Zoe’s pulse raced at the contact, and she hoped Marcy couldn’t feel the tremble in her hand. “No problem. I had no idea how malnourished he was; perhaps I should have brought more.”
“Best not; he clearly hasn’t eaten in a while, and we don’t want to overfeed him.”
Zoe nodded, studying the animal “So, you said the paw was infected?”
“I think so, he keeps licking it. I pulled out a thorn last week, but he’s still limping.”
“How on earth are we going to do it?” Zoe turned to face her, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “And how on earth did you pull that thorn out?”
“With the help of the gardener. It was a challenge, I’ll tell you that. But it might be easier now; he’s weakened, so it won’t be as hard to hold him down.”
“Still, those claws…” Zoe was still puzzled as to how Marcy had managed to approach it in the first place. Wild animals were not exactly easy to wrangle, especially not a lynx.
“Yes, they’re a bit daunting... I thought it would be best to let him eat first. Maybe he’ll allow me to come closer that way. Once he’s eaten and we’ve taken care of that paw, I’ll try to chain him so I can hold him here until the rangers come. I just wanted to do this first in case he escapes. That way his chances will be better.”
“Right. Of course.” Zoe opened her bag and pulled out the pot with shepherd’s purse. “I don’t know whether to hold him down or to apply the cream.”
Marcy nodded toward a pile of tools by the outbuilding. “I have some super strong gardening gloves there and they’re brand-new. I suggest I roll him in a blanket, hold him down with my bodyweight and use both hands to hold his paw. All you have to do is apply it while wearing the gloves, so he doesn’t scratch the fuck out of your hand.”
* * *
Half an hour and a couple of scratches and bruises later, Zoe watched the lynx escape into the overgrowth behind the pool. He – if it even was a ‘he’ – didn’t go far, as she could still hear rustling in the bushes. “Do you think they’ll be able to catch him?”
“I doubt it. It’s a miracle he even comes near me,” Marcy said, wiping the sweat off her brow. “He can barely walk but as soon as he feels threatened, that’s it. And without him being tagged, it’s hard for them to track him down in the dark.”
“Yes, he’s a tough one.” Zoe glanced at Marcy’s arm. It was bleeding, but it didn’t look too serious. Still, they should probably go to the hospital. “Are you in pain?” she asked, looking down at her own ankle that was bleeding too. “We’ll need rabies shots, just in case.”
“I’m okay.” Marcy hesitated, staring hopefully at the overgrowth as if she expected the lynx to reappear again and demand more food. “I’ll go later; I have to stay here and wait for the rangers. But you should go. I’m sorry it took up so much of your time.”
Zoe took her phone out of her handbag and checked her messages. “Nothing from my head chef so far. They clearly don’t need me, so I’ll wait with you.”
“Really?” Marcy’s happy smile was adorable, and Zoe wasn’t sure if this was the best or the worst decision she’d ever made. “He said they were an hour away. It might even take longer; are you sure you can spare the time?”
“Yeah. If I don’t have to be back at work, I might as well keep you company. Besides, I’m worried about your little kitty now, and I want to know if he’s going to be okay.” Zoe unbuttoned her chef whites and smiled back at Marcy. The fight with the lynx had gotten her even sweatier than her morning shift in the kitchen, and she was glad she was wearing a crop top underneath.
“My little kitty?” Marcy laughed. “That’s cute.” Her eyes lowered to Zoe’s cleavage and midriff, and knowing she was busted staring, she immediately looked back up. “I can’t promise you he won’t be gone by the time they get here. He doesn’t exactly have recall.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Zoe said. “I’ve started this with you, and I want to finish it. So, if we’re going to kill time, why don’t you show me that amazing house of yours?” She raised a brow. “Assuming it’s yours?”
“Yes, it’s mine.” Marcy grinned with pride. “You want a tour? You’ll be the first.”
29
“What do you think?” Marcy asked as they walked back towards the glass front of the cave house.
“I think you’ve probably guessed by my reaction that I’m insanely impressed.” Zoe pointed to the sleeping area. “It’s a work of art, especially that corner over there. It just flows so beautifully with the natural shape of the cave.”
“Oh yeah? You like my bed? Want to try it?” Marcy joked. She really needed to stop flirting but Zoe didn’t seem to mind. There was something incredibly sexy about the way she looked today; her chef whites hanging open with the crop top underneath, her toned midriff, the fitted jeans that she’d rolled up, baring small feet with pastel pink toenails and elegant ankles, one graced by a fine, silver chain. The bandana she always wore in her hair was tied in a casual double knot behind her fringe, giving off a fifties pin-up vibe.
“I think I’ll pass on the bed, but I’ll have a beer while we wait, if you have one.”
“I was just going to offer you one.” Marcy chuckled as she opened the fridge and took out two beers. “I don’t have any food, I’m afraid, and I’d be surprised if anyone delivers out here in the sticks as the postcode system is a bit muddled.”
“That’s okay.” Without waiting for her to find an opener, Zoe took the bottle from her and opened it with a coin from her pocket, then took a long drink. “That’s better,” she said, letting out a long sigh as she stepped outside into the early evening sun. “I feel honoured to be the first to see this wonderful place, even if I came over for entirely different reasons.”
“I’m glad you’re here.” Marcy had a spring in her step as she followed Zoe to the edge of the pool. She kicked off her shoes and they sat down, dangling their feet in the water. “I can see his tail,” she said, pointing to her shrubbery.
Zoe followed her gaze and nodded. “I think he feels comfortable around you. Maybe even safe.” She turned and locked her eyes with Marcy’s, then gave her an endearing smile.
