Reluctant Romance

by Dobbs, Leighann

  They were standing in their own tight circle, contemplating leaving when Risa saw Dana’s face light up.

  “Well, look who’s here,” Dana said, casting a sly wink at Rachel.

  Risa felt her heart jerk in her chest when she saw who Dana was referring to. Kenny, Bill, and Connor.

  Dana started waving enthusiastically, and the three made their way over to the girls. A master at fixing people up, Dana somehow maneuvered things so Rachel was standing next to Kenny. In the process, Risa ended up next to Connor. Why did she suddenly feel like an awkward school-girl?

  Connor looked down at Risa’s shirt. “Geez, maybe you should think about carrying around a bib. Almost every time I see you, you’re wearing your food,” he joked.

  “What? Oh, yeah.” She felt her cheeks grow warm remembering the stain she had purposely put on her shirt the first day he came to Healthy-Pet. Now he probably thinks I’m a ditz for real, she thought.

  “You’re still in town, Connor? I thought you’d be back to the city by now,” Cara said.

  “I’ve still got some unfinished business here.” He cut his eyes toward Risa.

  “Connor might be staying for a lot longer too," Bill said, causing raised eyebrows all around.

  “Well, if things go well…” Connor looked like he didn’t want to explain further, so Risa didn’t ask, but she wondered what the heck they were talking about. Staying longer? Was there something going on with Connor and Healthy-Pet that she wasn’t aware of?

  Before Risa could stop it, a hiccup slipped out and everyone turned to look at her. She covered her mouth.

  “Sorry,” she apologized, heat creeping into her cheeks. Cripes, now she looked like a ditz and a drunk.

  “Well, it must be exciting, jetting all around…” Risa tuned the conversation out. The heat, sun and drinking were getting to her and her thoughts turned to all the work she had to do in the clinic the next day to get it in tip-top shape for Connor’s visit on Monday.

  “Are you okay?” Risa looked up to see Dana peering at her.

  “Oh, yes… sorry, I’m just a little tired and I have a lot to do tomorrow. I think I might like to head home now.”

  Dana raised her eyebrows. “Oh, well, I’m not ready to leave, but maybe Connor could give you a ride. You guys came in his car, right Kenny?" Risa saw Dana and Kenny exchange an odd look, and her eyes narrowed. Those two were up to something.

  “Yes, in fact, Connor needs to pick us up some more beer.” Kenny gestured toward a six-pack on the ground in front of him, one lone beer standing in it.

  Connor grimaced. “Sorry, I did forget to pick some up before.” He turned to Risa. “Sure, I can give you a ride. Gotta head to the store anyway,” he said.

  Risa looked uncertainly at Dana. Why was she suddenly very nervous?

  Dana nodded at her. “That would be great…if you don’t mind?”

  “Of course, not.” Risa let out another hiccup, then rolled her eyes at herself.

  Following Connor to the driveway, she stumbled on a rock. Damn sandals! Connor reached out to steady her.

  “I’m okay, it’s these darn sandals. I keep tripping on the-m.” A hiccup escaped just as she was saying that last word and Connor laughed.

  “Suuure, it is,” he teased.

  “No, really…” Risa started to feel angry, but then she realized how ridiculous it was to be mad. Clearly she was feeling a buzz, and the hiccups combined with stumbling spoke for themselves.

  She started laughing and swatted at Connor’s arm. “I’m not that bad…”

  She almost stumbled again when he looked at her, and she noticed how the smile creases lit up his deep-blue eyes, and emphasized that damn dimple on his chin.

  “Let’s just hope I can get you home in one piece,” he said putting his hand on the small of her back and leading her over to his truck.

  Indeed, she thought as the warmth of his hand on her back sent tingles up her spine, making her regret the drinks she had earlier and hope the alcohol in her veins didn’t overrule her common sense.

  ###

  Risa enjoyed the ride home, much to her surprise. They talked and laughed about the people they had seen at the party whom they had known as kids. She felt comfortable with him, much like she had at the dog park.

