Great. Bailey leaned back. Her head hit the wall. The result—a dull ache.
He was at her side in an instant and touched her shoulder. “You okay?”
“That’s Bailey for you. Always acting without thinking.” Risa’s attention hadn’t left Justin, nor had she missed him touching Bailey. “So you’re here for the Broughton Inn?”
“I am.” He tilted his head toward Bailey. “Except your sister-in-law is trying to get in the way.”
Bailey raised her chin. “And I have succeeded.”
“For now.” His wink caught her off guard.
“Bailey, like all of the Coles, tends to see things from only one side. They’ll fight you to the end whether they’re right or wrong.”
“When have I been wrong?” Bailey asked.
Risa and Justin shared a glance and a smile.
A vet tech called Skippy’s name. Risa headed toward the door. She glanced back. “I’ll be wanting to talk to you later. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
The door shut. A call from her mom should be coming in, oh, five or six minutes, followed by one from Grandma.
Laughter gleamed in Justin’s eyes. “So that’s your grandmother’s matchmaking apprentice? Guess I should expect a call for dinner soon?”
His words brought a much-needed smile to Bailey’s face.
“Risa is as subtle as your grandmother and great-aunt,” he continued. “I was waiting for her to ask my height, weight, IQ and yearly income.”
Bailey grimaced. “My family is insane. The women set me up, and the men scare the guys away.”
“Does your sister fix people up?”
“No way. Camden’s not interested in having a relationship at all. All she cares about is fishing.”
“So then it’s not the Coles who like setting people up, but the ones who marry into the family.”
“I hope that means I’ll never become one of them. But related by blood or not, they are family, and I’m stuck with them.”
“They care about you.”
“In a nosy-I-know-what’s-best-for-you way.” She thought about kissing him. A flush of heat went up her neck. “Do you think Risa saw us...?”
“No. Only the cat. So unless Skippy can talk or was wearing a GoPro camera to film a cat’s view of a vet visit and be the next YouTube sensation, we’re safe. Unless you want to kiss me again.”
“No way. Not with Risa here. I already know she’s going to tell my family I was here with you.”
“Could be some major fallout.”
“Grandma and Aunt Ida Mae will be happy.”
“Don’t forget Tyler.”
Bailey had. “Oh, no. He’s going to flip.”
This was not going to be good. For her. She looked at Justin. Or for him.
Chapter 9
Justin had paced the animal clinic’s waiting room so many times he knew the length and width and had a pretty good guestimate of the height. Bailey sat on one of the uncomfortable chairs, a worried expression on her face.
Buddy? Her family? A combination?
All Justin knew was his relief at having Bailey here with him to wait, to hold his hand, to kiss him. If not for Bailey and her family, he doubted he would want to adopt a dog.
Hell, he wasn’t even sure what he was going to do with Buddy. But if no owner claimed him and he recovered from whatever they’d spent hours working on him in the back, Justin wanted him.
A forever home. That was what Bailey had called it.
He could do that.
Maybe Buddy would give new meaning to the word “home,” too.
A blonde who looked to be in her early thirties and wore green surgical scrubs entered the waiting room through one of the doors. She carried a clipboard.
“I’m Dr. Nora Hayworth.” She had bright green eyes. “You brought in Buddy?”
“Yes.” Justin stood and helped Bailey up, not that she needed his assistance, then introduced them. “How is he doing?”
“For what he’s likely gone through, he’s holding his own. We didn’t find a microchip, and Buddy’s unaltered.”
“Unaltered?” Justin asked.
“Buddy hasn’t been neutered. Most owners spay or neuter their animals, which means he’s likely abandoned or always been a stray.” The vet ran down her notes. “We’ve cleaned him, run blood tests and taken X-rays. His leg isn’t broken, but his wound is infected. He’s also underweight and dehydrated. We’ve given him subcutaneous fluids. Once he’s more stable and closer to a proper weight, we can discuss vaccines, heartworm medicine and flea treatment, since we don’t have any medical history on him.”
Justin’s tension lessened. “Whatever he needs.”
“So Buddy needs to stay overnight?” Bailey asked.
“Yes, he’s been on his own for a long time. Possibly since birth. We can make sure he’s hydrated and eating. Small meals are best for now. He’s also going to need to wear a cone so his wound can heal properly.”
All in all, that didn’t sound too bad to Justin. “So, what do I need to do?”
The vet looked at her paperwork. “We can call Animal Control—”
“No,” he said quickly. “If the dog doesn’t have an owner, I want him.”
“Justin’s interested in adopting Buddy,” Bailey said. “Is there anything about Buddy’s personality that he should be aware of?”
“Not that I’ve seen so far,” Dr. Hayworth said. “Buddy’s quite friendly and wants to play. He isn’t that old. Based on his teeth, approximately nine months old. Still a puppy. Likes other dogs and cats and gets along well with the vet techs. His behavior indicates a good disposition.”
Justin felt as if Buddy had brought home a report card full of A’s. “That’s what I wanted to hear, Doc.”
Bailey nodded. “I wish we knew how he ended up alone and injured.”
