Page 3 of A Very Grumpy Veterinarian
My phone buzzes again.
Wells’ eyes narrow as they dart to my pocket.“Something you need to get?”
“Nope.”I paste a smile on my face.“I’ll go prepare the medicine.”
Then I bolt out of the room as if it’s on fire, feeling his eyes on me the whole way.I send up a silent prayer that I make it through the rest of my shift without being alone with Wells.Something tells me he won’t let this drop, so I need an excuse for why I was blushing at a text message.
Holly calls me up to the front to fix the printer as I finish preparing the syringes.It’s always jamming, and I’m the only one who can coax it back to life.I trade tasks with her, and she goes to exam room two to help Dr.Bennett.
I manage to make it through the rest of my shift without being alone with him.That doesn’t stop him from staring at me, though.I can feel his eyes on me all day.
By the time the clinic closes, I’m half hoping he stays and half dreading it if he does.I’m not prepared to answer his questions.
I wave goodbye to Holly and Claire, then check on the animals staying overnight for observation.I spend a few minutes with each, evaluating their condition before moving on to the next crate.
When I’m finished, I return to the front office to answer any leftover emails from today and tidy the desk.
I’m on the overnight shift today in case of emergencies.In a small town like Wolf Valley, one person has to stay every week until at least 10 PM.This ensures that the animals in boarding get their last dose of medicine for the day and that someone is on call for emergencies.After 10 PM, we can go home, and calls are forwarded to our phones.Luckily, we all live within fifteen minutes of the clinic and can get here quickly if needed.In all the years I’ve worked here, I’ve only had to come in twice, so I doubt I’ll be working late tonight.
I glance at the clock as it nears 7 PM and sigh.My stomach grumbles.
As if on cue, the door opens, and Wells walks in carrying a take-out bag of tacos.
I thought he went home for the night, but I guess not.
“You’re working late,” I say, trying to sound casual.
“Yeah.”He drops the food in front of me, rounds the desk, sits in the chair beside mine, and nudges the bag toward me.
I open it, pulling out the tacos.
“Dig in,” he orders.
I smile, unwrapping one of the tacos.“Queso.My favorite.”
“I know.”
I pause, glancing at him, trying not to read too much into his comment.He’s probably seen me devouring one at lunch or something.
Grabbing a chip, I dip it in the queso and take a bite.I moan at the cheesiness, and Wells tenses next to me.I blush, embarrassed.
He clears his throat.“Who was texting you earlier?”
I swallow a sigh.Guess he’s not letting that go.“Just a friend.”
“What were you thinking about that made you blush like that?”
My cheeks heat with an answering blush.“I, uh, I can’t remember.”
“Surprising,” he says dryly.“Seemed like something good.”
I stare at him, wondering if he really is a mind reader.His eyes are heated as he meets my gaze, and my whole body throbs with need.
“Nope,” I finally squeak.
He seems disappointed by my answer.
Finishing my taco, I stand to excuse myself.“Just going to wash my hands.”
