Page 26 of Chains
“Here we are.” Autumn looked over her shoulder at him and color rushed to her cheeks. She quickly turned away and scurried to her desk.
Chains sank down on a black leather chair and locked his gaze on hers. For a second everything in the room stood still, then she shifted her eyes away and pushed papers around on her desk. He settled back in the chair, smug that he seemed to have an effect on her. The doc was acting damn cute, pretending that he didn’t make her nervous as hell.
“So,” Autumn said while glancing at the computer screen. “Thor’s doing great. He’s a little weak from everything he’d gone through, but he should be back to normal in a few days.”
“That’s good.”
“For the next few days, feed him a bland diet. Some suggestions are plain, unseasoned boiled chicken or turkey breast, the skin off and shredded, with some rice. You can substitute a yam for the rice.” Her gaze was still fixed on the screen.
“Got it.”
“None of his usual treats or dog food. After a few days, you can gradually introduce his dry and wet food and see how he tolerates it.”
“Okay. Are you gonna keep talking to that damn screen, or are you gonna look at me?” His question made her visibly stiffen, then she swiveled around slowly.
“I was making sure I didn’t miss anything important to tell you.”
“Yeah… right.” A smirk tugged at his lips.
“If Thor’s not feeling well, or if you notice anything unusual, call me.” She stared at him as if to show him that she could do it without any qualms, but her tight facial muscles and that adorable pink sheen coloring her cheeks gave her away.
“Sure. So, do you want to get a slice of chocolate cream pie at Leroy’s after work?”
Her eyes sparkled for a split second, then she looked back at the computer. “I’m sorry but I’m not able to.” Her shoulders sagged a bit. “I’m engaged.”
Surprised, Chains glanced at her hand. “I don’t see a ring.”
“I don’t wear any jewelry at work”—Autumn looked over at him—“but I’m flattered.”
“Don’t be. I was just asking because you saved Thor’s life. I used to grab a cup of coffee with Thor’s old vet all the time.” Chains jumped up. “I gotta get going.”
Autumn stood up. “Of course.”
“Just tell me where he is—you don’t have to tag along.”
Her face fell. “I’m sorry that I upset you.”
“You didn’t do shit. I know you got a full house, so there’s no need to take up any more time with me. Christina can help me out with Thor. Is she engaged?”
Autumn’s mouth opened slightly as she shook her head.
“Good to know.”
The vet picked up the phone and pushed a button. “Have Amanda go to Recovery. Thor’s owner is ready to take his dog home.” A pause. “Thanks.” She placed the phone back on the cradle. “Christina is assisting Dr. Jenkins.”
“Whatever. I know where the room is,” he said as he walked out of the office. While Chains ambled to the recovery room, he was madder than hell at himself for succumbing to such juvenile and cheap antics back in Autumn’s office. He grimaced when he replayed the comment he said about Christina. What the fuck had possessed him to act like such a pussy? Playing games and trying to make a chick jealous wasn’t his style. And why in the hell was he so damn bothered by the fact that she was engaged.I don’t even know her. So she’s got a sexy bod—Lila, Ruby, Alma, and Kelly have great asses and tits too. And she sure didn’t act like she was engaged. I wonder what her fiancé would say about that. I didn’t figure her for a cheating bitch, but most women are. She’s just like Krystal, only classier. Fuck them all.
By the time Chains arrived at Recovery, anger was pumping through his veins, but one look at Thor, whose tail was thumping against the floor, and the fury evaporated.
“Come here, buddy.” He crouched down on his haunches and grinned. Thor ran over, barking excitedly, and Chains put his arms around the dog’s neck and hugged him gently. “You ready to go home, buddy?” He ran his fingers through Thor’s fur. Another excited bark had Chains standing up, and he noticed the tech had Thor’s leash.
“He’s certainly happy to be going home.” The young woman extended her hand. “I’m Amanda. Christina told me about you… and Thor.”
He studied the cute blonde, who seemed to be about twenty-four or so. “I’m Chains. Can I have his leash?”
She giggled. “Oh, of course. I’m sorry.”
Chains took it from her hands, then attached it to Thor’s collar.
