Page 76 of Lassoed Love

“People do change—-” her voice trails off.

I nod, sincerity lacing my words, “And I’ll show you every day from here onwards that I have. I owe that to you, at least.”

A playful smirk plays on my lips, an attempt to lighten the mood. “So, what do you say? Second chance?”

Isla, considering my words, teases back with a playful smirk, “I’ll think about it.” A genuine laugh escapes me as I take the last swig of my beer.

As we banter back and forth, the air between us seems to lighten. Isla’s balcony doors are open, allowing a cool draft to sweep inside. I notice her body shiver, and my gaze intensifies, drifting to her lips. An irresistible urge to kiss her washes over me, a desire to erase any lingering negative thoughts from her mind. She catches my gaze, her blush deepening as she turns her head down shyly.

In a low, deep murmur, I find myself saying, “Come here.”

The distance between us suddenly feels too far, and I need to becloser. Isla inhales through her nose, releasing a deep breath, and as she inches closer, a sudden impulse seizes me. Without overthinking, I gently grab her waist and lift her, guiding her to straddle my lap. Loving feeling the weight of her on top of me and her ass in my hands. I give each round globe of ass a hard squeeze—each with more than a handful, and she whimpers softly.

The shift in our positions creates an intimate closeness, her warmth now fully melding with mine as she arches into my touch. She looks at me with a mixture of desire and affection.

“Glad you came back into my life.” I admit, and I sense her body shudder in response—without hesitation, I lean in, capturing her lips with mine. Her groan vibrates in my mouth, and when she sucks on my tongue—fucking hell.

She’s everything, andI don’t plan on letting her go now.

31

Tuesday rolls over and today at the clinic, a couple came in asking about sweet Luna, our Australian Kelpie with a heart as big as the Outback. I spent a good half hour this morning trying to charm them into seeing that Luna is the paw-fect fit for them. But, alas, my powers of persuasion were not enough.

After a lengthy discussion, they narrowed it down to their ‘backyard’ being too small for Luna’s zest for life. Ugh, really? Luna’s a furball of energy—she’d be content with a patch of grass and some sunshine! It’s moments like these that tug at my heartstrings. I just want these adorable fur babies to find their forever homes, filled with love and belly rubs. Why can’t everyone see how amazing Luna is? Sigh, the struggles of a veterinarian who’s a little too emotionally invested in her patients.

Despite the heartbreak with Luna, the clinic has been a whirlwind of activity today. We had a parade of new furry friends and a few familiar faces—there was Max, the mischievous tabby cat who thinks he’s the king of the world, and Nala, our spoiled rottweiler with a penchant for slobbery kisses.

While I do my veterinarian thing, Katy, provides some comic relief. She has this way of turning even the most mundane tasks into a stand-up routine. As I jot down notes on Nala’s health check, Katy leans over the counter, a smirk on her face.

“You wouldn’t believe what Max did today. He tried to stage a coup against the goldfish in the waiting area aquarium. I had to break up a full-blown underwater rebellion!”Ah, so that’s what that ruckus was earlier, I ponder.I can’t help but laugh. “Max is quite the troublemaker. Maybe he’s just trying to add 'aquatic conqueror' to his resume.”

Katy grins, “Well, at least he’s ambitious. But seriously, Isla, you’re a superhero for dealing with all this chaos. How do you do it?”

I shrug, “It’s all in a day's work. Plus, the wagging tails and purring cats make it worthwhile. Plus, I’m used to chaos,” I say with a lopsided smile, and she returns a soft smile back, a look of understanding in her eyes.

While I scribble down a few more notes, Katy exclaims and bursts into a grin that's practically ear-to-ear. I glance up, and she can barely contain her excitement.

“Oh, guess what, Isla? Our saviour is returning! Molly’s done with the worst of her exams, and she’ll be back tomorrow.” Relief floods through me.

“Oh wow! That’s so soon. That’s great,” I exclaim. I could really use the extra pair of hands around here again. And let’s be honest, the clinic just isn’t the same without Molly’s chaotic charm.

Katy nods in agreement, “Absolutely! I’ve missed herconstant stream of coffee-induced energy. It’s been way too quiet without her.” I can’t help but laugh at that.

As Katy leaves the reception area, I feel a sense of anticipation for Molly’s return. The clinic is like a family, and having our energetic and vivacious vet nurse back will undoubtedly inject a burst of life into our little animal sanctuary.

My phone buzzes with an unknown number flashing on the screen. I hesitate for a moment, contemplating whether to pick up or let it go to voicemail. Eventually, my curiosity gets the best of me, and I answer. “Hello?”

A familiar, lively voice bursts through the speaker, “Isla! It’s Olivia. I hope you don’t mind—I totally pestered Imogen for your number.” Olivia's laughter dances through the phone, and I can’t help but smile, shaking my head. Of course, Liv would pull a stunt like that.

“Hey, Liv! What’s up?” I ask.

“Hiii! Um, what are you up to?” Liv’s voice buzzes through the phone, as she exclaims further, “Isla, I am so fucking bored out of my brains at home, and my brothers are doing in my head.”

In the background, Xavier’s voice booms loudly, demanding,“Liv, get your ass over here. These cows aren’t going to milk themselves.”My pulse flutters at the sound of his voice.

“Just at work, you know, the usual stuff.” I reply, glancing around the clinic, and I continue.

“Seems like you have your hands full with that one.”

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