Page 5 of Only His Girl

“Atta girl.” He grabs his hat and turns to Buck and says, “All right, kid, let’s bounce. We’ve got a big bad puddy tat to wrangle.”

Buck leaps up eagerly, nearly tripping over his own gangly legs in excitement. I watch them go, tamping down my frustration. It’s fine. I don’t need George’s approval to know I’m damn good at my job.

As the door closes behind them, I slump back in my chair and let out a heavy sigh.

Looks like it’s just me, myself, and I tonight.

And I can’t help but think that’s probably for the best. The last thing I need is to be distracted by thoughts of dreamy Heath Donovan and his stupidly thoughtful gifts.

No, much better to be alone. Just the way I like it.

Hours later, my gaze snaps up from a stack of paperwork when my phone buzzes on the desk. Could it be...?

I snatch up the phone, trying to ignore the hopeful flutter in my chest. But the name on the screen isn’t the one I’m secretly wishing for. It’s just a text from Melanie in our group chat with Eliza.

Melanie: Still on for Sunday brunch, ladies? I need me some mimosas and girl talk, stat!

I can’t help but smile. Always count on Melanie to rally the troops. I shoot back a quick reply.

Me: You know it, girl. Mama needs her Eggs Benny fix. See you then!

I’m about to set my phone down and force myself to work when it vibrates again. My breath catches when I see who texts me this time.

Heath: Hey, Butterfly. Hope you got my little gift today and that it made you smile. Can’t stop thinking about last night. When can I see you again?

Memories of the opera—and more specifically, of Heath—flood my mind. The way his warm hand felt on the small of my back as he guided me to his private box. The intoxicating scent of his cologne. His piercing gaze pulling me in like a riptide.

Nothing happened between us—it was all perfectly innocent. Well, mostly innocent. There may have been a few heated glances and a bit of flirtatious banter. But we kept things platonic.

Even if deep down, a tiny, rebellious part of me wishes we hadn’t.

I stare at Heath’s text, my fingers hovering over the keyboard as I try to figure out how to respond. I’m so out of practice with this whole flirting thing.

Ugh, that man is just too sexy for his own good.

Or for my own good. With his thick beard and those broad, muscular shoulders...

No. I give myself a mental shake. I can’t go there. Heath is Drew’s brother, and Drew is dating my friend. Heath and I need to keep things strictly friendly.

I need to remember why starting something with Heath would be a very bad idea. I’m not looking for complications, and Heath Donovan is complication personified.

Determined to keep things light, I tap out a breezy reply.

Me: Yep, got the gift. That was so sweet of you, thanks so much. And last night was fun—I had a great time. Talk soon?

I hit send before I can overthink it, then toss my phone in my bag, trying to ignore the giddy warmth in my chest and the pang of disappointment that I didn’t agree to see Heath again right away.

It’s for the best. I’m sure whatever this spark is between us will fizzle out if I don’t fan the flames.

At least, I really hope so. Because falling for Heath Donovan is a risk I can’t take.

I gather up the gorgeous clutch and bouquet of flowers, inhaling the sweet fragrance one last time before shutting off the lights and locking up the ranger office for the day.

As I trudge across the dirt parking lot to my car, my body aches with exhaustion. All I can think about is getting home, popping a frozen dinner in the microwave, and collapsing on the couch with some mindless TV.

Just as I’m fishing in my pocket for my keys, a flash of tawny fur catches my eye. I freeze, my heart leaping into my throat.

Oh no. It can’t be...

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