Page 16 of Falling for the Veterinarian

“Um, well. . .you have great taste,” he trails off.

“Now, I recognize you! You stole my coffee in New York City too!” I am shocked and irritated. “You were the one who bumped into me on the way out of the coffee shop. I can’t believe this.”

“Sarah—” he starts.

“Save it,” I retort.I bet he led me to believe that vet appointment was a date on purpose too. He isn't kind, he's cruel and I may have just met him, but I already hate him. He's entitled and arrogant.

Another volunteer brings my new companion. After grabbing the leash, I march over to the cashier leavingDocin my dust.

I can’t believe that’s the thief who’s been stealing my coffee. Why does he have to be so good-looking? And fake charming too? I’m not in the market to have my heart broken by another inconsiderate jerk.Just brush it off.

Aunt Michelle comes back and instantly fawns over our new dog before waving to Zach. “Hi, Doc!”

I trudge toward the exit before she drags me back over to him to chat. Too bad she’s faster than me. “Isn’t he just gorgeous, hun? And he’s single!”

She stops me by the arm. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“That’s the jerk that keeps stealing my coffee. I’ve been here two days and he took it both mornings! It is starting to feel personal.”

Janelle comes striding over before Michelle can respond. She excitedly pets the dog. “Oh, I’m so glad I spotted you!”

“Here.” She hands me a form. “This a list of the competitions you signed up for and the times you need to be back here.”

“Oh thanks, I almost forgot,” I say.

“You have to come back later to pick up your pumpkin. You justhave tobeat Zach at the pumpkin carving contest tomorrow. It’s about time he is dethroned.” She chuckles.

“Oh, I’ll be there all right! And I’m going to win.” Doc is going down.

Twelve

Zach

Iclosetheclinicearly today since I have to be at the adoption fair by two o’clock this afternoon. Luckily, it was a slow day on the schedule and no emergencies. Knock on wood.

Jen was appreciative of the early day. She’s trialing a new recipe for a pie to hopefully beat Cookie this year. I love her tenacity, but I’ve had Cookie’s pie. I’m not too sure anyone can take that championship title from her.

I get to the adoption fair with thirty minutes to spare. I refill my coffee at the coffee shop. Whitney isn't around this time. But Darleen is there and gives me an earful about stealing other people’s coffee. I apologize and say it was an accident. I fibbed a little. The first day, it was a total accident. That drink is so good. But today I saw SARAH on the cup and something just came over me.

Darleen told me what to order for the next time and made me promise not to take the poor girl’s drink anymore.

I take a look at the animals Janelle picked to bring out today. I volunteer my vet services at the shelter, so I know most of the animals pretty well. Aw, Maggie. She is my favorite. She's a sweet, golden yellow lab mix. She’s a healthy little cuddler. My mom found her by Starfall Creek with a broken leg. I fixed her up and kept her at home for a while, but I am too busy to keep a dog at home. I used to bring her to the office with me too, but I have to leave at such random times. It wasn’t fair to her. I hope I find her a loving home today.

“Zach—” I turn to see Janelle at the adoption counselor tent.

“Can you come over here for a minute? I want to have a quick huddle with you and Charlene.”

I pat Maggie once more before strolling over to the ladies.

“Ok. Our shelter is getting pretty full, and winter is almost here. We need to get these guys into some loving homes, but we also need to make sure they will have forever homes. Our goal is to find at least ten pets homes today.”

“I’ll do my best." There are some great animals here today, so I hope it will be easy.

She animatedly starts waving at someone behind me. I turn and see the woman from outside the coffee shop yesterday. She’s in a green sweater and even from this distance, I can see the electric emerald color of her eyes. My heartbeat quickens when she gives me a quick smile. I don’t even hear the rest of Janelle’s speech. Janelle is already walking away working on her other duties before I realize the huddle is over. I pretend to be interested in whatever Charlene is talking about while I study the woman.

She’s appraising the animals. When she sees one she likes, she stops and pats them. She talks to them like they’re human.I love that.She smiles easily at the animals but not at the other people walking around. She looks a little disappointed. She must not have felt a connection to any of the animals yet. Like magic, she’s pulled towards Maggie. She squats down to look Maggie in the eyes. I dash towards her.

“That one is my favorite,” I say.

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