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“Why are you here? Why aren’t you with Jeremy?” He was too tired to filter his words.
She smiled. “Because I was on a date with you? Because he has customers and a restaurant to run. Or, because you forgot your dog when you rushed away. Choose the one that suits you best,” she teased.
King wandered over and leaned into his legs.
“Holy crap.” He patted his pet. “I’m sorry boy.” Wait. She was afraid of King. “You brought him home?”
“Well, more like when I started home, he followed me. I couldn’t really leave him behind, so we walked to my place, and got my car.” She made a ta-da gesture. “And here we are. How is the animal you had to help?”
“She’ll be fine,” he said. “I have my tech watching her. How did you get in?”
“I tried the door. It was open.” She shrugged. “Since I was here already, I thought I’d wait until you finished and see if you wanted to continue our date. If you’re not too busy.”
“Definitely not too busy.” Seeing her had revived his flagging energy. If he ate something, he’d be right as rain. “Thanks for coming and thanks for bringing my dog home.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I need to eat. Where would you like to go?” he asked.
“How about I cook for you? It is what I do.” She chuckled.
“I’d like that. My apartment is upstairs. Let’s go up and see what there is to cook. We can get the market to deliver anything else you need.” She’d cooked for him on one of their dates, and he’d eaten at the inn several times. He was excited to have her cook jut for him again. More importantly, he was relieved that she hadn’t been taken in by Jer’s charms. She followed him upstairs, King hot on their heels.
“He’s a good dog,” she said. “Once I was certain I couldn’t get rid of him and I had to take him, he just followed along. He even hopped into the back seat of my car without me forcing him too. He’s much more calm than other dogs.”
He unlocked the door to his apartment and led her inside.
“Oh, this is nice.” Heather said. She looked around the open concept space. “It’s so bright and I love the leather furniture. I never would have guessed this was up here. It’s so spacious. I love the oak cupboards. Do you like living right on top of the office?”
He smiled at the run-on words. She must be nervous.
“I never really thought about it, it’s handy to be this close when I have overnight patients. The yard is great in summer too.” He gestured to the window that overlooked the spacious backyard. “The last vet was a family man.”
She looked out the window. “There are even flower beds and a garden.” She pivoted to mock glare at him. “But they’re empty. Didn’t you plant anything?” she teased.
“When do I have time to garden? Between pitching in at the inn, work, family, dating, I don’t have time for anything else.”
A frown darkened her eyes. He was reminded of the shadows he used to see in her eyes, and realized that over the last week or so, he’d seen those shadows less and less. Maybe she was coming to terms with whatever put them there. Maybe being with him helped. “Of course,” he added, “I’m rather enjoying the dating part. You’re good company.”
He pulled her into his arms with a sigh of relief. He’d missed her and had fretted about her leaving him for Jer.
Shock rocketed through him like a strike of lightning.
Dang it. He was falling for her. He looked her straight in the eye and said, “I missed you, and now I have to kiss you.” He waited several seconds, giving her time to object. Kissing her felt right, like what he needed. What did she need?
“Heather, may I kiss you?”
Her eyes widened in shock. Her pupils dilated and she nibbled her lip before nodding.
He studied her expression, looking for the slightest bit of hesitation. He’d jumped the gun when he kissed her in the kitchen, and again in her apartment. He wasn’t about to make that mistake again. He must have hesitated too long because she lifted her face toward him.
“Stop thinking,” she whispered against his lips.
Electricity shot down his spine. Jolting him to life. Wow! His entire body woke. She leaned into him, tangling her fingers in his hair, and tugging him closer as they kissed. He could do this all day. She felt like coming home.
She’s not yours. You have no right.
Slowly, he backed away and fumbled for what to say.
