Tempted by the Brooding Vet, page 3
He reached for the seat belt and drew it across his body. The metallic click as he locked it into place echoed in the strained atmosphere.
An irritated heat hummed through Kiki and her mouth fell open at his unbelievable nerve. ‘Are you really so thick-headed? Did you not listen to what I said?’
‘I did—but as you’re talking nonsense I’ve decided to ignore it. Look, I understand why you’re wary, but you’ve no reason for concern. I promise I hold no improper intentions where you’re concerned.’
‘But...’ The faint spicy scent of his aftershave curled across the gap between them, distracting her thoughts.
Leaning close, he stared at her for several long seconds, before he declared, ‘Simply put, Miss Brown, you’re really not my type.’
She gasped, not sure whether to be insulted or relieved. Though, oddly, the overwhelming emotion pulsing through her body resembled disappointment. Who was he to dismiss her so rudely? This man who accused her of crimes against animals and, uninvited, positioned himself in her car?
‘You’re too short,’ he continued, ‘and I’m still not convinced the dogs you brought in aren’t yours. Plus, if you recall, I asked Anne to call Ray from the RSPCA and our local police constable, Terry Foot, to ask them to meet us at Fingle Lodge. If I harboured intentions of harming you, would I have arranged for them to meet us at our destination? Or asked a member of my staff to make those calls? Surely those novels have taught you that no one set on menace would make such amateurish mistakes?’
He had a point, but Kiki didn’t care. Her dislike for him increased with every word that fell out of his mouth. The less time she suffered his company, the better for her peace of mind and temper. Wasn’t his type? Good—she didn’t want to be Alex Morsi’s type and he definitely wasn’t hers. No one with a speck of sense would want any interaction with this man.
She shivered at the thought of arousing the man’s interest. The sensation was disturbing and unfamiliar. She pitied the unfortunate women he did fancy. He probably ordered them around in and out of the bedroom walls. A genuine boudoir dictator.
Her heart thumped as an image of the man naked, wearing just a conceited smile of welcome, fluttered into her mind. With haste, she kicked it out again, blaming its appearance on the stress of the last few months and the delicious notes of his spicy aftershave. What else could possibly trigger such wild and alarming thoughts of a stranger she didn’t even like?
‘So now we’ve dealt with your concerns,’ Alex said, his voice low and steady, ‘shall we go?’
‘You truly are a condescending—’ she started. But the warmth heating her blood was more to do with her indecent thoughts than his superior, bossy attitude.
‘Would you be more comfortable if I sat in the back?’ he asked, pinning her with his intense brown stare. ‘While we continue to bicker there’s every chance the person who placed those dogs in your godmother’s barn has returned and found out that Mum and pups are missing.’
She glared at him for several seconds before giving in. She could tolerate anyone for the dogs’ safety—even this exasperating man. Their well-being mattered above everything.
Without a word, she tugged on her seat belt, fired up the engine and reversed out of the practice car park.
Never in her life had the urge to cause physical harm to another human being possessed her. Not even her ex’s behaviour had instigated such black and brutal emotions. When she’d caught him with another woman, unclothed and doing things he’d had no business doing, she had only felt stupid and, if she was honest, relieved to have a good reason to call off the wedding. Happy to finally escape the trap she had so stupidly placed herself in.
She’d realised a few weeks after their engagement that she’d made a mistake, but the longer it had gone on, the harder she’d found it to disentangle herself. Before she’d had time to get used to the strange weight of the ring on her finger the reception had been booked, the caterers paid and the invitations on order.
But right at that moment she would happily have thrown something large and hefty at the male sitting next to her without a smidgen of guilt. In fact, she suspected she would not only do it, but enjoy it, too.
Gripping the steering wheel, she followed Alex’s instructions to the lodge, not bothering to make conversation and determined to concentrate on nothing but the journey through the winding tree-lined country roads.
Some time later, Alex said, ‘Take the next turning on the left.’
