Page 3 of Until Now
“Good. I’ll be needing the flea and heartworm meds. It’s time for an exam too. That is if you can handle it.”
“Mr. Ripley, I handle scared animals daily. I don’t think your Lab is going to present much of a challenge, believe me.”
I’m chuckling when I say it, but he has a very knowing look on his face.
“Oh, my dog isn’t scared. She’s just a little too anxious to be everyone’s friend, and she presses the point. You’ll see.”
“Dr. Silver tells me you know her husband.”
His knitted eyebrows say he doesn’t know what I’m talking about.
“Who’s her husband?”
“Wes Silver.”
The grin that breaks out is authentic and confirms their familiarity.
“Wes! Oh yeah, I do know him. Before I moved to California, I lived in Rocksprings. His bike club was… Wait. Is Doctor Silver’s first name July?”
“Yes. Do you know her too?”
“In a roundabout way. A few of my friends and I helped out … well, it’s a long, complicated story from a previous life of mine and theirs. But yes, I know Wes and July. So they’re married now?”
“Married and parents of a little girl and two boys. She’s here. Would you like to say hi?”
He hesitates for a moment. “I’m not sure she would remember me.”
“Or not. I don’t know why I said that.”
“No! Forget what I said. Iwouldlike to say hello. Definitely.”
“Okay. Stay here, and I’ll get her.”
When I get up and cross to the door, I feel eyes following me. I can’t stop myself from looking back. He doesn’t try to hide the fact he was checking out my ass. His lids rise, and a mischievous smile punctuates the moment.
“What?” he says anything but innocently.
“Youknow what.” My volley is delivered without hesitation. There’s a smile included.
“Do you blame me?” he says unapologetically.
Oh, my God. I keep walking, but it feels like I’ve forgotten how to take a natural step.Don’t trip!Thank God I’m out the door quickly. My heart is racing. What just happened? I am the polar opposite of your typical woman under the influence of a man’s charms. This kind of man in particular. He’s too … something. Perfect maybe.
July stands outside her office, purse in hand, looking at her phone. When she sees me, the corners of her mouth lift. “You all right?”
I attempt a casual stance. “Maxen wants to say hi. Do you have a minute?”
“You’re on a first-name basis, I see. And your face is flushed!”
“Shut up. It is not,” I lie. “Come on.”
I lead the way back, and when we enter, Maxen stands. Shit. I think his zipper is down! Why didn’t I see that on the first look? Unfortunately, it’s not open enough for any real peek. Oh, my God! Should I say something? Why would I? I’m not going to say a word. But I may have looked too long because his eyes dart down, and he realizes the problem.
“Sorry, ladies,” he says, turning to zip up. When he turns back, I’m smiling like a goon because it’s freakin’ funny.
“Do you blame me?” I say, taking my seat.
Maybe I’m misreading his mind, but it sure looks like he’s getting a kick out of my throwing his words back at him. Then he proves me right.
