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“A little too fast, if you ask me.” Devon frowned pensively. “Either I’m a lot hotter than I realized or those guys want to stick close to me for a reason.”
“To find out Mom’s whereabouts.”
“That would be my guess.” A final sip of coffee. “Plus, there’s major rivalry between James and Blake. I’m stepping in the middle of an interesting testosterone war—a fight to see who breaks down my defenses first, and who ultimately scores points with Grandpa.” She set down her mug. “Wish me luck.”
“Good luck. And Dev?” Lane stopped her as she headed toward the door. “I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the idea that sexual agendas factor into their motivation. They’re male. And you’re a lot higher up on the hot scale than you realize. I should know. For the past ten years, I’ve been the one scaring off men with my stop-undressing-my-sister-with-your-eyes-or-I’ll-punch-your-lights-out glare.”
Devon’s lips twitched. “Sorry to be so much trouble.”
“Well, you are. And, as if that’s not bad enough, I have to do a repeat performance with Merry. Couldn’t one of you have inherited Dad’s looks instead of Mom’s?”
“One of us did—you. And, trust me, it’s no deterrent. Women have been drooling over your dark, dangerous sex appeal since you reached puberty.”
“We’re not talking about me. We’re talking about you. Be careful.”
Devon snapped off a salute. “Yes, sir.”
THIRTY MINUTES LATER, she jumped into her royal blue Mazda Miata, backed out of her assigned parking space, and headed off to work.
A dark maroon coupe inched out from behind the snowbank that had concealed it from view. Pulling onto the road, it followed Devon’s convertible at a discreet distance.
IT WAS TEN fifteen and Devon had just finished reviewing some follow-up X-rays on a collie whose leg she’d set, when Gil, her veterinary tech, poked his head in.
“There’s a guy named Blake Pierson to see you.”
No surprise there. “Is he with or without his golden retriever?” she asked.
“With. They’re touring the place—evidently, on your recommendation. Can you break away?”
“Sure.” Devon gestured at the X-ray screen. “These look good. Tell Mrs. Goble that Shep’s doing fine. He’ll be walking on that leg again in a few weeks.”
She headed out of the X-ray room and walked down to the reception area.
Blake was standing at the desk, glancing over the clinic’s brochure. Chomper was sprawled on the floor beside him, gnawing at his training leash. He spotted Devon instantly. Lurching to his feet, he yanked at the leash and barked, his tail wagging with great zeal.
Blake regained his balance and looked over at her, a slow smile curving his lips. “Hi.”
“Hi to you both.” Devon squatted down, scratching Chomper’s ears, then reaching into her pocket as he continued to bark. “Translated, that bark means, ‘You’re the lady with the cookie. Where is it?’” She handed it over. “There you go. I’m not n
aive enough to believe you’re thrilled just to see me.”
“Speak for Chomper. Not for his owner.” Blake’s comment was teasing, but his expression was serious.
“Why? Don’t you like peanut butter?”
“Sure I do. But it still comes in second right now.”
Devon acknowledged the compliment with a polite nod and a murmured “Thanks.” She shoved her hands in the pockets of her lab coat. “So, how was your tour?”
“Impressive. The facilities are great. So are the training classes. Chomper and I sat in on a beginner session. ‘Puppy preschool,’ I think it was called.” Blake’s lips twitched. “The name of the class might be amusing, but the instructor was all business. Talk about no-nonsense; I almost heeled on command.”
Devon laughed. “I would have paid to see that. But, yes, our instructors are top-notch. They’re crazy about dogs, but they manage to combine that love with an air of authority. And, of course, skill. When you read our brochure, you’ll see the astounding credentials everyone here has.”
“You’re very proud of this place,” Blake noted. He picked up the brochure, glancing at it before he slipped it in his jacket pocket. “Now I know why. I spotted your name on the list of partners.” He gave her another once-over, this time more assessing than intimate. “I’m guessing that’s quite a coup. You’re young. You can’t be out of veterinary school for long.”
“Two years. And, yes, I’m the youngest partner in the practice. I’m lucky. Dr. Sedwell had enough faith in me to give me this opportunity.”
“I doubt luck had anything to do with it. I checked out Joel Sedwell. He’s a pioneer in the veterinary field. He’s made astonishing strides in animal behavior as well as surgical procedures.”
