Nash Brothers Box Set - Carrie Aarons Page 0,27

abdomen and throat. They both feel fine, no obstructions or bloating.

“Just keep an eye on him and monitor his bowel movements. You should see most of the … I’m sorry what did he eat, again?”

Presley flushes a deep pink, and I’m reminded of the first day she walked into my practice. “He ate one of my sports bras.”

I run a hand through my hair, blowing out a smiling breath. “He’s a randy bastard, isn’t he?”

“That he is.” She laughs.

It’s … strange having her here. In my office, just the two of us, an exam room light the only thing burning the midnight oil. Well, I guess we have Chance the undergarment eating dog here as well, but he’s about ready for bed. Whereas, all I can do is try to look anywhere but at the beautiful vixen standing on the other side of the table.

“Just monitor him for the next few days, but he should be fine. And try to keep him gated off until Hattie takes my advice on those training courses. One of these times, he’s really going to hurt himself.”

She nods, looking guilty. “I’m a bit of a slob, so I guess tidying up is part of his treatment, too. Thank you again for coming in for this. I really apologize if we interrupted your night.”

My laugh is a quick hoot. “If by my night you meant a Hungry Man on the couch with the baseball game on in the background, then yeah, you ruined a lot. I’m not exactly the one painting the town red if you hadn’t noticed.”

Presley toys with the cardigan she has on, and I wonder if she’s hot in it. The thought of stripping her out of it has my blood heating. Jeez, maybe my brothers are right. It’s been a long time for me.

“Something I admire about you is your honesty, Keaton.” The words out of her mouth surprise me.

“Okay? Thanks?” I’m not sure if she’s trying to pad my wounded ego from what happened between us.

She toys with the hem of her jean shorts, which only draws my eyes to those mile-long legs. “Full disclosure, because I’m trying to be a better person since moving here, Lily told me a little bit about your past.”

My first reaction is to move away from her, which I do. I step back, almost in self-preservation. I don’t need to talk about this, especially to a woman I’m crushing on that also rejected me.

Presley holds her hands up. “No, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for that to come off as … like I was prying. Lily simply wanted to know how we knew each other, and, again, in all honesty, I wanted to know more about you. You intrigue me, Keaton. And if I’m being completely up front … I’m attracted to you.”

This has my head whipping straight forward, eyes pinned on her. “Could have fooled me.”

My tone is both sarcastic and accusatory, so unlike my usual demeanor. But, Presley, she brings something out in me.

She shrugs. “Yeah, I’ve been hot and cold. Blame it on my complete life upheaval and the fact that the draw you have scares the crap out of me.”

I scare her? What alternate universe had I stepped into?

“This has got to be some kind of joke.” I run my hands over my face, laughing. “Do you even know how intimidating you are? You’re this gorgeous, big city, worldly gypsy who is instantly lovable but cold and aloof at the same time. I’m a small-town vet with a mortgage. I’m not even a real doctor, which would make me a little more interesting.”

“Hey, don’t talk about Keaton Nash that way.” She scowls at me, teasing. “The only thing you’re highlighting is how different we are, which I’ve never had a problem seeing. But, talking to Lily, it opened my eyes to the side of you I wasn’t aware of. All of that shine has some grit underneath. Obviously, I don’t wish bad upon you … but, this sounds so bad. I thought you were just this perfect, goody-two shoes. I misjudged you, and I realize that’s something I do often with a lot of people. I apologize. When you’re ready to tell me, I’d like to hear more about what makes you, well, you.”

Her confession both relieves me and puts me on edge. Knowing that she judged me on our initial meeting is hard to swallow. But, I’m almost glad Lily outed my past, because I don’t know how forthcoming,