“He’s still pretty groggy.”
“That’s because he’s on an IV. I’d like to keep him overnight again, and if everything is looking as good as it is now, you can bring him home tomorrow.” Suddenly feeling awkward and exposed, she pressed the clipboard against her chest.
The corner of his mouth tugged upward as his gaze rested on the form holder for a second then slowly traveled up to her lips.
“That’s great news, Doc.”
She cleared her throat. “I’m sure you’re both anxious to get back to your routine.” Scribbling notes in the chart, she feigned indifference even though she was acutely aware of his presence.
“Do I make you nervous?” His voice was like a low roll of thunder.
Glancing up, she shook her head. “Not at all.” Inside, her nerves were snapping, but a cool smile spread across her face.
He took two steps toward her, making her stomach twist into a knot.
“Are you sure about that?” he whispered.
Not knowing what to say, she just stood there grinning like a damn fool.
“Dr. Stanford, we have an emergency. Dr. Jenkins needs you to take his appointment in Room Six.”
“I’m coming,” Autumn said as she placed the clipboard on the hook. She quickly walked over to Oscar’s cage and read the charts before rushing out of the room.
For the next forty-five minutes she hurried from room to room, tending to her patients as well as Mark Jenkins’. After administering a shot to a large tabby, a deafening roar rattled the windows of the examination room.
“What’s that?” the tabby’s owner asked.
“I have no idea,” she replied as she walked over to the window. Autumn sucked in a small gasp as she watched Chains turn around the black motorcycle she’d admired earlier that morning.I should’ve figured the Harley belonged to him.She watched him until she couldn’t see the bike anymore.
“They should make it against the law for people to have such loud motorcycles,” Patty Timbers said as she picked up her cat.
“I’m pretty sure there’s a law against it,” Autumn said, turning away from the window.But he wouldn’t care about that.A small laugh escaped through her lips.
“The police are never around when you need them.” Patty placed a kiss on top of her cat’s head.
“I’ll see you in six months for Othello’s next shot.” Autumn pulled off a pair of nitrile gloves, then tossed them in a bin next to the sink before walking out of the room.
The rest of the day was so busy that Autumn and the rest of the vets didn’t have time to take more than a ten-minute break. Mercifully, she’d didn’t have any extra time to think about the unnerving encounter she’d had that morning with Chains. There was this vibe in the air between them she couldn’t quite put into words. It felt like high school all over again, and it angered and confused her. Autumn had never felt this drawn or attracted to a man she didn’t know, and the fact that she and Bret were getting married in less than three months made the guilt factor overwhelming.
Tomorrow Thor’s going home, so that will be it. I need to concentrate on the wedding.Autumn looked at the clock, then rushed over to the closet. “Dammit! I’ve got to be at the bakery.” She hurried out of the room, telling Mary that she had an appointment and to call her if anything came up before she came back to the animal clinic.
Her day had been so full that Autumn had forgotten to call Bret to see if he still planned on meeting her to discuss the design of the wedding cake. She rummaged through her tote when she got into the car and dug out her phone, quickly tapping in his number.
“What’s up?” he said on the second ring.
“I forgot to remind you that we have an appointment at Gateaux for the cake. Are you still planning to go?”
“Of course. I told you I’d be there. I don’t need you to remind me.”
She bit the inside of her cheek.
“Are you on your way?” he asked.
“Yes. I’m running a bit behind because it was crazy at the clinic today.”
“I’m just pulling in front of the place.”
“How was your day? Did you finish your work last night?”