Page 15 of Elusive Embrace

“You’re saying he’s fat?” Jane gasps.

“More like full-figured,” I say diplomatically.

“I can’t believe it! I’ve been stressing out and it turns out he’s just a greedy little bastard. No more treats for you mister,” she scolds, lifting the ginger kitten and making him look at her. Rossi, of course, is clueless about the whole conversation.

“You could’ve just texted us. That would’ve saved you some time,” Jane points out.

“True, I could have,” I reply, not about to throw Ryan under the bus. He’ll owe me for this.

“Want to come over later for dinner… as a thank you?” Jane asks with a big smile.

“No, that’s alright. I appreciate the offer but I’m planning to rest my leg today,” I mumble. After Jane heads out to book vaccinations for the kittens, Ryan turns to me.

“Thanks!”

“You’re such a chicken,” I laugh.

“Only when it comes to my Princess,” he grins. “Any news from Nat?”

I shake my head. “It’s driving me mad, Ry. I want to check on her but I don’t know where she lives and I can’t just hang around Greenview Manor hoping to bump into her.”

“Give her time. She knows you’re there for her. And maybe get some help yourself,” he suggests before heading back out into the waiting room.

The national helpline said the same thing. But I don’t need a therapist, I need to know Nat’s safe.

I sink into my desk chair and pull out my phone. No calls. Zero messages. I’ll give her another week then head back to Greenview Manor Hotel and ask for her directly.That sounds like a plan I can stick to.

I glance at my diary. Two more patients to go: a dog named Lord Schnauzer and a guinea pig that’s managed to jump out of its cage and now sports a tiny splint. After that I’m taking the fawn to a wildlife reserve for recovery and, hopefully, a new family. Egon, Venkman, and I have a relaxing evening in front of the telly planned. Welcome to the thrilling life of a forty-something bachelor.

Chapter 6

Natalie

Istir the waterand fish out a piece of pasta. Still too al dente. I crank up the heat on the hob, hoping it’ll cook faster. Al’s got cricket this evening and he’ll be starving when he gets back.

It’s been a week since Matt came to Greenview Manor, and I can’t get his words out of my head. I left his business card at work—I didn’t want Al to find it and get the wrong idea.

On my way home yesterday I drove past Matt’s house. Or at least I tried to. When I realised it was at the end of a lane and I had to do a three-point turn right outside his house I panicked. Luckily it was dark, so I don’t think he saw me. I don’t know what I had hoped to achieve anyway.

Actually, that’s not true. For a moment I thought I would ask him for help to leave Al. And then I realised how pathetic I sounded. Surely if I want to leave him I can just walk away.

There is the familiar sound of the key in the door.

“Dinner’s almost ready,” I call out. When there’s no reply my heart starts racing.This is not good.I suddenly have difficulty breathing but I force myself to go in search of him.Maybe he just didn’t hear me.

“Al?” I find him in the hallway hanging up his jacket. “Dinner’s almost ready.” I repeat.

“I heard,” is all he says. I head back to the kitchen, my tummy in nervous knots.

Turning off the hob, I drain the pasta before tossing it in the pan with the sauce. I’m about to call out for Al again when he holds his phone screen in front of me.

“Care to explain this?” His voice is ice cold and causes a shiver to run down my back. On the screen is a photo of Matt and me. Matt’s back is to me and I’m lifting his jacket. I know it was when I was grabbing the car key for him but the picture looks like I’m staring at his arse.

“I—”

“Nat, look at me,” he grabs me roughly by the face and turns me towards him. “Did we not have an agreement that you would tell me? Did we?”

“Yes, but—”

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