He offered his hand. “That’s what I like to hear. That old tough Cass. You had me worried there for a while.”
Lyle still thought she was tough? She would have thought he would have seen her as the opposite after the last few hours. She took his hand just long enough to get to her feet. “How’s that?”
He put his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “I don’t handle crying females well.”
“I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable.” She couldn’t meet his eyes.
“Hey, I’m glad I was here to help. Now, let’s go and get some dinner.” He started toward the hall and she joined him.
* * *
Lyle led the way to the kitchen. His heart went out to Cass. She was distraught over the loss of her dog. He knew well the empty hole loss could leave in your life. He had felt it intensely when Freya had left him. When he’d told Cass that he didn’t handle women crying well, he hadn’t been kidding. All he’d done was hold her.
The fact that he’d liked having her cry on his shoulder was a bit unnerving. What had begun as a professional obligation to check on a resident in crisis had ended in a very personal act of compassionate empathy. Was he drawn to her because he could sense her private suffering? Whatever it was, Cass held some sort of spell over him. One he didn’t mind being captivated by.
Cass followed him quietly to the kitchen, seeming fine with doing so. They walked through the now silent dining room to the swing door beside the fireplace. He held it open for her as they entered the large commercial-style kitchen.
“Have a seat at the table.” There was a small wooden one next to two corner windows in the large room. “I’ll see what I can find in the fridge.”
Her chair scraped over the tile floor as she took a seat.
Opening one of the doors of the very large fridge, Lyle announced with deliberate cheer, “Ah, we have roast beef and vegetable soup. How does a sandwich and a bowl of hot soup sound?”
“That’s fine.”
He glanced over his shoulder. “Again, I was looking for a little more enthusiasm.”
A fake smile contorted her lips as she swung a fist overhead. “Great!”
He grinned. “That’s more like it.”
“Can I help?”
“Sure.” He started pulling bowls and a platter off the shelves. When Cass reached him he handed her a few of them. She carried them to the table. Lyle followed with the rest. “You unwrap the containers while I get plates and things together.” He searched cabinets and drawers for what they needed, making a couple of trips to the table to put everything down. She was halfway through removing the plastic wrap from the bowls when he said, “Now I’ll warm up the soup if you’ll make the sandwiches.”
“All right.”
He pushed the uncut loaf towards her. “I’d like two thick slices.”
“Noted.” She picked up a bread knife and start cutting.
Lyle ladled soup from its storage container into a saucepan and turned on the stove. As he stirred, he watched Cass work.
Standing, she placed two slices of bread on a plate and buttered them. That done, she unwrapped the rest of the containers. Next she cut slices of roast beef, laying them on the bread. She finished with condiments and lettuce.
Cass’s movements were concise and efficient. She had a no-nonsense way about her. Her blonde hair swung over her cheek and she pushed it back with impatience as if she had no time for things to get in her way. She cleaned up as she went. He got the distinct impression she took responsibility for herself and expected others to do the same for themselves. It must have been a rare event for her to let someone witness her raw emotions. Strangely, he was honored he had been the one there for her.
Lyle carried the steaming saucepan to the table and poured the soup into the bowls he’d found earlier, then returned the pan to the stove.
As he came to take his seat at the table Cass inhaled deeply. “That smells wonderful.”
He grinned. “I can take credit for it being hot but not for how it smells.”
She returned his smile and his heart made an extra thump. He filled the two tall glasses with milk. “Those sandwiches look good.”
“I can take credit for how they look but not how they taste.” Cass was trying to mimic his accent.
They both laughed as they settled onto their chairs.
She gave him a shy glance. “I don’t do Scottish well, do I?”
“I’m going with it needs work.” He looked at her over his sandwich just before he took a large bite. He appreciated the sparkle in her eyes that had replaced the earlier dull sadness.
They ate in silence for a few minutes before Cass let her spoon rest against the side of the bowl. “Do you know how the woman we helped is doing?”
He nodded. “I spoke to her doctor this morning. They kept her in overnight for observation, but she seems to be fine.”
Cass lifted a spoonful of soup to her mouth. “I’m glad to hear it. How about the man?”
“He’ll come in next week to have his stitches removed.” Lyle took another bite of his sandwich.
“You really are a jack-of-all-trades, aren’t you?” She appeared fascinated.
He rather liked that idea. In fact, he liked her. It had been too long since he’d let himself be drawn to a woman. It would be short-lived, of course, as Cass would be returning to the States soon, but why couldn’t he enjoy her company while she was here? It would certainly make his Christmas more interesting. “I wouldn’t exactly say that I’m Santa, spreading cheer, but I try to help out where I can.”
They finished eating and Lyle started cleaning the table. “Even with my special powers I’d better do the washing-up if I don’t want to get on the wrong side of Ms. Renwick.”
“I’ll help,” Cass said in such a firm tone he didn’t dare argue.
Together they covered the food and returned it to the refrigerator. His hand brushed hers as she handed him a bowl and he saw color bloom in her cheeks. Despite her tough exterior, her face couldn’t conceal her attraction to him. Her gaze met his before she quickly returned to the table to pick up their plates.
