Page 18 of Unlawful Seduction

My feet were killing me, but I kept a smile on my face as I handed over the prescription before hitting the computer so I could take her payment.

“We are so glad you bought the place, Mallory. I mean Dr. McGregor. Your father was such a staple in this town. Everyone misses him.”

“Me too. That would be four hundred and twenty-two dollars even.”

She slid a credit card over the counter, almost immediately pressing kisses to little Sammy’s head. “Your dad would be so proud of you.”

“That’s very sweet of you. Would you prefer a copy of your invoice today or have it emailed to you?”

“Email. The girls finally got me into using it so I might as well.” As she rattled off her email address, I couldn’t help but notice the old adage was really true. People grew more look-alike to their dogs as they got older.

“There you go. Okay, little Sammy. Take care of your mother.” I moved from around the counter, still trying to smile when all I wanted to do was crawl under the covers.

She used her pup’s paw, waving at me before heading to the door. As soon as she opened it, I noticed the snow had started again. Thankfully, the single thing I’d done other than working my fingers to the bone had been to purchase snow boots and a heavy parka. Yay for me.

Once she closed the door, I waited for the familiar sound of her clomping down the stairs to her car. I wouldn’t be rude and lock the door in her face, but closing time was only five minutes away.

I was so finished with the day. But I had to admit, with business already booming, I didn’t fear my decision any longer.

My legs almost refused to cooperate as I moved behind the receptionist’s desk, completing Mrs. Samuels’ transaction and hitting send on the email. I was also thankful I’d networked the system with the one at my house. That would allow me to easily continue working even when I wasn’t here.

I flicked off the beautiful recessed lighting over the desk area and checked my watch, noticing headlights finally leaving the parking lot. That was my cue.

With a bit of spring in my step, I headed toward the door. I didn’t have a chance to flick the lock into place before the doorknob was twisted in my hand.

“I’m sorry, I’m about to close.”

Whoever it was didn’t take kindly to the concept of ‘no,’ continuing to barrel himself or herself in.

I was even forced back a couple of feet by the force used. When I stared at the person intruding on my practice, I gasped involuntarily.

In the brighter light, the man standing in front of me was a walking orgasm. I blinked several times, shoving the ridiculous thought aside as his mouth twisted.

He reached behind him, locking the door. I should be nervous about that, but the moment I caught sight of what he was holding, my mothering and veterinarian instinct took over.

“Jax! What happened?” Oh, my God. He was holding Jax in his arms, the dog bleeding from an unknown wound. Whatever was going on, given the dog’s shallow breathing, he neededinstant attention. I beckoned the huge man back to one of the examination rooms, immediately pulling down the stainless-steel platform from its secured location on the wall. “Please put him right there.”

I realized at that moment I had no clue who the man was. Only the dog’s name had ever been used. He was so tender with the pup as he gently eased him onto the cold, hard steel that I was instantly touched.

“Let me take a look at him. Okay? Can you tell me what happened while I do?” I was trying to keep a pleasant voice, but I was deadly concerned by the way the dog was acting. As I moved closer, the big man crowded my space. Enough so I finally lifted my head. “I promise you it’s okay. I really am a licensed veterinarian. If you’re uncertain, there are my credentials hanging in my office.”

He realized I was asking him to back off, doing so even though his jaw was clenched in fear and frustration. “We had a run-in with a hunter.”

“You’re kidding me.” I rubbed the dog’s face, thankful to see his eyes weren’t dull and lifeless. When the man didn’t reply right away, I had the distinct feeling I wasn’t going to get a solid, truthful answer. Sure, there were hunters out there, but generally dawn and dusk were their favorite times.

“Just got caught,” he offered.

“O-kay. I need to see what I’m dealing with and I’ll need to take x-rays. Are you…”

“If you’re asking if I’m good for the money, you have no idea.”

I glanced at the man, narrowing my eyes. There was pain in his. His dog’s injury was troubling him tremendously. “I wasn’t suggesting that because I don’t care. Even if you didn’t have a penny to your name, do you honestly think I’d ever allow a dog or any other animal to suffer? Please. I was going to ask if you’re okay with me taking x-rays.”

He was appropriately embarrassed for his assumption, even having the good graces to look away briefly. “Anything you need to do.”

“Okay. Good. I’m going to see what we have.” I pulled out some rags and antiseptic, taking a quiet few moments to clean his wound. A few seconds later, I nodded and the unknown stranger was right there by my side once again.

“What?”

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