Nash Brothers Box Set - Carrie Aarons Page 0,2

is whining and dragging his butt on the ground. “No problem, as I said, I’m familiar with his case. Now, let’s see if you can’t hold him still in a hug while I see what he’s eaten this time.”

Presley’s sharp cheekbones pink, and I notice the flush move down her neck. My eyes stray, and I wonder idly if her skin is this creamy everywhere.

Get it together, doc.

I shake my head, instructing her how to hold Chance so he doesn’t wiggle. All the while, she clamps her lips shut, and I’m confused. With gloves secured, I move to the dog’s back end, lifting his tail to inspect the damage he’s done.

The evidence of a bowel movement is there, but by the way he’s whimpering and moving, I can tell that whatever he ate is wrapped in there good.

“Do you have any idea what it might be? Just don’t want to reach in there if it may be sharp. I could hurt him, and myself.” I look at Presley across Chance’s back.

She’s kneeling on the floor holding him, and how she makes it look so elegant, I have no idea. “Um, well, it must have been a few days ago, because he’s been having a hard time this morning …”

It probably wasn’t anything dangerous to the dog if he’d gone a few days with it in his system. This was part of my job I, obviously, did not enjoy, but somebody had to stick their hand up an animal’s butt to help the poor guys out.

I try to make light of it as my hand moves. “Didn’t think you’d be in for such excitement when you moved to Fawn Hill, huh?”

Presley’s full peach lips tug up in a small smile, but she’s still wearing that look of worry. Maybe she’s concerned about Chance?

It takes a few minutes of gentle tugging, but I finally help the dog out, and go to the garbage and sink to clean off.

“What is … this?” I ask as the water runs over the material in my hands.

“Oh God …” Presley’s plea is a whisper, and when I turn, I see one hand over her eyes.

And if I’m not mistaken, that raspy voice is full of embarrassment.

Turning back to my hand in the sink, the object becomes clear.

It’s a pair of hot pink lace underwear, cut thong style.

“Oh … I … well …” I stutter, completely unprofessionally.

I just had my hand up her dog’s butt, and I’m blushing over a pair of sexy underwear. Real great bedside manner, Keaton.

“Who knew that Chance and I had the same taste in thongs?” Presley laughs sheepishly.

I swear, my balls tingle when she says the word thong. What the hell is wrong with me?

“One time, I had a goat that ate its owner’s vibrator.”

The minute I say it, I know I’m in deep shit, literally, when it comes to this woman. I never lose control or get struck by word vomit. I’m Mr. Dependable, the amiable, boring one … according to my brothers.

Presley’s eyes go wide, and then she keels over, laughing hysterically until her breath comes out in gasps. She laughs as if the very act is going out of style, and I can’t help the smile that splits my face watching her.

“How did the goat even get a vibrator? I can’t even imagine, and I think I’m embarrassed!”

I grin. “They keep it in the house as a pet. Don’t go spreading that around, I’m supposed to keep that whole doctor-patient confidentiality thing.”

“Oh, I doubt the goat will find out.” She winks.

And my heart beats twice, rapidly enough that I have to clutch a hand onto the collared polo at my neck. I haven’t felt it do this in … two whole years. An instant flash of pain follows the beats because that’s what the organ is trained to do.

My smile fades and I snap off my gloves, bending down to pat Chance on the head again.

“He’s all set. Welcome to town, Presley. I hope you can learn to see the beauty in Fawn Hill.” I keep it professional.

Flirting with a woman who loosens all of my control so quickly, without much more than her name and her preference of pink thongs to go on, is dangerous. I don’t need that kind of complication in my life, especially with everything that is already on my plate.

She frowns, I’m sure at my split-second change in mood. “Thanks. How much do I owe you?”

I turn to scribble in Chance’s chart, avoiding eye