To Love Someone (Baytown Boys #14) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,21
around the door frame, drawing her attention. He walked in and sat on the chair directly in front of her desk. Light brown hair, trimmed neatly. Fresh face. Five years younger than her. He lacked the weariness that came from years in the military resulting in the little lines emanating from her eyes that she spied every morning when she looked in the mirror. He was nice looking, and it struck her that at one time she might have found him attractive. But now, it was the rough appearance of a tow truck driver that had captured her interests.
“We got them all done. Damn, that was a lot.”
She blinked, her attention dragged back to the subject he was referring to. “I know, and at the reduced fee, we don’t make anything by the time we pay for the anesthesia, pain meds, antibiotics, and other supplies. But I feel like we’re doing a community service.”
He nodded his agreement, then cast his gaze out the window. Brows lifted, he exclaimed, “Hey, your truck is out there.”
“The garage had someone bring it back to me.”
He brought his gaze back to her and cocked his head to the side. “It’s not my business, and I know it costs a lot to run a clinic like this, but you could afford a new truck, right? I mean, it would be a business expense for you.”
She laughed and shook her head. “Are you afraid I won’t be able to pay you once your internship is over? Well, that is if you decide to stick around.”
A sheepish grin crossed his face. “No, no, that wasn’t it. I was just curious, that’s all.”
“That was my grandfather’s truck. He was a large animal veterinarian near Blacksburg. That was the last truck he owned before he died. My dad was just going to get rid of it, but I asked if I could have it. Dad kept it running for me when I was in the Army, and as soon as I got out, I couldn’t wait to drive it. I figure I’ll keep it running as long as I can, and then, when it finally dies, I’ll park it out front, fill the bed with dirt, and put plants in it!”
Brentley barked out a laugh. “Park it right under the Hoofs and Paws sign… that’d be perfect.”
It felt good to take a moment and laugh, and she felt some of the tension leave her shoulders. She stared at the young intern. Young? He’s only about five years younger than me but looks so innocent. Or maybe I just look as old as I feel. Sighing, she pushed that thought away. “I was only kidding about paying you full salary when you graduate. You’re doing a great job here, but I wonder if you’re anxious to get to much bigger city practice.”
He shook his head. “No, not really. I thought about trying for a residency somewhere, but honestly, I need to start pulling in a veterinarian salary to pay off my student loans. I’m sure you know how that is.”
Now, it was her turn to shake her head. “To be honest, that’s why I joined the Army. I put in four years with Uncle Sam to alleviate my student loans. I’m not gonna lie and say that I joined out of a great sense of duty, even though both my dad and grandfather served. I really wanted to wipe out my student loans and being an Army vet was a great way to do it.”
“Makes sense,” he said, nodding. “I’ve got two more months of my internship here with you, and then I graduate. Right now, I like this area, and I like your clinic. Quite frankly, I really like working with you, too, Sam. Figure we’ll have the conversation as the time gets closer, but I definitely want to let you know that, as of now, I’ll apply for the full-time veterinary position.”
Smiling her appreciation, they stood at the same time. She clapped him on the back. “You’ve been here as long as I have today. I’ll let you finish the reports on the last neuter you did, and then go ahead and leave. I’ll check with the others, then I’m heading out soon, too.”
She soon sent the others home, locking up after Annette, who was the last to leave. She double-checked the animals that were spending the night after surgery, making sure they were all resting comfortably. She ascertained the back doors were secure and alarmed, flipping off