Instead of joining him again, she went to the sink and turned on the water. Now she was trying to hide from him. With that in mind, he did his best as he finished clearing away to give Cass space while she washed up. He was aware enough of her to realize she was trying to avoid more contact between them. Was she attracted to him? Was she noticing his every move, as he did hers?
Cass turned toward him, her hip resting against the counter. “Didn’t you say that Ms. Renwick leaves food for you?”
“She does, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t particular about how her kitchen is kept.” Lyle stacked the bowls in the cabinet.
“So, if I’m not careful I’ll end up on her wrong side?” Cass hung a dishcloth back just as it had been when they’d come into the kitchen.
“I wouldn’t worry about it too much, she’s really a softy at heart.”
Despite his assurance, they stood at the door and gave the kitchen one last look before they exited the room.
“I don’t think we’ve left anything out of place,” Cass said as the door swung closed behind them. “My mother is just as particular about her kitchen.”
“I’m sure Ms. Renwick will be pleased.” That was the first time she’d revealed a personal detail without being asked. He was delighted she had begun to open up.
Cass led the way through the dining room and continued into the hall, where she stopped and turned. Her eyes flickered up to meet his gaze then down to the floor just as quickly. “Thanks for supper...and for, you know...” she glanced up at him in a self-conscious manner “...a while ago. My...uh, meltdown.”
She looked so apologetic he crammed his hands into his pockets to keep himself from hugging her. “Not a problem.”
“I’ll give the canine therapy another try.” There was determination in her words.
“And I’ll speak to Flora and Margaret and see if they can work something out so you won’t have to work with one particular dog.”
Cass gave him an earnest look. “I’ll do what I can to make that work. I really do appreciate you letting me cry on your shoulder.”
To his complete astonishment, Cass placed a hand on his shoulder, came up on her toes and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
Pleasure zipped through him. When he saw Cass’s shocked face seconds later with its charming pink cheeks he was mesmerized. This tough woman appeared flustered. Her eyes had gone wide in surprise before she blinked a couple of times and looked away. She shook slightly and he feared she might fall. Lyle reached for her.
Cass stood close enough that he could smell the fresh scent of her hair.
“I’m sorry,” Cass murmured.
Lyle lowered his head to hear her words, bringing his lips closer to hers. He watched them, the soft full pads that looked so delicious.
“That was inappropriate. I shouldn’t have done that.” Cass glanced at him then away.
“I’m not,” he said quietly. “I rather liked it.”
Her eyelids fluttered closed, then her gaze met his. They stood there watching each other for precious moments. The tip of her tongue made a flicker of an appearance. Lyle wanted a taste, just a small one, of that glossy moistness on her bottom lip. He lowered his head and placed his mouth over hers. Cass remained still in his hands. Lyle took the kiss deeper.
Cass returned it for a second before she slipped out of his hands and whispered, “Goodnight.”
Lyle watched her walk away. Disappointment filled him. Everything in him wished he could stop her without frightening her. He wanted more than a chaste meeting of lips. It hadn’t been nearly enough. He sought a full, no-holding-back kiss from Cass. There was an attraction between them he wanted to explore. It had been a long time since he’d experienced such a driving need to kiss a woman breathless.
CHAPTER FIVE
CASS WALKED TO the canine center the next afternoon still astounded she had foolishly kissed Lyle. Making her embarrassment worse and her pleasure more, Lyle had actually looked pleased she had kissed him.
But she didn’t do that sort of impulsive thing. Ever. She thought through her actions first. Never had she fallen apart like that in front of anyone. To do something so rash only showed how open the wound was that made up her life. Then there had been her crying jag. Until last night she had held it together despite all she’d been through. Talking about Rufus had broken her.
Lyle had been incredibly kind when she’d really needed someone. Beneath his attention she’d opened up like never before. He’d listened without judgement instead of running away. Lyle acted as if he cared, understood her loss.
Cass shook off that admission.
She’d kissed Lyle. What had she been thinking? She hadn’t been, instead she had just reacted. It had been a stupid, careless move. Being here at the castle was about therapy and making a full recovery, not romance. Her heart couldn’t handle those emotions right now. Even if it could, what did she imagine would come of it? Nothing, that was all that could happen.
As she entered the canine therapy center, Margaret greeted her at the door as if she had been waiting for her. Instead of taking her into the room where she had been the day before, Margaret escorted Cass into another one where the dogs were housed in pens with fenced runs. Cass shoved her shaking hands down into her coat pockets. She didn’t want anyone to see that her hands were trembling.
Margaret stopped in front of the first cage. “The dogs on this side of the building are the ones we call the ‘reimagined’ dogs. They’re working dogs that we get from all over the world. When they’re too old we take in the ones we can, retrain them and give them new purpose. Esme also has a breeding program for specialized therapy dogs for epilepsy and diabetes patients. We train from puppy age until they are just over a year old. Those dogs are Labrador retrievers, Labradoodles and golden retrievers.”
Cass nodded.
“Now, this is Oscar. He’s a sweet dog and has been paired with Mr. Ellis.”
