denying he was the same smoldering, hot hero who just yesterday saved my butt from a good lion chewing. I’d seen plenty of good looking men, even dated a few, but for some reason, the stranger in the parking lot had rendered me speechless, and feeling stupid.
As a rule, I’m quick with my words and have no trouble socializing with the male species. Not that I’ve found one worthy of my undivided time and attention, but I enjoyed flirting.
What I’d just seen of our guest made my stomach twist and my heart race. I could feel the heat rising up my neck. At least my toffee-colored skin would camouflage the evidence of my blush.
Talk about a schoolgirl reaction.
The newcomer had to be at least six five, with piercing brown eyes and strong arched eyebrows. Those chiseled cheekbones made the bottom frame for those eyes.
Glancing back, I caught another peek at my lion-rescuer. He was also blessed with long, tousled, blue-black waves that spilled over his broad shoulders, as untamed as the lion. I forced my eyes away from the broad shoulders that tapered into a narrow waist and rock hard butt and hurried through the familiar park entrance, abandoning my need to thank him.
“Here’s my favorite girl.” Luke unlocked the gate, holding it open in his normal, gentlemanly fashion. I stumbled in, almost meeting the pavement with my face.
Used to my clumsiness, Luke scooped me up at the last moment. “Chloe, Chloe.” He shook his head, reminding me how much I depended on him.
Knowing he wouldn’t expect a thank you, I demanded, “Who’s the big dude with the rock star hair?” I needed to know. How could I focus with Mr. Muscle around? The more nervous I was, the more dangerously clumsy I became. “Why is he here today?”
“Big dude with the hair, that would be me,” a smug masculine voice replied from behind.
If I had been a flower, I’d have wilted on the spot.
Somehow, I managed to locate my composure and put on my biggest, brightest, and fakest smile — courtesy of my mother’s handy, hide your emotions “training.”
“And who might you be?” I demanded, raising my gaze to meet his. I tried to keep my focus on his mouth so his eyes wouldn’t distract me. I failed.
“I’m Dr. Zane Marshall, the new vet.” He held my gaze. His eyes, flicked with gold, were almost as dark as his hair. He raised an eyebrow.
“Isn’t this great!” Rhonda squealed, oblivious to my discomfort. “Our very own hero.”
I spun to face my boss who had a sheepish grin on his All-American face.
“When were you going to tell me I was getting a new partner?” I blurted.
“Hold on, Chloe; no one knew. Dr. Marshall gave me his answer an hour ago. It’s about time we have a full-time vet.
You can diagnose the animals’ problems, but then we have to call in people to fix those problems. Our system worked fine during the winter, but summer’s too busy. Besides, he did you quite the favor yesterday.”
Luke was right on both accounts. Zane had done me a huge favor — keeping me alive. There were very few wildlife vets that worked on call anymore. It was expensive to get one here right away. We’d been using a retired wildlife veterinarian who’d been mauled to death by his own cougar.
Luke turned his attention back to the new vet. “Now that we’ve figured out why Dr. Marshall …”
“Mr. Snider, I prefer Zane.”
“I’ll make you a deal, call me Luke and I’ll call you Zane,” Luke suggested, sounding pleased with his newest employee.
“Call me confused,” I huffed. “I’ve got a busy day. The Capys need my attention.”
“Hold on. Today, you can show Mr. … Zane around and get him acquainted with our park procedures.” I could tell by Luke’s crossed arms and narrowed eyes that this was an order not a suggestion.
With a loud sigh, I communicated my disapproval and marched off to my storage cubby. I could hear other employees arriving, followed by more introductions.
Why did this Zane have to be drop dead gorgeous wearing Levis that hugged his muscular legs? I’m a leg girl. Powerful legs and a tight bum were a major turn on. His presence gave me heartburn. It looked like I’d have to invest in some strong antacids.
As a rule, I don’t worry much about my appearance during work hours, but today was different. Dr. Zane Marshall had changed all that when he roared into Plum Beach in his spiffy sports car.