage and he insisted they buy outrageous cocktail dresses so he could bring them to an exclusive party.

She was thrilled to be at this party, to be in Declan’s presence. But not if he wasn’t going to say anything to her.

“Come with me,” Declan said in a commanding voice, startling her. He wasn’t asking her to come with him—he was telling her.

And she was doing it. Letting him lead her, his hand curved around her elbow, guiding her through the crowd toward the makeshift bar in the corner. The bartender smiled at the both of them, his eyes locking on Declan as his expression turned serious. “Something to drink, sir?”

“Just water for me, thanks,” Declan answered, sliding a look at Reagan. “For you?”

“Um, white wine, please.” How boring. She should’ve asked for some sort of fancy cocktail but she didn’t know the names of any cocktails beyond a Sex on the Beach or a Blow Job shot.

Yeah. That would be moving kind of fast, rattling off dirty-named drinks.

The bartender set the wineglass on the bar and Declan grabbed it, offering it to her, their fingers grazing when she took it from him. A zing shot through her at the simple touch, and his eyes widened the slightest bit before he turned away to accept his glass of water. She took a gulp of her wine, hoping the alcohol would soothe her nerves. This was no big deal, right? Hanging out with an actor, having a drink with him. She could handle it.

Play it cool, Reagan. After all, he’s just a man. He puts his pants on in the morning one leg at a time, just like everyone else.

Yeah. She’d just thought of Declan without his pants on. And that just sent her pulse throbbing.

The moment he turned around to face her once more, that sexy gaze meeting hers, her heart tripped over itself. She brought the glass back to her lips and took a healthy drink, smiling nervously when she found him watching her intently.

“Nervous?” he asked with a raise of his sexy eyebrow.

How can an eyebrow be so damn sexy?

“Thirsty,” she answered. “It’s hot. Here. In Vegas.” Oh God. Could she sound any dumber? She wasn’t out hiking through the desert—she was in an air-conditioned room in a giant hotel.

“Indeed it is,” Declan said, his voice laced with amusement. “Where are you from?”

“Los Angeles.”

“Ah, me too.” Of course. He was an actor, for God’s sake. “It can get fairly hot there too, don’t you think?”

“But this is a much…drier heat.” That they were talking about the weather was totally lame, right? God, she sounded like a complete ninny who didn’t know how to make small talk. “I’ve never been here before.”

“You haven’t?” He looked surprised. “But it’s kind of close.”

She shrugged. “I’ve been busy with school and now work. I don’t get much time off.”

“What do you do?” His question was polite, the tone of his voice almost…bored? Oh no, she’d blown it. He was losing interest because she was babbling like an idiot and talking about the weather.

“I’m an ER nurse.” She finished off her glass of wine, not even worried if he thought she was some sort of lush or whatever. He hadn’t ordered an alcoholic drink and she remembered reading something years ago about him being a total partier. Maybe he’d changed his ways?

“Really? Now, that’s fascinating.” And he sounded sincere. He even moved closer to her, his head dropping, his mouth near her ear. “I just got a new role for a movie, and I’m playing a doctor.”

“Oh?” She tried her best to repress the shiver that stole over her at his closeness, but it was no use. And she had a feeling he noticed, what with the sly smile that curved his perfect lips.

Perfectly kissable lips.

He stayed close to her, as if he didn’t want anyone to overhear their conversation. “Yeah, this role is my comeback, my first serious role I’ve ever taken on. The doctor I play is a recovering addict who’s tempted by all that surrounds him at the hospital. Pills, women, violence. The man has serious problems and he’s trying his best to overcome them.”

“Sounds interesting,” Reagan said, tilting her head toward him. If he moved just an inch more toward her, she bet his mouth would be brushing her earlobe.

“It is. The role both pushes my limits yet is something I’ve suffered from as well.” He laughed, sounding a bit embarrassed. “I probably shouldn’t have admitted that.”

She loved that he’d admitted that. “We all have our problems.”

“Yeah.” He smiled ruefully. “Just some of us haven’t had them splashed all over the gossip magazines and websites for all the world to see.”

Right. She recalled seeing a few unflattering photos of him coming out of a club, looking a little worse for wear. And that one particular incident when he threw a photographer’s camera on the ground and smashed it to bits. “That was a long time ago, though, right?”