  She directed Connor through her neighborhood to her condo. He pulled into her driveway and turned the engine off.

  “Thanks for giving me a ride.” Risa pushed open her door.

  “Hey, wait. I’ll walk you to your door.”

  “Oh, you don’t need to do that.” Risa waved her hand.

  “Are you kidding? My father will have my hide if he finds out I drove a lady home and didn’t walk her to the door,” he said in mock consternation.

  Risa laughed and waited for him to come around to open the door for her. She fished for her key as they strolled up the walk side by side.

  She was still a bit tipsy and, in her momentary distraction, forgot to watch for the piece of slate that was sticking up in the walk way. Her foot hit the edge of it and she stumbled. Connor reached out and caught her. She turned around and suddenly they were face to face, his arms around her waist.

  Everything seemed to move in slow motion. Risa could hear the chirping of crickets and smell the sweet scent of honeysuckle flowers releasing their perfume into the evening air. A warm breeze caressed her cheek.

  Risa’s heartbeat kicked into high gear, her stomach fluttering. Forgetting to breathe, she felt momentarily frozen in place. Staring up into Connor’s eyes she saw them deepen with desire and then, slowly, he lowered his lips to hers.

  His kiss was tentative at first, as if he was being cautious in case she pulled away. But she didn’t. Instead, her arms surprised her by finding their way around his neck.

  She pressed her lips harder against his, and he took the hint, pulling her in closer, his tongue darting in between her slightly parted lips.

  The low sound in his throat made her feel warm in places where she hadn’t felt warm in a long time. She pressed closer to him, enjoying the feel of his hard body against hers. Opening her lips wider for him, she sent her tongue out to meet his. A soft moan escaped her lips as she plunged her fingers into his hair.

  ###

  Her soft moan sent jolts of pleasure through his body.

  He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. She tasted sweet, fruity, and he wanted more. How long had it been since he’d kissed someone like this? Too long, Connor thought. Too long since anyone had made him feel like this.

  But then he remembered how little he knew about Risa Kennedy and the suspicions the company evaluation had uncovered. Not to mention that she’d clearly been drinking, and Connor didn’t want to be a part of something she might regret later because she’d been drunk.

  Slowly, agonizingly, he pulled back before he lost control. Keeping his eyes on Risa’s face, he tried to gauge what she was thinking. Did she feel the same way, or was it the alcohol?

  Looking down at her, he noticed how young and vulnerable she looked. This close, he could just make out a light smattering of freckles that started on her nose and radiated out toward her cheeks. Just like when they were kids. Even the silly stain on her shirt made her seem more appealing to him - unlike the models he usually kissed, who were obsessed with their appearance. She opened her eyes and rewarded him with a look into their hazel depths.

  He released her, brushing a stray piece of hair behind her ear. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips, still swollen from their kiss. Connor took a half step back and stuffed his hands in his pockets to stop himself for reaching for her again.

  Risa cleared her throat. “Thanks for the ride,” she said, glancing back at his truck.

  Suddenly Connor felt like a tongue-tied schoolboy.

  “You’re welcome.” Was that the best he could come up with?

  “Umm… well, I should be getting inside.” She pointed to the door.

  “Right, I guess I’d better get back with the beer
or there could be trouble,” he joked.

  She turned, taking a few steps toward the front door.

  “So, I’ll see you first thing on Monday, then. Around nine?” Connor asked.

  She turned, smiling. “Yes, that’s perfect."

  He stood and watched her put the key in the lock and open the door. Stepping inside, she turned to face him, gave a little wave, and shut the door.

  Connor started for the truck, his lips still burning with their kiss. He mentally kicked himself for being so lame. He was never usually tongue-tied around women, but somehow Risa was different. He’d wanted to ask to see her again - outside of work. But something held him back.

  Turning the key in the ignition, he realized that might have been for the best. It wasn’t wise to get involved with her while they were in the middle of the acquisition…or perhaps ever.

