I paused at the thought, screwdriver in hand. Fuck. Since we were together—yeah, we hadn’t used a term, but as far as I was concerned he was mine—how the fuck did everything work? I groaned, hating the spike in my adrenaline. It was the key reason I’d tried to keep my distance by not wanting to start anything. I scoffed. Look at how well that worked out, asshole.
I cracked my neck, urging rational thought to my brain. I detested having to take money from him to fix up his house, but then, as I glanced around the room and considered everything that needed to be done, the reality was it wasn’t as simple as a paint job or even fitting a kitchen. It was months’ worth of work. We’d agreed on the price, and I had no choice but to follow through. While I’d love nothing more than to be able to step up and be all chivalrous and shit, I had rent and bills to pay. Life would be easier once I finally sold my old place, which was almost complete. In the meantime, not wanting to accept payment was something that I’d have to get over.
An irritating voice in my head whispered the possibility of everything going haywire, but I refused to think of that as an option. Admittedly we’d had just a weekend together, but we’d had a couple of months of spending time with each other virtually every day. There were many things I was sure of in my life and my growing feelings for Carter were just a few among them.
Chapter Twelve
CARTER
I’d walked past Scott twice so far this morning, and I didn’t even receive a sneer. I took that as a win, but it did little to ease the tension sitting in my gut or in my shoulders. I wondered whether Tanner would be up to giving me a massage when I got home. I smirked at the thought as I stirred sugar into my coffee.
“It’s all the talk, you know.”
I turned and looked at Lauren.
“You and the hottie.” She headed to the fridge, pulled out some creamer, and then made her way over to me.
I kept my face neutral. “Hottie?” I asked and blew on my coffee.
“No pleading ignorance. Spill.” She turned squinty eyes at me, ones I assumed were meant to be intimidating.
My lips curved and formed into a wide smile. It was impossible not to when I thought about my weekend. “That would be Tanner.”
Her eyes widened, and a dirty grin appeared on her face. “You sly dog. The guy who’s doing up your place?”
I nodded. “One and the same.”
“And now doing you apparently!” She laughed loudly, and I snorted hard.
I took a quick glance at the clock. I still had five minutes before my next appointment. So far I’d had no cancellations either, so I assumed it was all good. I took a seat while Lauren made herself a drink.
“So handholding and sweet kisses.” A light sigh escaped her lips. “When did this all happen? ’Cause, I gotta say, I’m pissed you didn’t tell me, and damn, you said he was good-looking, but, Carter, you’ve been holding out on me. He’s smoking, and… did you see his muscles?”
I grinned and nodded again. I’d spent countless hours licking every single inch of his body over the weekend and knew every muscle the man possessed. I’d become pretty fond of one in particular, the one that made me chant and scream his name. I closed my eyes at the thought, willing myself to behave and not react. “I didn’t realize you’d seen him this morning,” I countered, needing to brush aside any talk of Tanner’s delectable body. “Where were you?”
“Oh, I was there. I had just pulled up when you headed inside. I may have rushed and got my jacket caught in the car door.” She laughed. “But heck, I needed to see what was going on. In all the time we’ve known each other, I’ve never known you to date. It’s just so amazing.” She reached out her hand and squeezed mine as she sat.
Warmth settled over me like a welcome blanket. While Lauren could be a bit full-on at times, her heart was always in the right place. “Hell, you’re excited. I’m freakin’ ecstatic,” I admitted. She was the closest friend I’d had since moving, so while I still kept many cards close to my chest, there were some areas in my life I willingly gushed over. Tanner was one of those.
“So are you guys serious?”
I chuckled. “Geez, Lauren, it’s been one weekend of hotness.”
“I know,” she interrupted, “but you’ve known him for a while now, right? And seem to spend a lot of time with the guy.”
Nodding, I contemplated how exactly to describe my relationship with Tanner. “Yeah, we do spend most evenings and some weekends together. And heck, I like him a lot. This past weekend was incredible. I’m not sure we’re ready to put a name on it though.” The thought of having that conversation with him made my stomach dip. There was no way to look cool or even at ease when asking “Will you go steady with me?” I internally groaned at the embarrassment to come.