“Sometimes people don’t understand the responsibilities that go with pet ownership. Puppies are cute, but more work than some realize. Or a person picks the wrong breed for their lifestyle. That leads to dogs being given away, dumped or surrendered at shelters. Other times a dog will escape or get lost. Often a stray will have a litter of puppies.” Dr. Hayworth looked at her notes again. “Any other questions?”
“None from me.” Justin looked at Bailey. “Do you have any?”
“Nope.”
He laced his fingers with Bailey’s and squeezed. “We’re good for now. Thank you.”
“Always a pleasure to see a happy ending. You’re more than welcome to visit him each day he’s here. If there’s a change in his condition, we’ll contact you. Make sure reception has your number.” Dr. Hayworth left the waiting room.
Justin released a loud breath and Bailey’s hand. “Sounds like Buddy’s going to be okay.”
“Great news.” Her grin made him feel warm, as if he were still touching her. “Looks like you’re a doggy daddy. Congrats.”
“I’m going to have to go shopping.”
“You have a couple of days.”
“Right, but I need to find a place to stay that allows dogs.”
“Buddy can stay at my place while you’re in town.”
Justin straightened. “What about Tyler?”
“This isn’t about the inn. Though I’m sure he won’t be happy.” She tilted his head. “I’ll go out when you visit him. That should solve any conflict-of-interest problems.”
“I’ll want to spend a lot of time with him.” Justin would like to spend more time with her, too. “I don’t want Tyler to be upset at you.”
“I love dog-sitting. This will be fun for me. And that’s what I’ll tell my cousin.”
“Thanks so much.” Justin’s smile spread across his face. “That’ll be better for Buddy than boarding him until I go back to Lincoln City. Especially given his
condition. You’re the best.”
“You are, for giving Buddy a home.”
“I need a book on being a dog owner.”
“Lots are out there.”
He put his arm around her. “Plus, I have you.”
* * *
Each day, Buddy got stronger, put on weight, healed. Thanks to help from Bonnie, the clinic’s receptionist, Bailey timed her visits to avoid Justin. That was the only way to keep Tyler’s wrath, Grandma’s innuendos and her family’s curiosity at bay. Even her mother was asking questions.
After Risa told the entire family at Sunday dinner about seeing Bailey with Justin at the animal clinic, Tyler had given her two more lectures. Not nice ones.
But Bailey had no regrets.
Buddy would be coming to her house soon. No one in her family would know that, a secret she wanted to keep. She crossed her fingers.
Bailey entered the waiting room from the back of the clinic and waved goodbye to Bonnie. “Thanks for the text about when to come in.”
“I’ll do the same tomorrow.” The woman smiled warmly. “Though I don’t know how much longer he’ll be here.”
“I’m getting my house ready.” That meant dog-proofing her cottage and trying to get all paintings done ASAP. She needed to put away her art supplies with a dog—make that a puppy—running around the house. No way would she chance Buddy getting into something toxic. “I can’t wait.”
“Or maybe you can’t wait for Buddy’s owner to pay a visit to your house.”
Her cheeks felt warm. She recognized the flush of heat and hoped her face wasn’t too red. “I’m sure Justin will want to see his boy.”
“No doubt. He’s here three times a day.”
“I had no idea.” But Bailey wasn’t surprised. Even though she hadn’t seen him in a couple of days, she’d picked up bits and pieces of what he’d been doing from people around town. Though she wondered why they thought she cared.
Okay, she did. A little.
The clinic door jingled. “Bailey.”
A chill ran through her. Justin had arrived.
She faced him. “Hey. I was just visiting Buddy.”
Justin’s brow furrowed. “How is he today?”
“His leg is healing.” She jiggled the zipper on her purse. “He’s putting on weight, too. Handsome guy.”
“Takes after his dad.”
“Yes, he does.” The words popped from her mouth like a champagne cork. Oh, no. Had she said that aloud?
His smug smile was proof she had. Great.
He moved toward Bailey, causing her to take two steps back until she bumped into a counter.
He placed a hand on either side of her. “You’re...interesting.”
She leaned back, afraid if she moved forward, he would kiss her. Or maybe she would kiss him. Not good with Bonnie watching them. “That’s like saying I have a good personality.”
“You do.”
“Funny.”
“Come on, I’m kidding.” He leaned close enough that she could feel his warmth and smell the scent of his aftershave. “What I mean is you’re passionate about what you do, yet have a practical streak at the same time.”
She raised her chin, a satisfied feeling settling in the center of her chest. “Not many folks around here call me practical.”
“It’s true.” He lowered his voice. “Got plans tonight?”
“What do you have in mind?” Oops. Her answer should have been yes, she had plans. She wasn’t looking for a date.
“Takeout, then head over to the south point to eat.”
“Hiding from the crowds.”
“I’m not suggesting that for me.”
Okay, more proof he was a good guy. He was aware of her family and others who might see them together. She should still say no. That was what Tyler would want her to do. Except she wanted to say yes. “Sure. Sounds good.”
An act of rebellion or one of attraction? She had no idea, but Bailey wanted to spend more time with Justin.
“Burger Boat or Ying’s Chinese?” he asked.