  Glancing back at the house he reminded himself about his suspicions and hoped what he was feeling for Risa wouldn’t cloud his judgment when it came to doing the evaluation of her company. Pulling out of the driveway, he couldn’t help but wonder if that was actually part of her plan.

  ###

  Risa collapsed against the door, letting out her breath in a long whoosh. Had she been holding it all this time?

  Her hand went to her lips and she felt her stomach flutter, thinking about the kiss. She was confused at all the sensations swirling around inside her. Surely she couldn’t be falling for Connor Dunn?

  She might have blamed the fruity drinks Dana had plied her with, but she realized it had nothing to do with the alcohol--the kiss had snapped her sober faster than a pot of black coffee.

  With alarm she realized she hadn’t wanted him to stop. Should she have invited him in? No, probably best that she didn’t. They had to work together on the acquisition, and it could get awkward if they were romantically involved. Still, she couldn’t deny the way he had made her feel.

  She pushed those feelings aside. Connor was used to dating gorgeous women; what could he possibly want with her?

  Starting down the hall she looked at her reflection in the mirror. Bushy, uncontrollable hair, plain-colored eyes, freckles, and a stain on her shirt. She certainly couldn’t compete with models and rich heiresses. So then why did he kiss her?

  With a sigh, she bent down to pet Bailey, who had appeared at her feet. She didn’t know what Connor was playing at, but she figured it would be smart to stay away. He’d be leaving town once the evaluation of Healthy-Pet was done anyway, and the last thing she needed was to get involved with someone who just saw her as a one-night-stand.

  Better to clear her mind of any romantic thoughts involving Mr. Dunn and focus on making sure the clinic survived the Healthy-Pet buy out intact.

  Chapter Eleven

  Risa had changed her outfit at least ten times, which was silly since she’d be wearing her white vet coat over it anyway. Besides, what did she care how she looked?

  She’d felt awkward when Connor had arrived. She sensed he had too. But now she was halfway through her spiel of showing him the inner workings of the clinic, and all thoughts of anything else had long fled her mind. She was in her element. Talking about the different rooms and functions of the clinic animated and invigorated her.

  She had been explaining how they did operations on a case-by-case basis, when Connor cut in with a question.

  “How do you figure out what to charge people?”

  “Well, we do have some customers who pay the full rate, same as you would at any other clinic, but for those who can’t we mostly go on the honor system. People tell us what they can pay and that’s what we charge.” She saw him make a face at her answer.

  “But then you have no way of being able to predict income?”

  “Yes, that’s the thing. The clinic is sort of a loss leader for us. Sometimes it breaks even, sometimes it makes a little money, but mostly it costs us money.”

  Connor nodded, his hand on his chin. She figured he was weighing the benefits against the cost of running the clinic, so she decided to cut into his thoughts with a positive spin.

  “Sometimes we do get big donations from people and we use that to pay the costs, of course. But we feel the extra business we get for our pet foods because of word of mouth and loyal customers more than pays for the operations of the clinic.”

  Risa’s tour brought them back out to the lobby, and she smiled, noticing that all the customers she had called in were waiting.

  She turned her attention to a tiny dachshund that was wagging its whole body at her. Bending down, she stroked the little dog’s head.

  “Hi, Winston.” She pulled a treat from her pocket and fed it to the dog.

  Standing, she focused her attention on the dog’s owner. Short and rotund, Mona Alvarez had become one of their most loyal customers when Risa had saved Winston’s life about a year ago with a necessary but costly operation.

  “Hi, Mona, how are you?”

  “Oh, wonderful Dr. Kennedy. And Winston is doing great too!”

  “Mona, I’d like you to meet Connor Dunn. As you know, my father is looking to sell Healthy-Pet, and Dunn International is interested in buying it." Risa turned to Connor. “Maybe you could fill him in on how the clinic has affected your life and how you help us spread the word.”

  Risa stood back and watched Mona work her magic on Connor. Her bright eyes and enthusiasm for the company were hard to ignore. She could see Connor getting caught up in her story.