Distracted by his voice, Kiki glanced across and noticed how big his hands were. Capable hands, able to save precious lives. Hands full of might and ability. For a fleeting moment she visualised his long fingers trailing in an invisible and continual stroke along her body, caressing her sensitive flesh. Teasing her with their light arousing touch...
With a hard slam on the brakes, she brought the car to a stop outside her godmother’s property. Much longer and she might have given in to her outrageous thoughts and nuzzled her face into the palm nearest to her.
Turning off the engine, she swallowed hard and fumbled for the door handle. Yes, she was definitely in the middle of a breakdown. She just prayed she could get through the rest of their time together without embarrassing herself completely.
* * *
Alex climbed from the Mini, relieved to be free from its restricting confines. Vintage vehicles might be a delight for the eyes and the heart, but compared to their modern successors they lacked basic comfort.
Not that the journey’s discomfort had come only from the absence of modern luxuries and decent suspension. One second longer sitting next to Kiki Brown and her suppressed anger and he might have done something stupid. Something crazy and improper. Like reaching across and touching her.
Slamming the door, he rubbed his jaw, the rasp of the stubble reminding him of the need to shave.
He’d never struggled with the urge to touch an unknown woman before—especially one whose trustworthiness he questioned. Though, in truth, he hadn’t touched a woman—stranger or otherwise—in months. Something he needed to rectify if it left him fighting peculiar impulses towards female strangers.
He hadn’t lied when he’d stated that Kiki wasn’t his type. His preference in girlfriends ran towards the tall, slim and unemotional. Three things Miss Kiki Brown was not. She barely reached his shoulder and her curves promised secrets only intimate exploration would satisfy. And it was clear from her changing expressions that her emotions controlled her every thought and wish.
Sneaking another glance at the female set on disrupting his day, he heard his common sense yelling at him to ignore her. Normally he listened to that reliable internal voice, but when Kiki wasn’t grousing, or shooting him silent threats, sadness coloured her blue eyes. Someone had hurt this woman and done a damn good job of it, too.
He frowned and scratched his jaw again, his short nails rough against his chin. Why did he care? His purpose here was to rescue those neglected dogs. Kiki Brown was nothing but a witness and helper in this unfortunate event.
‘Is that the barn?’ He pointed at the building, reluctant to break the silence between them, but aware one of them had to.
‘Yes.’
Kiki led the way over, not waiting to see if he followed. Obviously she was still upset over his sharing her car, but Alex didn’t have the time or the desire to concern himself with her bruised feelings. He’d deal with the situation here and then return to the practice. Before the day’s end this woman and the unwelcome emotions she stirred would be no more than a memory. One he’d do his best to forget.
‘How long do you think the dogs have been here?’ he asked.
She shrugged, glancing over her shoulder at him. ‘No idea, but a fair amount of filth covers the floor and cages.’
His lips flattened in disgust as he imagined her shock when she found the dogs. He’d dealt with similar situations. Every one distressing and heartrending for the soul. Each one the result of nothing but human callousness and greed.
‘Things will improve for them now,’ he said, wanting to comfort her, but not sure how.
Instinctively, he reached out and touched her shoulder. She tensed beneath his fingers and shot him a deadly glare. Alex immediately dropped his hand, regretting the innocent action.
Great—now she probably figured him for a sexual predator as well as a potential murderer. No doubt, she’d read books about such men. Thank God he’d given up on women. He’d never had much luck over the years, and now it seemed his skills were as corroded as a tin of rusty scalpels and just about as useful.
* * *
Thirty minutes after arriving, PC Foot, tall and bald, wandered over to where Kiki and Alex waited outside the barn. He and Ray from the RSPCA had finally finished viewing the room where the dogs were imprisoned.
‘You can remove the dogs now, Alex,’ he said, resting his hands on his belt. ‘We’ve taken photos and gathered anything we think is evidence and relevant to the case.’