“Yeah, I get it. So tell me, how’d it finally happen?”
I hadn’t told Lauren the extremity of the situation with Scott. While she was aware of the appointment issue, she hadn’t witnessed any of the vileness that he’d thrown my way. I’d kept that quiet, not wanting to cause a ripple. In just a month or so, Denver would be back so Scott would be out of there, and everything would be just fine.
I shrugged noncommittally. “We had a couple of drinks Friday night, and the rest fell into place.”
“Or Tanner fell into your bed, you mean.”
I grinned. “He did that.” I glanced at the time. “I best get going.”
“Okay. I want more details at some point though.” Her smile was wide and infectious, so it was impossible to keep my smirk at bay when I left the room, throwing her a quick wink as I went.
Making my way to collect my next appointment, I touched my iPad with the schedule details on and tried not to wince. “Mrs. Trent?” I looked around the waiting room and spotted the gray-haired woman with a cage on her lap. I kept the grin fixed on my face as she glanced over, while I surreptitiously eyeballed the carrycase latch.
Leading Mrs. Trent to the consultation room, I prepared myself for dealing with her demon cat. The irony of Mr. Snuggles’s name was not lost on me. “So,” I asked as she placed the cage on the metal table and I closed the door, “how may I help you today?”
“Well, Doctor Falon,” she started as she unlocked the cage, and I did everything in my power to remain rooted to the spot and not take a step back, “Mr. Snuggles has an eye full of pus.” I kept my face neutral while she continued. “It came on last night, and I really can’t handle my baby being so uncomfortable.” I nodded in what I hoped was perceived as sympathy and not “get your crazy-ass cat out of here.”
“I see.” I offered her a tentative quirk of my lips. “Can you place him on the table and hold him firmly for me?” It seemed I was going in, and within easy biting distance.
I edged toward the table once Mrs. Trent had Snuggles in her grip. At my movement, the cat turned his sharp gaze on me. I was certain the animal mocked me, looking innocent until I was close enough he’d be able to claw me.
Taking his head between my palms, I released a breath when he didn’t immediately try to bite my finger off. His eye was infected, so he would need some drops. “Okay.” I stepped back. “A course of eyedrops should do the trick.” I smiled, practically lightheaded at having gone through the quick exam unscathed. A first.
Patting her cat, Mrs. Trent nodded and offered me a sweet smile. “Thanks, Doctor.”
I grinned and turned to get the drops. Unlocking one of the medicine cabinets where we stored standard supplies, I tapped the information into my iPad and hit Print. A moment later, the sticky label with instructions was secured and I was ready to usher Mrs. Trent and Snuggles out of there.
As I turned to hand the medication over, Mrs. Trent spoke. “Can you apply the first ones for me, please? You’re so good with him.”
My eyes widened in horror, and my fixed grin was back, so tight my face muscles screamed at me. “Sure.” The words spilled out unplanned as I reluctantly edged closer to the demon cat.
The next four min
utes were epic-battle worthy. From the evil glint in Snuggles’s eyes, it was as if he’d planned the whole thing.
By the time I ushered Mrs. Trent and her demonic pet out, I had a multitude of scratches on my hands, some releasing steady drips of blood, and I was sure I had a couple on my face too. Before I was able to inspect the damage, my iPad beeped. I looked down and saw a last-minute appointment had been added. I glanced at the time, relieved I should be able to fit this one in before Tanner returned for our lunch date. My stomach did an immediate flip in excitement, and my dick twinged. Not the best reaction considering I had to step out into the waiting room and collect my next patient.
Quickly washing my hands, wincing at the cuts, I dabbed a paper towel across my face. The white towel came away with small drops of crimson. I rolled my eyes, thinking that if Scott was going to continue to steal my clients, it could happily be Mr. Snuggles.
Straightening myself, relieved my sore hand had calmed my erection, I opened the folder for more information on my next appointment as I left the examining room.
Rex, apparently.