  “Dr. Kennedy here, she saved my Winston and I’ll always be grateful to her and Healthy-Pet. I tell all my friends: you buy Healthy-Pet food and nothing else!" she said, wagging her finger to punctuate the words. “If it wasn’t for this clinic, I could never have afforded Winston's operation.” She looked down at the little dog, her eyes gleaming with tears.

  Risa made her way to the next customer, Rhonda White. A small gray cat with big green eyes peered out of a canvas cat carrier that sat on the bench next to Rhonda. Risa bent down and poked a finger in at the cat.

  “How is Birdie?” The cat, named for her talent for catching birds, purred and rubbed herself against Risa’s finger.

  “She’s doing very well,” Rhonda said, nodding at Connor.

  “Connor, this is Rhonda. We met when she brought Birdie in as a stray. We think Birdie had recently given birth and had a bad uterine infection. She almost didn’t make it, but luckily for her Rhonda was nice enough to bring her in when she noticed how sick she was.”

  “That’s right. Dr. Kennedy is a miracle worker.”

  Risa felt her cheeks grow warm. Laughing it off she said, “As you can see, Birdie made it through fine and has a new home to boot.”

  “I’m a huge advocate for the clinic and Healthy-Pet,” Rhonda said forcefully. “I tell everyone I know what a wonderful organization it is. So I hope your company will keep things as they are,” she added, giving Connor a reproachful look.

  Risa systematically made her way to the other three customers she had asked to come in. She studied Connor as they each told their story and highlighted their loyalty tor the Healthy-Pet brand.

  He appeared to listen intently to each person, and Risa thought he seemed to be truly thinking about what they each said. At this point, all she could hope for was that he gave it serious thought and came to a conclusion in the clinic’s favor.

  After everyone had left, Connor stood looking around the clinic, deep in thought. Risa found her mind drifting back to the kiss they had shared on Saturday and her stomach did a somersault.

  Did Connor even remember the kiss?

  Probably not. Risa realized Connor was used to kissing lots of girls-ones much prettier and way more exciting than her. She pushed all thoughts of the kiss out of her mind, determined to pretend it meant nothing to her just as it probably did to him.

  She looked over to see him staring at her with a strange look on his face. Did she feel an electricity in the air between them? Probably just her imagination, she thought.

  “We
ll, I guess that’s it,” she said, spreading her hands wide.

  Connor nodded. “Thanks for showing me around and letting me meet some of your customers. It’s given me a better understanding of the clinic’s role in all of this.”

  Risa’s heart lurched. She hoped he meant that in a favorable way.

  He looked at his watch. “Well, if we’re done here, I have some other things to tend to.”

  “Yes, I’ll see you out." Risa started toward the lobby, and Connor fell in step beside her.

  In the lobby he turned to face her, and they stood staring at each other in awkward silence for a few seconds.

  “I heard from Jim Abernake, and he’ll be in to pick up where he left off on going over the finances tomorrow morning,” Connor said.

  “Okay, I’ll make sure Caitlyn is setup for him.” Risa felt a tingle of nervousness in her stomach at the thought of Jim going over the books. He would find everything in order as far as profit and loss went, but there was one little discrepancy she hoped wouldn’t surface.

  Connor half-turned to leave, then hesitated. It seemed like he wanted to say something, but Risa cut in before he could say it.

  “Okay, then I guess I’ll see you later,” she said brusquely.

  A flicker of hurt passed over Connor’s face and he nodded.

  “Yep, see you later.” He turned and strode out the door.

  Risa felt her heart clench as she watched him walk to his car. Maybe it had been a bit callous to give him the brush-off like that. But she’d had a feeling he was going to say something about Saturday, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to hear it.

  With Jim coming in tomorrow, the evaluation was sure to be over soon and Connor Dunn would be getting out of town, and her life, for good. Better to leave things as they were than to get involved in something that might end up with her nursing another broken heart.

  Chapter Twelve