“I’ve seen them together some.” Cass recognized the small black and white, wire-haired dog, along with a number of others. They’d all been paired with patients at the clinic.
“And you should remember this one. He’s the dog I understand that you and Lyle brought in the other night. We’re calling him Dougal.”
Cass nodded. Dougal suited the little dog. Rufus had already been named when Cass had got him, but his name had suited him too.
They moved to the next pen. The dogs were getting larger as they went.
“This is Morrow. He used to be a guide dog.”
He was being “reimagined,” much as Cass was working to do with her life. If she didn’t return to search and rescue, what was she going to do? Could she accept a new partner and try again? A sick feeling welled up in her, but she forced it down with a clenched jaw. She’d already made a spectacle of herself in front of Lyle. She would not do the same in Margaret’s presence.
Margaret kept moving down the aisle, introducing Cass to dogs as they went. Cass battled to remain calm rather than listening until Margaret said, “...and he was a search and rescue dog. A good one, I understand. But he went blind in one eye and that ended his career.”
Cass’s attention remained riveted to the light-gray-furred German shepherd lying quietly in the back corner of the cage.
“He hasn’t adjusted to being here as we would like. I think we’re rather dull to him after his exciting life.” Margaret’s voice was sympathetic.
Cass empathized with the dog’s pain. She, too, was out of her comfort zone for reasons beyond her control.
“Now, this is McDuff. Everyone’s favorite.” A big dog with shaggy fur and wide brown eyes came to greet them.
Cass reached out to him without thinking. He smelled her hand, fluffy tail wagging.
“Now that you’ve met everyone I’ll show you where the supplies are and tell you some of your duties. I have to admit you’re the first resident to offer to help us with dog care and I’m very glad to have you. We don’t have enough help.”
Margaret showed Cass the room where food was stored, the grooming area and where cleaning tools could be found. She explained what Cass needed to do and on which days of the week. “Also, we would like you to walk any dogs that don’t currently have assignments. That’s the list on the board over here.” She walked to the wall where a clipboard hung. “Currently there are just three dogs. You’re free to take them outside for a walk on the lead or a run in the outdoor pen.”
Cass would turn them out in the pen. Leash walking was more than she was emotionally prepared for. Too personal, too risky. She might start caring.
“You think you’ll be okay with the work?” Margaret checked her watch.
Cass nodded. This she could do. She would be active instead of sitting around with a dog in her lap or on the floor beside her. Surely she wouldn’t get attached tending to all the dogs on a daily basis. Having one assigned to her was the danger. She could feed them, walk them, and clean their cages and meet her therapy requirements then move on. All she had to do was make up her mind to do what she had to do. For some people that type of work might be beneath them. But it was the perfect means for Cass to ease back into interacting with a dog without the temptation of completely committing.
Over the next hour she fed and watered the dogs. When it was time to enter the search and rescue dog’s cage, she had to read his name on the sign because she’d missed it when Margaret had said it earlier. She hesitated. Hero didn’t scare her, instead he reminded her too much of herself. He remained in that corner as if he wanted to shut the world out. Was that what she was doing?
“Hey, fel
low, it’s nice to meet you. I understand we’ve been in the same business. I’m sorry to hear about your eye. That’s tough.” She moved to fill his food bowl. He watched her closely as she worked. Cass filled his water bowl from a bucket. He came up on his haunches as if he might be thirsty. “Come and get it. I won’t hurt you.”
“He mostly speaks German.”
Cass heart clinched. Just like Rufus.
“I should have told you that.” Margaret stood outside the cage. “But I’m sure he appreciates your soothing voice. I’ve been watching. You’re good with the dogs.”
“I’ve been around them all my life.” Cass unlocked the cage.
“It shows. It’s time for you to go.” Margaret held the gate to the cage open. “I don’t want to wear you out on your first day. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay. I need to put some things away before I go.” Cass walked back toward the storeroom.
“Can you see yourself out?” Margaret called, heading the other way.
Cass placed the bucket she carried on the floor. “I can.”
“Good. You did well today, Cass.” Margaret gave her a smile and left.
Hopefully each day would get easier.
* * *
Three days later Cass was on the minibus to the village with five other residents. She looked out the window at the beautiful and fascinating countryside. She’d seen much of the world and, even covered in patches of snow, this place appealed to her. Her doctors had been wise to send her here.
Going to the canine therapy center still didn’t fill her with excitement but it wasn’t as difficult as it had been on the first day. She’d managed to interact with the dogs while remaining emotionally removed from them. She was pleased to see that Dougal was growing stronger each day. His odd appearance with some weight on him was beginning to make him look cute. The only dog that did disturb her was Hero. He still remained standoffish. Cass was trying not to let it bother her, yet it did.
Today she wasn’t going to think about dogs or therapy or even the past. Instead she was going to enjoy her trip to the village. She didn’t know what to expect of Cluchlochry, but she was enchanted from the moment she stepped off the bus. It looked like a scene from a Victorian Christmas card. Wreaths of fresh greenery with bows were on every building door and window. The main road was just large enough for two small narrow vehicles to pass. Her large American SUV would never be able to make it.
Highland Doc's Christmas Rescue Page 7