Page 25 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
"Yeah, see you then."
He ended the call and pulled away from the clinic.He was leaving early because he hated admin days, not because Harper was picking the girls up and bringing them home.He checked the time—she might still be there.
Chapter Six
On Thursday evening, Harper checked herself over in the mirror one last time before gathering her purse and keys.She was looking forward to this evening with the women—her new friends.She enjoyed their company and was looking forward to getting to know them all better.She'd been to a couple of these nights out in the past but still felt like the newcomer.
Now, especially after her trip back to New York, she was feeling more and more as though Montana could be home.She wasn't just a visitor, even a long-term one.
She opened the front door but then stopped dead when she saw a black Suburban pulling up outside and grinned when Cash MacFarland climbed out."Well, if it isn't tall, dark, and rugged himself.How's it going, Cash?"
He chuckled as he came to greet her with a kiss on the cheek."All the better for seeing you, Harper.How was New York?"
"Yeah, it was good, thanks.I was glad to get back here, though."
"Glad to hear it.But listen, put your keys away, you're coming with me."
She gave him a puzzled smile."Are you finally abducting me?Have you come to fly me away from all this?"
Cash threw his head back and laughed."You know better than that, but you're headed out with the girls tonight, aren't you?"
"I am, but you're not invited."
"I know.But since all the guys are going to gather at Deacon's place for a drink while they wait to pick their better halves back up again later, and I'm going to hang out with them, I figured I could bring you."
"Thanks, but I need my truck to get home again."
He gave her a pointed look."Because you don't want to ride with me, even though I'm coming back here, too?"
"Ah—right, yeah, that makes sense."Cash was living somewhere on Jim's ranch.She only knew that because she was here herself, but she was sworn to secrecy.For some reason, he didn't want most people knowing where he was staying.
"So, what do you say, honey?Want to come with me?"He met her gaze and held it."I'm not trying to make a move on you, if that's what you're worried about."
That made her laugh."I know that much."Her smile faded."And hey, just because I joke around with you, it doesn't mean that I think that there's any...That I’d want…" Her words trailed off.
He winked at her."I might be an arrogant bastard, honey, but I know that.For all my charming ways and devilish good looks, I'm not your type, am I?"
She looked him up and down, a smile playing on her lips."Maybe not, but I can see the appeal."
When they reached his Suburban, he opened the passenger door for her, and she climbed in.After he came around and started the engine, he glanced over at her."You should tell me if ever I offend you, you know.I joke around with you because I feel like we're on the same wavelength.And besides, even if I wanted to try to win you over, there's someone else who's already caught your eye, am I right?"
She narrowed her eyes at him."Who's been talking?"
"No one.I doubt anyone knows anything to say it."
"So how do you know?"
He chuckled at that."It's just my way, honey; I have eyes and ears everywhere."
"Yeah, I can see that about you.But seriously, Cash, don't worry.I'm not going to act on it.I know the situation.He's..."She didn't know how to continue and was surprised by what he had to say when he continued for her.
"Damn, I was hoping you were the kind to wade right on in."
She scowled at him."I know his situation," she said curtly.
"What, and you believe that situation should never change?"
She shrugged, not knowing how to answer that.