“I hit rock bottom. Sometimes that’s what it takes to make your life turn completely around.” He rubbed his hand along his jaw, and she could hear the rasp of stubble as he brushed it with his palm. She wondered what that face would feel like pressed against hers. Or maybe rubbing against her inner thighs…

“I’ve spent some time at local hospitals recently, hanging out in their ER,” Declan continued as he stepped away from her. Disappointment flooded her at the loss, which was borderline ridiculous. “And I’ve seen some crazy shit.”

She laughed. “That’s a mild way of putting it.”

“I bet you have some fascinating stories.”

“I’ve seen my share of crazy.” She brought her glass up to her lips, realized it was empty and felt like an idiot. How she wished she had something to do with her hands. All she could think about was reaching out and touching him. He’d probably freak, though. Push her away. How many women did he have to push away on a daily basis? He was so handsome. He seemed very charming. Sweet. Sexy. She liked how he looked at her as if no one else mattered.

A lot.

“I’d love to hear your stories.” He sipped from his water, then took her empty glass from her and set them both on a table nearby. “Want to go outside?”

Reagan frowned. “Outside?”

“Yeah. There’s a balcony right over there.” He waved his hand toward the double doors that stood on the opposite side of the room. “Great view of the city. Not many people sitting out there, I bet. Allows for more privacy?”

“Privacy?” Her voice squeaked, and she cleared her throat, berating herself for sounding like a mousy little twit. She needed to remember she was a sophisticated woman in a sexy dress talking with a famous actor.

Or at least, she needed to pretend she was all of those things. Maybe she needed more liquid courage. Or maybe not, considering he just implied he was a recovering addict.

“I’d like to pick your pretty little head for gruesome emergency room stories.” He smiled, the sight of it sending a spiral of heat throughout her body, settling between her legs. He made pick your pretty little head sound downright dirty. “Especially if you have good dirt on the doctors.”

She laughed. “I have a little bit.”

“Perfect.” His smile grew, showing off a dimple in his right cheek, and she melted a little bit. She had a serious thing for dimples. She had a serious thing for this man, period, though it was all based on his good looks and charisma on the screen, nothing more.

Maybe, just maybe, she could learn a little more about him. And end up with a story to tell for years to come.

Declan couldn’t stop staring at Reagan. That sexy red dress she wore accented every single one of her assets—and she had plenty of them. Smooth, bare shoulders, full, perfect breasts and curvy hips. Those long legs filled him with all sorts of images, like having them wrapped around his hips while he plunged deep inside her body…

Yeah. Just thinking like that made him break out in a cold sweat. He hadn’t had sex in a while. It was all a part of his recovery plan. He’d pretty much given up the booze and the drugs for good. Eventually, he gave up the women too, but definitely not for good. That was on a temporary basis only.

He had to allow an indulgence here and there. But the women he’d been with since he’d become sober just didn’t do it for him, not like they used to when he’d been in a drug– or alcohol-induced haze. It was obvious that the women he used to go for were fake. Plastic and completely over the top. He was so over that. He wanted someone real.

And Reagan was definitely, one hundred percent real.

Not that he knew her that well, but he could tell she wasn’t a phony. Her conversation, her reaction to him, was authentic. She blushed, she stuttered and she stared at him as if he was the best thing she’d ever seen in her life.

He liked it. He needed it. Not the adulation and the screaming fans, the media praising him and the studio execs kissing his ass.

More than anything, Declan needed calm. Quiet. Someone who would listen to him when he had something to say. A woman who wanted to take care of him and not expect anything in return. He wanted to be normal.

Yeah. Normal. He had no idea what that was like. He’d grown up with a single mom determined to make something of herself. And when that didn’t work, she focused on him and became determined to turn him into a superstar.

He modeled. He did commercials. And when he was in his teens, he made his first movie. A summer beachside romance with a bunch of terrible dialogue and lots of kissing scenes with his leading actress. He became an instant success, a teen heartthrob—holy hell, he hated that word. All the teenage fans wanted him to be their summertime boyfriend on the beach.

So he gave them what he wanted and spread himself way too thin way too fast.

He’d banged that poor actress he’d worked with more times than he could count and then dumped her the day the movie premiered. Once he’d had his first taste of true fame, he’d fucked through an endless streak of groupies, girls willing to do anything to have one chance with him. He drank and drugged himself into a stupor. He made lots of movies—some good, some awful—and spent the money as fast as he made it.

And then it ran out. Just like everything else.

This time around, he was doing things differently. The new, serious movie role with the acclaimed director and big-time producer called for his utter devoted attention. He rehearsed endlessly. Worked with an acting coach, something he’d never done before in his life but knew he needed. He shadowed ER doctors to get a real sense of what they dealt with day in and day out, and seeing that sort of shit in real life blew his ever-lovin’ mind.

