Page 46 of Unbuttoning Her Brooding Boss

It turned out it was a baby echidna that had been rescued and was being hand-reared. It was so tiny it fitted into Stephanie’s small hand.

Jack drank in her reaction, her glowing features. She was in raptures—definitely not too ‘cool’ to show enthusiasm. So refreshing.

‘Youhaveto hold this little honey,’ she told him, all wide eyes and huge smile.

‘I sure do.’ He caught her eye briefly and then carefully took the tiny animal from her.

He knew she felt the sizzle—her flush gave her away.

‘It’s justadorable,’ Stephanie said, staying near him to look down at the weirdest-looking little thing ever.

Jack knew they were timid creatures that curled up like hedgehogs when frightened. And, like hedgehogs, they had little spikes to warn off attackers. A very showy defence mechanism that kind of reminded him of someone else with painted armour.

Eventually the director spoke. ‘I’m so sorry, but I’m going to need to get back to my office—and this wee one needs some rest.’

‘Of course—thank you so much. We don’t want to take up any more of your time,’ Jack said smoothly.

‘I’ll get one of our volunteers to come down in case you have any more questions. You can stay as long as you like.’ The woman smiled broadly at them both. ‘And, Jack, thank you once again for your generosity.’

She put the echidna back into its cage and left.

Jack couldn’t resist going up close to take another look at it.

‘I thought you preferred to see creatures in their natural habitat?’ Stephanie teased.

‘She’ll be back in the wild once she’s big and healthy enough. Everyone needs help sometimes.’

‘You know these babies are called puggles?’ Stephanie brushed against him as she stood beside him. ‘Socute.’

‘Uh-huh.’

He wasn’t looking at the echidna. He was looking at the very sexy piece of femininity beside him. She was so hot and she had no clue. Or maybe she did. Because her green-blue eyes had turned smoky.

‘You could at leastpretendto be interested,’ she said edgily.

‘I’m fully interested,’ he protested. ‘Utterly enthralled. Everyinchof my attention is snared—’

‘You’reSteffi Leigh!’A high-pitched squeal interrupted them.

Jack turned and pulled on an automatic smile as a girl walked across the room, looking as buzzed as if she’d had a surprise party put on for her. Maybe in her late teens, she wore a khaki tee shirt that had ‘Emerald Springs Wildlife Hospital Volunteer’ emblazoned across it.

‘Yes, I am.’ Stephanie smiled at her. ‘You follow me online?’

‘OfcourseI do. Wealldo,’ the girl practically sang. ‘This is so cool—I can’t believe you’re here. Can I get a picture with you?’

For a split second he wondered if Stephanie would say no—given the whole lack of make-up thing. Not to mention the pyjamas.

‘Absolutely.’ Stephanie smiled at the girl. ‘With the puggle as well? Gotta go for the cute factor, right?’

She sent Jack a look.

‘You want me to take the photo?’ He stepped up and took the phone from the girl.

‘Yes, please,’ Stephanie beamed, leaning in close to the volunteer.

‘Is he your boyfriend?’ the girl whispered—too audibly—to Stephanie as they posed together beside the echidna’s cage.

‘No, I don’t have a boyfriend.’ Stephanie maintained her camera-ready smile, but the flush in her cheeks deepened.

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