Dinner sounded like a real date, and that appealed to her. “Ying’s. I feel like some orange chicken.”
And she was curious to see what her fortune cookie said. Her life sure hadn’t been the same since Justin came to town.
* * *
The sun dipped toward the horizon, and an evening breeze traveled over the water. Justin sat on the south end of Haley’s Bay. Summer meant extended daylight. He wanted to make the most of this time with Bailey.
She sat on a rock, finishing up her dinner. “Did you get enough to eat?”
“Plenty. Egg rolls are one of my favorites. Good choice.”
“I like Chinese food.”
Another thing they had in common. “Me, too.”
He only wished the Broughton Inn wasn’t the biggest thing they shared. He stared at the buildings along the waterfront.
The quaint town of Haley’s Bay was growing on him. He glimpsed the facade of the Candy Cove, lit up with white bulb lights. He couldn’t decide if the peanut-butter fudge or the saltwater taffy was his favorite.
“You’re quiet,” she said.
“Long day. One full of surprises.”
“That seems to be most of my days.” Her gaze focused on the marina, making him wonder what artistic image her creative brain was conjuring.
“Come here often?” he asked.
She nodded. “Can’t beat the views. It’s a fun place to hike, too.”
The wind teased her hair, but she didn’t try to smooth or fix the blowing strands. Her casual, careless beauty appealed to him, but he also appreciated her sharp mind and caring heart. Three things that made him want more kisses. “You’re a hiker?”
She wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Hiking is the closest thing I do to a sport, much to the chagrin of my athletic family. Though I enjoy watching the Olympics.”
He laughed. “That’ll keep you in shape.”
“I stand for the National Anthem and jog to the kitchen for snacks during commercials,” she joked. “Seriously if I don’t keep myself busy, I morph into a couch potato. I’m trying to cut back on sugar, eat healthier. If not for good genes and a fast metabolism, I’d be in trouble. Unlike you. Let me guess. Runner?”
He nodded. “Triathlons.”
“My brother Flynn does those.”
“He’s the one in the navy.”
She nodded. “Swimming, biking and running on the same day seems like torture to me, but he enjoys the challenge. You must, too.”
“Nothing like it. Challenging and rewarding.”
“I’ll take your word on that.” One corner of her mouth rose in a sideward smile. “My idea of a triathlon is parking my car in a compact spot, walking into the ice cream parlor and eating a Scoop-a-licious Super Sundae with two cherries on top. Of course, I’d need to be rolled back to my car afterward, so maybe I should call that a quadrathlon.”
She really was something. He took a step toward her. “I’ve done those, too, with an added kayak, but I like your kind better. More fun and tastier. You’re a unique woman, Bailey Cole. You start artist co-op galleries. Save old buildings. Babysit your niece and nephew. Take in other people’s animals. What else do you do for yourself besides hiking and quadrathlons?”
“I paint,” she said without any hesitation.
“That’s your job.”
“It’s what I love to do.” She glowed with an enviable look of contentment. “I’m fortunate to earn my living doing what I enjoy. Or will again, once my foot isn’t holding me back.”
“Wouldn’t a couch potato sit when she paints?”
“You’d think so, right?” Bailey joked. “I sit when I’m working on smaller projects, but my current piece is too large, so I was standing before I got hurt. Decla
n brought over a stool. I tried sitting, but that affected my process. I need to keep moving and circling to bring the piece alive and see the various angles and lighting.” Her cheek turned pink. “Sorry, I get talking about painting...”
“Don’t apologize. I like hearing about your work.”
The creative process—especially hearing about hers—fascinated Justin, reminding him of the times he’d designed outside-the-box prototypes. Those were his favorite projects, but they were rare. Some of his best work had never been approved by his parents or built.
Maybe he could do something on his own. It seemed a waste to not do anything with those designs.
Her smile spread to her eyes. “That’s because you’re thinking about your own process.”
“Didn’t know I had one.”
“Maybe not consciously, but the interest has been sparked.”
“Maybe.”
“Definitely,” she countered. “How does your painting look in your room at the B and B?”
“Very nice. Still can’t believe I painted it.”
“That’s what’s so fun about the Canvas and Chardonnay classes. People discover a hidden talent once a paintbrush is in their hand.” She stared across the water. “The sun’s starting to set. This was a good idea. No one around to bother us.”
He’d also gotten a good view of the backside of the Potter property. But Justin didn’t want to tell Bailey that. He didn’t want business to be part of their...whatever this was. He might have considered trying to charm her out of the inn, but that was before. Before getting to know her better. Before kissing her. Before having her offer to take in his dog. Now he wanted only to spend time with her.
“We needed to celebrate,” he said.
“What are we celebrating?”
“Buddy put on more weight. He should be released in a day or two.”
“That’s awesome.”
“You sound happy.”
“I am.” Her grin lit up her face. “I can’t wait for my surrogate doggy to come home.”
“Won’t be long until he’s there. Though you’ll have to put up with my visits.”
She met his gaze, then looked down at the rock. Her face flushed.
Falling for Mr. Right: Still the One ; His Proposal, Their Forever Page 33