The experience prepared him. Made him realize this role was not just another movie. It could change his entire career if he handled it right. His co-stars were stellar. The director believed in him. All he had to do was prove he could handle it.

He thought he was ready for the role of a lifetime, but nerves ate him. Turned him into a seething, on-the-edge mess. His friends convinced him to come to Vegas one last weekend before he started filming. The assholes. They were just trying to get him laid. They’d complained time and again the last few months that he was acting like a grumpy dick, especially lately.

Damn it, he wasn’t grumpy. He was trying to be serious for once in his life. Throwing him into a party situation—no matter how completely different it was from his past parties—wasn’t the answer. But his friends meant well and he could appreciate them for that.

They were pretty much all he had. The only people he could truly trust. In this business, you trusted no one.

No one at all.

“Want another glass of wine before we go outside?” he asked Reagan as they passed by the bar.

She shook her head, her soft dark brown hair brushing against her shoulders with the movement. His gaze zeroed in on the spot where her pulse throbbed, right at the base of her neck, where it met her shoulder. He wanted to kiss her there. Lick her. Nibble on her skin until she was shivering and moaning and…

“No, thank you,” she murmured with a gentle smile. “Though maybe some water would be good?”

“Look.” He stopped and she turned toward him. “You don’t have to stop drinking alcohol just because I don’t drink it. Have whatever you want. I can handle it.”

“But I really would prefer water.” She smiled shyly, and the sight of it sent a bolt of lust straight to his dick. Damn, she was pretty in this utterly natural way. She didn’t have on a ton of makeup, but what she did have only accented her eyes and lips, didn’t overpower her delicate features. He could stare at that face for hours, fascinated with what he saw, but he didn’t want her to think he was some kind of creeper. “I want to be sober tonight so I can remember it later.” Her cheeks turned the faintest shade of pink the moment the words left her lips.

“You think something interesting is going to happen tonight?” He raised a brow, pleased to see her face turn a shade darker. He didn’t want to embarrass her, but it was fun to see her react this way.

“I’m sure it’ll be a pleasant evening full of interesting conversation,” she said as neutrally as she could, her face completely straight. The only indication she was teasing was the quiver at each side of her mouth as she fought to keep her smile under control.

“Is that all you’re looking for?” He stepped closer, settling his hand at the base of her spine. He curled his fingers the slightest bit in a subtle caress, and she turned to look at him, her brown eyes wide. The warmth of her skin penetrated through the thin fabric of her dress, and he wondered what exactly she was wearing beneath that dress.

He hoped nothing. He hoped more he’d discover that for himself.

“I’m not looking for anything,” she admitted softly, the smile she’d been holding back shining through, blinding him.

“I like the way you think.” He waved at the bartender to get his attention and ordered two waters, then pointed toward the doors leading out to the balcony before he wrapped his arm around Reagan’s waist. “Let’s go,” he murmured.

Chapter Two

They’d just about made it to the doors leading to the terrace outside when she heard Natalie’s unmistakable voice coming from behind her.

“Where do you two think you’re going?”

Declan slowly turned, taking Reagan with him. He didn’t say a word, leaving it up to her to explain to her friend.

“We’re going to sit outside for a little bit.” Reagan paused, not liking the way Natalie examined the both of them. Like they were strange bugs under a microscope. “Want to join us?”

Ugh, why’d she have to go and say that?

Declan sent her a look but then went into smooth, polite actor mode. “Yes, join us,” he offered.

“No thanks,” Natalie retorted, resting her hands on her hips. Talk about cranky. “You two kids go have fun outside all alone.”

“Hey.” Reagan turned her head to find Declan smiling down at her. “I’ll meet you outside, okay? Talk to your friend.”

The moment he left them, Natalie was on her like white on rice. “What are you doing?” she whisper-hissed. “You’re going to leave the party with him?”

“I’m not leaving the party, we’re just going outside. I’ll be right out there.” Reagan waved her hand toward the double doors Declan had just slipped through. “What’s the big deal?”

“He could be a psycho rapist for all we know. Don’t go anywhere alone with him,” Natalie said.

Reagan withheld her sigh. Fine, Natalie was watching out for her wellbeing, but she was also totally overreacting. “Don’t be such a buzzkill. I’m sure he’s perfectly harmless.”

“He’s an actor. I doubt any of them are perfectly harmless. Especially ones who are down on their luck and can’t get movie roles any longer.” At Reagan’s questioning glance, Natalie shrugged. “I looked him up on Google and found out the deets.”