Alex nodded, but lingered when PC Foot turned his attention to the woman at his side. A trace of suspicion glimmered in the policeman’s gaze.
‘You say this is your godmother’s property.’
‘Yes,’ Kiki answered.
‘But she hasn’t lived here for years. Not since her husband died in a boating accident.’
‘ You’re just checking on the place, are you?’
‘No, I’m staying here at the lodge for a few months. My godmother’s thinking of selling it, so I’ve agreed to make it a little more liveable and tidy the gardens.’
The policeman frowned. ‘You intend to stay here alone?’
Alex bristled at the question. Wouldn’t the man’s concern be better focused on the crime he was there to investigate than on what Kiki’s plans were?
‘Yes,’ Kiki answered.
‘Not a good idea,’ he said with a shake of his head. ‘This situation is tricky. The people who left those dogs may be part of a gang, or just opportunists out to make money and viewed this property as the perfect dwelling to do so. Either way, they’re heartless criminals, and I doubt they will appreciate losing their business thanks to your appearance.’
‘Are you saying she’s at risk if she stays here?’
Alex finally absorbed the policeman’s warning. Had her act of kindness to the dogs placed her in danger?
PC Foot nodded. ‘I think it would be best if you didn’t stay on your own. Perhaps a friend can come over for a few nights? Or a boyfriend?’
Kiki dismissed the suggestion. ‘I’ve only recently returned from working in Alaska for a year and most of my friends live in London.’
‘Hence the whales?’ Alex murmured, glancing at her wellies.
What had happened in Alaska to bring her back to England to live in a shabby house on a deserted estate? A job? A family crisis? A man? Did the person who had caused the pain in her eyes have anything to do with it or someone else?
Kiki glanced his way. ‘Sorry?’
Not sure if he had spoken his thoughts out loud, he searched her face for a hint, but only found annoyance. ‘Nothing.’
‘Would you be willing to stay for a few nights, Alex?’ PC Foot quizzed.
‘Me?’ Alex repeated, stunned by the suggestion. Being alone with this woman for hours on end, in the same property, was a terrible idea.
‘Gentlemen, I do not need a protector,’ Kiki argued. ‘I am quite able to look after myself. And I have a mobile to call the police the minute someone drives onto the property.’
The policeman sighed with a resigned expression. ‘It will take at least twenty minutes for an officer to get here, miss. I don’t want to worry you, but a lot can happen in that time.’
Alex spoke before Kiki could disagree further. He didn’t have time to bicker back and forth. Patients awaited him at the practice.
‘I can stay over until we’re sure there’s no further risk. Once the person who left the dogs realises the place is no longer empty, hopefully they’ll keep their distance and move on.’
PC Foot grinned and clapped his hands. ‘Good—glad it’s settled. Well, folks, I need to get back to the station.’
‘But... But...’ Kiki stammered.
‘I’ll keep in touch and let you know how things are progressing,’ he added. ‘Truth is, we’ll probably never find out who’s responsible, or be able to bring charges. Don’t worry. You can trust Alex to keep you safe.’
Ray finally joined them. ‘The sooner we get these poor dogs to the practice, the better. They’re all in want of a warm bath and a nice meal. I’ll start making calls to find kennels for the night once I’ve dropped them off.’
Glad to change the subject, Alex said, ‘I’ll get one of my staff to check the lost dog sites, in case they’ve been stolen from any owners.’
He moved towards the barn, but Kiki’s hand on his arm stalled him. He glanced down at her ringless pale fingers, certain he could feel their warmth through his jacket.
‘You really don’t need to stay—’ she began.
‘Miss Brown,’ he interrupted, not about to get into another argument. He wasn’t exactly thrilled either, but her safety ranked above his own comfort. ‘When I offer to do something, I always see it through. Even when the chore promises to be less than agreeable.’
