Page 28 of The Minotaur's Valentine

I’m in heaven. I have a compassionate, brilliant boss, a chance to follow my dream, and Peterson won't even hear of me paying him back. He says it's his investment in the future of the practice. Me. I'm someone's investment. And he bought me coffee! “This is the best Valentine’s present ever. Um. Here. I made this for you.”

My baking skills suck, but I can follow the directions on a box. Last night I made a bunch of yellow cupcakes and I frosted them with pink icing-in-a-can. I give six to Doc, I have some for myself, and I’ve got some for Ricky. I even put four aside for Milo.

Milo has the voice of my dreams. If Milo’s voice came out of Ricky’s body, I might have proposed marriage on the spot to the man with the pet crow.

What’s more, the sexy, rich, rumbling voice that makes me think of bass guitars and thunder says the best things. He’s giving me both kittens—and he sounded choked up about it.

My image of the big, metalworking, metal-loving Milo now includes a soft, cuddly center.

“Did you say you have plans tonight?” Peterson asks as we finish downloading the course requirements.

“Yeah, just a date with Ricky.”

“Ah. Right.”

Mentally, I remind myself that I have to call Milo today. I cannot forget this time!

“Libby, it’s none of my business, but Ricky... Ricky needs firm boundaries. I don’t recommend going anywhere private with him until you know him much better. I don’t think he would ever hurt you, but I’m afraid that unintentionally he could—make you uncomfortable. He comes on a little strong.”

I bridle a little, but the anger flows out fast. Doc cares about me. “We’re planning to go to Jax Alley and shoot some pool. It’s public.”

“Good! Well. If you ever have any questions about the locals, I want you to ask me.”

I cock my head. His voice is different. Insistent? Firm? “Okay, I will. Oh, hey. Milo. What’s he like?”

“Milo? Oh my goodness. A good, kind man. Hardworking. Quiet. Keeps to himself, but always willing to help. A homebody, I suspect.”

A homebody metalworking metalhead who loves cats and just chilling at home? With a voice that makes me think impure thoughts? I cough. “What’s he look like? I’ve never actually seen him, just heard his voice.”

“Brown hair. Big, dark eyes. Uh. Very muscular. Very tall. Uhh.” Peterson knocks over the rack of patient files I just handed him. “Nuts!”

“He sounds cute.”

“He is. Not to everyone’s taste, but... Libby, do you like Greek mythology?”

“Uh. Sure?” I mean, I hated my English teacher, but I like to read. The legends were cool, but I’m not sure what that has to do with Milo. Oh! Right. “Milo’s Greek, right?”

“Yes, his family is from Greece. You know, some people still believe in all those myths.”

“Hey, I don’t yuck other people’s yum.”

Peterson blinks. “What?”

“I don’t judge. Believe what you like, as long as you’re kind.”

“I—”

The door opens and a mother and her two little girls bring in a carrier with a huge gray rabbit inside.

“I’ll tell you more about Milo on Monday if you’d like.” Doc hurries to prep the exam room. We’re running behind after our college conversation.

“Sure thing!” I get the patient signed in. I’ll tell Doc later that I’ll be meeting Milo tomorrow.

When I grab a second, I leave a voicemail. “Hey, Milo. You’re so sweet. I’d love to take both kittens. Could you drop them off around ten, on your ‘lunch break’? Let's do it Saturday, though. I forgot today was Valentine’s, and you probably have plans. Thanks! Oh, it’s Libby, by the way.”

Chapter Twenty-Six: Milo

Ifeel tears squeezing up under my eyelids. I’m a big sap. But my kitty bitty boys! How can I give them up?

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