“Nat,” Reagan reprimanded, curiosity eating her up inside. Yeah, she knew some details about the great downfall of Declan Carter, but she hadn’t paid much attention over the last few years. Nursing school and then her new job had kept her busy.

“Hey, I had to know. He went on a total binge of drugs and alcohol. Lost a huge movie role. His agent dumped him. He went into rehab and sobered up,” Natalie explained.

Nothing too far from what he told her. “He’s clean now,” she pointed out.

“We’ll see how long that lasts. The pressures of Hollywood have to be tough. And he’s in Vegas for the weekend. This city is a hotbed of sin.”

“You sound like an old grandma,” Reagan said with an eye-roll.

“Sometimes I feel like an old grandma. At least I’m the voice of reason,” Natalie said.

“I appreciate you watching out for my interests. I really do. But I think you need to go mingle and see if you can find a hot man for yourself tonight,” Reagan said as she pulled her friend into her arms and gave her a quick hug. “You look amazing. Have fun.”

“You too,” Natalie called after Reagan as she started to walk away. “Be careful.”

She was always careful. For once, she was going to do what she wanted and not worry—too much—about the consequences. She wasn’t going to be stupid, hence the no alcohol reasoning. Though she still couldn’t believe she’d actually told Declan the truth when he asked about her wanting only water.

Lame. But he seemed charmed by her admission, so maybe it worked in her favor? She didn’t know how to dazzle a dazzling, gorgeous Hollywood actor. She was Plain Jane Nurse Reagan primped up in a sexy dress that wasn’t anywhere close to her normal style. Would he still like her if he saw her in her blue scrubs, no makeup on her face and her hair pulled back into a frizzy bun?

Probably not. So she needed to cling to the fantasy and make this night worth it.

The moment she walked out onto the terrace, the warm summer breeze hit her, heating her cooled skin. The lights of the city were spread out before her like a twinkling blanket and she stopped short, drinking in the breathtaking view. Las Vegas was huge and so incredibly bright. She’d never seen such a thing before and she was from Southern California. The cities there spread and spread, never seeming to stop.

But they certainly weren’t this beautiful.

“Reagan,” Declan called, drawing her attention. She turned to her right to find him sitting on an overstuffed loveseat made out of wicker, the deep red cushions plump and comfortable-looking. He waved her over and she headed toward him, her steps careful, her knees wobbling when she saw the heart-stopping smile on his face as she approached.

“I could watch you do that all night,” he murmured as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees so he could dangle in his arms between his legs, his hands clasped together.

“Watch me do what?” she asked, perplexed. She stopped by a glass-topped table where the two waters Declan ordered sat. But she wasn’t thirsty. She could hardly move, too entranced by the way he stared up at her.

“Walk. You look…incredible in that dress,” he said, letting his gaze skim the entire length of her. “Join me.”

The loveseat wasn’t very big and he was nearly sitting in the middle, so she settled down next to him, their thighs pressed together, her bare leg rubbing against the slightly coarse material of his jeans. She smiled at him as he sat up straight, his shoulder brushing against hers, and she looked away, exhaling discreetly for fear he might notice.

He flat out overwhelmed her. She could smell him, spicy and warm with a hint of soap. His body was hot—she could feel the heat radiating off of him and pulsating through her.

Or maybe that was just her, so crazily aroused for this man she didn’t really even know that she reacted like a woman with out of control hormones. He definitely sent everything within her zinging with just a look, just by sitting next to her.

“It’s a beautiful view,” she said when she couldn’t seem to take him staring at her anymore. She turned to look out at the city lights once more, the breeze blowing through her hair, lifting it from her shoulders and her warm neck.

“I agree,” he said, his voice closer than she realized, and she glanced over her shoulder, his face directly in hers, his gaze locked on her. “Gorgeous.”

She had the distinct feeling he wasn’t talking about the view of Las Vegas. More like he was talking about…her?

No way.

Licking her lips, she let her gaze drop to his mouth and that full, delicious-looking lower lip. She wanted to kiss that mouth. What did he taste like? Was he a good kisser or bad? Neat or sloppy? Lots of tongue or little tongue? “Sorry I made you wait,” she said, pushing the distracting kissing thoughts out of her mind.

“Your friend okay?” he asked, sounding concerned.

“She’s fine. Worried about me.” Oops, she probably shouldn’t have said that.

“My reputation precedes me,” he drawled, not sounding bothered by it at the least. But he could be. He was an actor, after all. They were skilled at hiding their real feelings. It was what they were paid to do.