I scanned for more details as I walked. It was a new client, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, age approximately two years old. I glanced around the waiting room; Rex was easy to spot. He was damn pony size. I never got over the fact of how huge these dogs were, nor how soft they could be.
“Rex.” My eyes then drifted to the owner, and I grinned.
Tanner stood, a wide grin spread across his face. “Hey.”
I tilted my head, my gaze drifting between Rex and Tanner, my grin still wide. “Do you want to come through?” I indicated the corridor behind me and watched as he stood, patting the dog’s head and offering him words of reassurance. My stomach flipped. He was so gorgeous.
Heading toward me, his smile became a smirk as he looked me up and down. His eyes lingered briefly on my face, focusing on my small scratches. I shrugged them off and beamed. It took all my willpower to lead him away rather than leaning in to kiss him. Clearing my throat, I led him to the examination room. “So,” I started once he was in the room and I’d closed the door behind him, “who do we have here?”
Tanner was crouched down next to Rex. He planted a kiss on the dog’s head and stroked him gently. “Meet Rex.”
Strangely, the two made an adorable pair. I snorted at the thought, earning me a raised brow from Tanner. It seemed like a bizarre word choice for him. Sexy, rugged, those rolled easier off the tongue, but still—
I took a slow step toward Rex and Tanner. While Rex was neither growling nor cowering, the breed was known for their stubbornness and protectiveness. Since Tanner had never mentioned picking up a dog, I could only assume he’d been this morning and had then collected Rex. That being the case, the dog wouldn’t have formed an attachment yet, but he was bound to be nervous.
“So, what’s this guy’s story?” I kneeled in front of them both and flicked my gaze at Rex and then Tanner. I didn’t attempt to reach out to Rex, waiting instead for him to give me a good sniff and then approach me.
Tanner’s eyes filled with excitement. “I got a call just as I was starting work on the drywall saying this guy had arrived and was in need of a home and ready to be collected.” He scratched the dog’s ear as he continued, “I’ve been on their list for months now, so had already been approved. He was literally brought in this morning, and since they had all of Rex’s paperwork and background, they wanted to rehome him immediately.”
Joy surrounded every word he spoke. It was impossible not to get caught up in his enthusiasm. I smiled, my focus fixed on him.
“The dog’s owners just split. They’re both leaving their area, a couple of towns over, and were due to drop Rex off with his new owners. It seemed the new owner they’d had in place had a change of heart. So here he is.”
“And here he is indeed.” Smiling, I immediately considered the positive ramifications of Tanner having a pet. It meant he was settled, right? With no immediate plans to uproot and leave town? I glanced at Rex as he stood and edged closer to me and gave a good sniff. Since his tail wasn’t lowered between his legs, I assumed he was feeling calm and more comfortable in his strange environment. Rex then nudged my hand. I stroked behind his ear, happy I’d passed his inspection. “He’s gorgeous,” I said. “Were you wanting him checked over?”
Tanner nodded. “Yeah, please. His paperwork says he’s up-to-date with his shots and stuff.” He pulled folded papers from his back pocket and handed them to me. Before I took them, his thumb caressed my hand. My eyes shot to his and I grinned, my skin flushing from the contact. I opened the paperwork, skimming the information as he continued, “I just wanted you to check him over and make sure everything is fine.” My gaze lifted at his words. He shrugged, looking decidedly sheepish. “Fuck, I feel like a new dad or some crap. I’m all nervous and excited.” He chuckled.
A little piece of me melted. Tanner had already proved over our weekend together he could do gentle and caring just as well as he could do rough and protective. But this Tanner, the man filled with nervous, excited energy, was a whole new ballgame. My heart flipped. I was already en route to falling hard for him, not unexpected considering all the time we’d spent together. But Christ, after he admitted his feelings, after witnessing his emotions for the unwanted Rex, I was unable to deny that I’d arrived at the destination of being hopelessly in love with the man.
Swallowing back my emotions, I took the time to get myself in check. After just one weekend of being more than friends was hardly the time to be declaring myself. My smile was genuine when I finally got myself under control. “I get it.” I reached out and squeezed his hand. “This is wonderful. Rex is wonderful. You’ll be a great team.”
