He leaned across the table. “Maybe.”
I wanted to close the distance and steal a kiss from him right there in the middle of the restaurant, but something held me back. Everything about my attraction and growing connection with Alex had felt different somehow, and I didn’t want to cheapen the moment by making our first kiss something chaste and meaningless where everyone could see. For once, I wanted to wait.
At least… for a little bit.
“All right. We need to finish up. There’s a park nearby that I want to walk through. It’s small, don’t worry, so we’ll head home to the dogs soon. But this time of year, it’s just beautiful, and I thought you’d like it.”
He squeezed my hand in agreement.
It was probably just my crush talking, but I could’ve sworn I heard a soft “I will if you’re there.”
A few minutes later, we pulled into the parking lot of the park and Alex gave me a shy smile as we climbed out. I fought the urge to reach for his hand, already craving more of that brief connection we’d found at the deli. I still couldn’t resist stepping in closer as we walked and was relieved when he didn’t pull away. Alex seemed less rushed to get back to Roxy than he had before we ate, so our steps were slow and casual.
Each time we stopped to admire the rich red and yellow leaves on the trees, I felt his cool hands brush against mine and had to fight that same temptation to take it. Instinctively, I knew Alex needed more time to let the idea of us settle in, so our stroll never became more than just us sharing the same space. And, strangely, I was okay with that. I wanted more with him, but I was also content to just let thingsbe.At least, for now.Besides, if Alex’s smile was anything to go by, he was happy with the turn of events too.Soon, Vaughn. Soon.
9
“Hey Vaughn,” my part-time assistant, Grace, said after I’d finished with a patient. “Jim Milton called. He said he needs to reschedule.”
I tried not to sigh. “Again?”
She shrugged. “I know. I told him I’d talk to you.”
“Well, did he say why? I can’t keep moving things around for him.”
“No. Just said he needed it.”
Melanie shuffled in from the back room, tying a long bathrobe around herself. I would’ve laughed, except after the first heavy frost of the season, it really was kind of chilly in the building today. Which was why I was trying to get done early today so I could head into town.
“You want to know what I think it might be?” Grace asked cautiously. Melanie and I both looked at her. “I think it’s because he can’t afford the medication.”
I leaned against the counter, caught off guard by her observation. “What makes you say that?”
“My mom is friends with his wife, so I know they’ve had a rough year. Their barn needed major repairs a few months ago and I know Diane has had to go to the doctor several times. So I’m sure this is just another bill to cover, you know?”
I bit my lip. If there was anything I hated in this world, it was not being able to help an animal just because their owner couldn’t afford it. The Miltons’ dog, Bandit, was prone to bladder infections due to an imbalance in his system and the medications helped him from living in constant pain.
Melanie put one hand on her hip and stared directly at me. “You know what I’m about to say, don’t you?”
I looked away.
“Vaughn.”
“Iknow,” I grumbled, hating that she knew me so well. Glancing at Grace, I said, “Call him back and tell him I’ll waive the exam fee. That will offset the cost of the medication. As long as Bandit hasn’t had any recent flare-ups, we can get away with doing a smaller dose for now so it won’t cost as much either, but he’ll need to come back in November for a follow-up. No exceptions.”
Grace nodded, obediently picking up the phone, while Melanie patronized me with her stare.
“What! It’s a fair trade,” I said.
She didn’t answer, instead gesturing for the file I was holding in my hand. “Is that Buddy’s?”
“Yes. He’ll be back in a week, and he might need surgery if his eye doesn’t improve.”
“Got it. I’ll get him scheduled.”
“Thanks. I guess if Bandit isn’t coming in, I’ll head out early. I need to get a few things in town. Call me if you need me.”
“Sure. Are you taking Alex?” she asked.