“Unfortunately, yes,” she said with a little wince. Reaching out, she settled her hand on his arm that rested closest to her, wanting to offer reassurance. “I told her you’ve changed.”

“You don’t know me. How could you know I’ve changed?” His expression remained neutral despite the questions he just asked. And he didn’t remove his arm from beneath her hand either. Maybe she shouldn’t have said that, but it was too late now.

Reagan didn’t want this evening over before it even started.

“There’s an innate calmness that radiates from you. A confidence,” she said, pausing to gauge his reaction. He tilted his head to the side, removing his arm from beneath her hand so he could slip it along the back of the couch, resting it right above her shoulders. “I sensed it from the second we were introduced. You’re very sure of yourself but not overly cocky. You seem comfortable in your own skin.”

He raises his eyebrows. “You sensed all that, huh?”

She shrugged, her shoulders brushing against his arm, the contact sending a scattering of tingles across her skin. “Maybe I’m wrong, but that’s the impression you left on me.”

“That’s quite the impression.” He smiled, looking pleased with himself. “I had no idea I was that easy to read. I’d always prided myself on the mysterious air that surrounds me.”

“Oh, you’re very mysterious. And it’s not about being easy,” she reassured him. “It’s more about my need to figure people out the second I meet them. I’m always doing that in the ER.”

“Interesting. So you’re a detective nurse. I like that.” He smiled, his eyes sparkling. “What else can you tell me about your job at the ER?”

She swallowed hard when he reached out and tested a wayward strand of her hair, twirling the curl around his finger and giving it the slightest tug. “What do you want to know?”

“Everything.”

Her hair was soft, like silk. The wind kept blowing it in his face when she first sat down, the sweet floral scent of her shampoo filling his senses, and he wanted to bury his face in it. But he restrained himself.

Just barely.

“Well, I work the graveyard shift, so I see plenty,” she started, a hint of nervousness underlying her words. He had a feeling he was the reason for that. Not that he minded. No, more like he scooted closer to her, their thighs pressed tight together, his fingers still in her hair.

“I’m sure,” he murmured, letting his gaze drop to her chest. The dress dipped low, offering him a teasing glimpse of her cleavage, and he had the overwhelming urge to trace the neckline of her dress, let his finger drift across her skin.

Would she be okay with that or would she slap his hand away?

“Like the man who came in with the jelly jar up his…” She waved a hand, her cheeks red as she started to giggle. “Butt.”

“No shit?” Ouch. He’d done some kinky stuff in his time, but he’d never had the urge to shove something up his ass to get his jollies off.

She burst out laughing at his reply, and he started to chuckle too once he realized the correlation. “The poor man,” she said between laughter. “He was mortified. I believe he waited almost twenty-four hours before he finally gave up and came in.”

“Damn. How the hell did they get it out?” He held up his hand and shook his head. “Wait a minute, don’t tell me. I don’t need to know.”

“You don’t want to know,” she agreed, her laughter dying, though her eyes still sparkled. She had beautiful eyes, dark and expressive. “I could go on and on about the things people put in strange places. Because we only have so many orifices to put things in, if you catch my drift.”

“I don’t think I want to catch it, but yeah, I get what you’re saying.”

She grimaced. “I took that conversation into a weird turn.”

“An interesting turn,” he corrected.

“That’s a kinder way to put it.” She glanced down, kept her gaze locked on her knees as she gripped them with her hands. Her skirt fluttered in the breeze and around her hands, and he had the sudden urge to slip his hand beneath her dress, skim his fingers up her thighs…

“Do you like your job?” he asked.

“I love it. I like helping people. I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, ever since I was a kid.” She lifted her gaze and smiled.

“Is it hard sometimes, though? It has to be. I’m sure you’ve seen some pretty ugly stuff.”

“Well, yeah, of course. The ugly stuff comes along with the wonderful stuff, you know? I’ve seen violence and death and horrific car accidents involving small children. Gunshot wounds, knife wounds, crime victims. But I’ve also seen kids with bonks on their head and scratches on their arm because their cat got mad at them.” She smiled and slowly shook her head, lost in her thoughts. “A frantic grandma came in once with her granddaughter who stuffed a bead up her nose. She didn’t know what to do, how to get the bead out. She was panicking, which only made her granddaughter cry. I grabbed a pair of tweezers and plucked the bead out within seconds and that poor grandma was beside herself with how easily I took care of it. Said she felt like a big idiot.”