Tanner didn’t try to contain his excitement. His eyes were bright, and a buzz of energy surrounded him. It was a look I could happily get used to. He tugged my hand gently. Not enough to make me take a step forward, but enough to extend my arm closer to his body. Then he turned my wrist and pressed his lips to my sensitive flesh.
“Thank you.” While a smirk chased his words, his voice had lowered, and more serious eyes peered over at me.
I cleared my throat, tried to calm my fluttering heart, and pressed my lips together, a grin still tugging at them. “Okay”—I reluctantly pulled my arm away—“let’s have a look, shall we?” I eyed Rex with a quirk of my lips. He eyed me right back as if trying to work me out. I could only imagine the extra scents and tension in the room after I’d all but swooned over Tanner’s words. “You comfortable holding on to Rex?”
I glanced at Tanner, who nodded. “He seems to be already so comfortable with you. Impressive,” I appraised.
Edging back in front of Rex, Tanner moved to Rex’s head and gave calming murmurs of reassurance. While Rex had allowed me to give him an ear rub, it didn’t mean we were yet friends, and I had no desire to be at the end of his growls.
“That’s because he’s a good boy, and I was also told about his weakness for salmon,” Tanner admitted.
I contained my laughter, not wanting to startle Rex, and shook my head. “Salmon, really?” Brushing Rex’s coat, I carried out a basic exam while Tanner responded.
“Yeah, not the cheap tinned stuff either.” Laughter chased his words. “Typical, right? This dog’s going to cripple me.” He ruffled Rex’s ears and placed a kiss on his head. I watched on in wonder as I continued my exam. Their bond seemed pretty immediate. I was so glad for Tanner. He’d mentioned wanting a dog a few weeks back, but I hadn’t realized how much.
I wondered what had driven him to the decision in the first place. I loved dogs; they were my first choice for pet selection. For me, it was definitely the desire for companionship that drove my desire for a pet. Life could get lonely at times, especially in the town I’d decided to call home. Maybe it was the same for Tanner.
I stood and headed to my iPad and entered a few notes from my quick exam, and updated the details from the paperwork Tanner had handed me.
“All good?” he asked.
I turned and nodded. “Perfect.” Grabbing a dog treat from the container on the counter, I offered it to Rex. “Sorry, buddy, it’s not salmon, but it’s all I’ve got.” Tanner laughed, and I threw him a wink as Rex carefully took the treat from my hand.
“Thanks for fitting us in.”
I grinned. “I had an opening, and I have to say, it’s the best surprise of my day.”
He quirked his brow. “Is that so?”
“Yep.” I nodded and then looked at the time. It was lunch.
Tanner’s gaze followed mine, landing on the clock. “Well let’s see if I can up that ‘best surprise’ to a fucking incredible one, shall we?” His smirk was mischievous.
Both my brows shot up. His confidence and playfulness were so sexy.
“Let me settle the bill, and I’ll wait for you outside for—”
“No need.” I grinned. “Your money’s no good here.” Instead of a smile, his mouth dipped, and he frowned. “What? What’s wrong?”
Tanner took a step toward me, stopping so we were virtually toe to toe. I had to angle my head slightly to look into his eyes. “I don’t need you to do that. I can pay.”
“Let me do this.” I reached out a tentative hand and brushed my thumb across his lips. It was unlike me to initiate contact, especially with the newness of our relationship, but heck, how could I be expected to be so close and not touch him?
Before I could pull away, he snagged my hand with his free one, the other holding Rex’s lead. With his gaze fixed on mine, once more he brushed his lips against my wrist; this time a flick of his tongue chased the action. “Thank you.” His voice was gruff and sounded like sex.
I bit my bottom lip, and I wasn’t quite sure if it was to hold back the groan from his kiss and gesture or to stop myself from giggling like a schoolboy and thinking his voice was sex. What does that even mean?
Tanner’s eyes widened; this time mirth played in them. He released my hand, placed his thumb on my lip, and tugged lightly to free it. “Something funny?”
Let Me Show You Page 9