CHAPTER THREE
KIKI’S PLAN TO spend time alone and wallow in her own melancholy was starting to disintegrate quicker than an overcooked pie in a burning-hot furnace. Instead of the relaxed peace and quiet she craved, she was being forced to share her new home with an unwanted houseguest. One she could barely manage to be civil to.
She should have stayed in Alaska. What was seeing an over-sexed ex-fiancé compared to short-term cohabiting with an ill-mannered stranger? At least there she would have been left alone. No one had wanted to spend time with a woman who had publicly rejected a local boy, even if he couldn’t be trusted around other women.
Kiki’s only bit of luck had come when she’d visited the key-holder and discovered the lodge wasn’t as derelict as her godmother had implied. Apparently, until a few years ago, she had regularly rented it out to holidaymakers throughout the summer months. And, although the woman had left the outside alone, she still cleaned the interior every six months or so.
The poor woman had been horrified when Kiki had informed her of the morning’s unpleasant discovery in the barn.
After buying several bags of food, Kiki returned to the lodge in the late afternoon and, after a dust and a general clean, settled into her new abode and started cooking. Not that she could relax. Not with her impending overnight guest on her mind.
Alex Morsi wasn’t her idea of good company. The opposite, in fact. Opinionated, bossy, and annoyingly distracting. Much too handsome and quarrelsome. The sooner she convinced him she didn’t need a bodyguard in blue scrubs and green wellies, the quicker she could get on with her new life.
She doubted they had much in common other than being in the same line of work. Though she suspected Dr Morsi would consider himself far superior to a lowly veterinary nurse.
A loud knock on the front door caused Kiki to drop her ladle into the saucepan, splashing hot carrot soup over her fingers. Shaking her hand to ease the pain, she grabbed a tea towel.
‘Damn.’
Sucking the burn, she left the kitchen. Her footsteps slowed as she walked along the hallway. With a deep breath, she wiped her hands on the towel and opened the door.
Alex Morsi stood on the doorstep, an overnight bag in one hand and a cat carrier in the other. He was dressed in a black hoodie beneath an aged leather biker’s jacket. His faded blue jeans emphasised his long legs and old, scuffed black walking boots concluded the casual but elegant outfit.
The man knew how to dress.
Kiki immediately regretted not changing out of the grubby pink dungarees and baggy grey jumper she’d put on earlier to clean the lodge. Next to Dr Perfect Model, she resembled a tramp on a bad day.
Gripping the door handle, she resisted the urge to throw the door shut again and stepped back for Alex to enter. ‘You’ve brought company?’
‘His name’s Nix and he’s a Mini-Lop rabbit. I hope you don’t mind? He’s not much of a talker. Mostly just twitches his nose and occasionally thumps his feet. He’s partial to the odd lettuce leaf, and never goes near cabbage now his doctor has advised him not to.’
She almost smiled at his attempt at humour, but she didn’t want him to think she’d softened in her stance towards him. No matter how many jokes or humorous stories he told, she didn’t want him or his rabbit for company.
‘Okay, I’ll be honest,’ she blurted out, ‘I don’t want you here. But, as you are, I’m prepared to make the best of a situation I’ve reluctantly agreed to.’
The corner of his mouth twitched and his brown eyes twinkled. ‘I don’t recall you actually agreeing. You did complain, though.’
‘I had every right,’ she huffed, folding her arms. She’d spent most of her life without a man around to help. And when they had been she’d usually wished they weren’t. ‘It’s not the Dark Ages. A woman can look after herself.’
‘I don’t question your ability to do so,’ Alex said smoothly. ‘But Nix and I had nothing else planned for this evening—and, honestly, I’ve always wanted to see inside this place. I sometimes walk the fields nearby and I’ve wondered why it’s unoccupied.’
Some of Kiki’s indignation eased. ‘It holds too many painful memories for my godmother,’ she said. ‘She and her husband lived here for three years before she lost him. When he died in a boating accident not far from here she couldn’t bear to return. She says Dorset is where her heart is, but Kent is where her feet will stay.’
‘Sad.’
