“A day’s drive.”
She rubbed the mastiff’s ears and looked long and hard into the dog’s big brown eyes. As a werewolf, Laina could communicate dog-to-dog through smell, sound, and body position, but those things weren’t as specific as human words. For example, by the vacant emptiness behind Milo’s pupils, she could tell that he’d been through a distressing experience recently. But she couldn’t read his mind and had no idea what that experience was. Whatever his last owner’s emergency, it had left its mark on Milo in more ways than simply adjusting to a new owner.
“Can you give him twenty-four hours here? I’ll administer some IV fluids and run a few blood tests. If all goes well, he should be good to go tomorrow.”
The man retrieved his phone from his back pocket and stared at his calendar app for the better part of a minute. Even from across the examination table, Laina could see he was booked solid. Would he clear that mess of a schedule for a dog he’d owned a couple days?
“If you think that’s what he needs, I’ll plan to spend the night in Carlton City.”
“I do,” she said softly, her heart warming. Attractive and an animal lover.
He stroked a hand over Milo’s side. “Okay. Do what you need to do.”
“Perfect. We’ll get started.” She helped Becca get Milo off the table and through the door to the procedure room. “If you’d like to wait out front, Becca will check you out and take your number so we can contact you when he’s ready.”
“Actually…” The man scratched the back of his head, the deep forest scent filling her nostrils once again.
That was definitely pine and cedar. An outdoorsy type, just like her. Well, not just like her. He didn’t sprout a nose and tail during the full moon. Had he been hiking? Fishing?
“I was hoping I could take you to dinner,” he blurted, shifting from foot to foot. “I don’t know anyone in Carlton City, and since I’ll be here tonight waiting on Milo, I thought… It would be nice to have some company if you’re interested.” The man tucked a hand into a back pocket in a way that was both casual and endearing. Was it possible to be jealous of someone else’s hand?
It took her a second to process what he was asking. “Sorry, what?”
“Dinner. Would you like to eat with me?” He cocked an unbelievably sexy eyebrow.
“Are you asking me out?” The question erupted from her mouth with an unpleasant aftertaste. She’d blurted out the words as though his invitation had annoyed her. She wasn’t annoyed; she was flabbergasted.
“I’d love to hear what you know about raising a mastiff.” He gave a breathy laugh, rubbing his slightly stubbled chin.
Ah, that was it. He needed advice on the new dog. Made sense and explained his interest in her. “Sure. Why not?”
“Around seven?”
“Seven it is!” She bobbed her head awkwardly.
“I saw a place called Valentine’s driving into town. Is it good?”
“The best. I’ll meet you there. We can stop back here to check on Milo afterward.”
“It’s a date,” he said, opening the door that led to the waiting room.
Her heart jumped slightly at the worddate, and she quickly reminded herself he was just passing through town. This wasn’t arealdate. “I didn’t even catch your first name,” she said before he could leave. “It’s not on the chart.”
“Kyle.” His hazel eyes crinkled slightly at the corners when he smiled. “Nice to meet you, Dr. Flynn.”
“Laina.” She scratched the side of her cheek, catching a glimpse of fingernails badly in need of a manicure. She stuffed her hand into her pocket.
He nodded. “See you at seven, Laina.”
ChapterTwo
Three days earlier...
Kyle Kingsley stared at his brother Nate across their father’s failing body and tried to deal with all the awkward and uncomfortable going on inside his chest. Holed up in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, Kyle had more questions than answers about the man who’d brought him into this world but had spent so little effort seeing him through it. Only, the time for questions was long gone.
“The lawyers are meeting on the Tanaka deal tomorrow. They’ll want to revise the paperwork. Dad’s name will be replaced by mine unless you have a problem with that.” Nate’s dress shirt and tie clashed with the general rustic appeal of the cabin but perfectly matched the brash ambition in his eyes.
“You mean, will I contest your claim to the throne?” Kyle shifted forward in his chair, his eyes falling on the dog who’d stayed curled by his father’s side for two days now.Fuck, the thing was gigantic.What the hell were they going to do with the dog?
