Page 124 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
"I know.That's what I mean.What I'm really saying is, I love you."
He rested his forehead against hers and looked into her eyes."I love you too."
"But go on.You should go in and say goodnight to them."
"All right.But text me when you get back to the cottage.I need to know you made it safely."
"Okay.Will do."
Harper watched him turn and go back inside.Just as she climbed into her truck, she caught movement in the upstairs window—Alana's window.She inhaled sharply, hoping Alana hadn't watched them kissing.Or at least hoping she hadn't felt bad—that she hadn't hated seeing it, if she had.
She let herself breathe again when Alana grinned at her and waved.When Harper waved back, she blew her a kiss.
Chapter Twenty-Six
When they arrived at Trip's office on Tuesday morning, Emmett looked over at Blane."Thanks for bringing me, bud.This should be the last time you need to play chauffeur."
He had to laugh when Blane scowled at him."I'm not playing at it, and I'm not sure I'm ready to give the job up just yet.Let's get in there and see Trip, but even if he clears you, says you're good to drive again yourself now, don't think you're getting rid of me."
Brooke greeted them with a smile when they walked into the reception area."Hey.Trip should be out with you soon, Emmett.How are you feeling?"
"Better every day.Almost fixed now," he told her with a smile.
She turned to Blane."And how about you, big brother?"
Emmett loved the way Blane smiled whenever he saw Brooke.
"Get your ass out here and give me a hug, and I'll tell you," he told her.
Brooke came out from behind the reception desk, and Blane wrapped her in a hug, kissing the top of her head before letting her go again.
"I'm good.I'll be better if you want to hang out with me this weekend."
Brooke narrowed her eyes at him."Why do you say that?"
Blane scowled back at her."Because I want to hang out with my little sister.Why?What's going on?"
She rolled her eyes."I'm not here this weekend, I figured you must have heard that and were checking up on me."
His expression grew darker."No, I hadn't heard.Where are you going, and who with?"
Emmett was relieved when Trip's office door opened and he stuck his head out."Oh, hey, there you are.Come on in."
Brooke shot Emmett a look, but he shrugged."Sorry, Brookie, I can't help you with this one."
She blew out a sigh."That's okay.I can handle him myself.It's just that he tends to be more reasonable with you around."
Emmett chuckled and followed Trip into his office.
"How are you feeling?"Trip asked.
"Probably better than Brooke is right about now."
"Is Blane giving her a hard time?"
"Not exactly.You know what he's like.He just wants to protect her.And I think she's going away to some concert this weekend—she mentioned it a while ago."
Trip chuckled."We're better off in here out of the way.How's the shoulder, and how are the ribs?You know I'm not just going to clear you because you want me to."
