Susan Mallery: Only Yours

He phoned the hospital and talked to one of the nurses in the burn ward. After explaining that he’d been called away, he told them he’d have his cell with him for emergencies. Then he spoke to one of the nurses in recovery, and was relieved to find out Kalinda was doing so well that she was already on her way back to her room.

That taken care of, he shoved his phone into his pocket and continued pacing.

“KNOCK, KNOCK,” Montana called, walking into the back of the vet’s office. While Dr. McKenzie was new and she’d only met him once before, she was friendly with all his staff.

“Montana,” Carina said, coming up to her and giving her a hug. “What’s with Dragon Man?”

“Who?”

“The guy who brought in Cece. He’s the worst kind of pet owner. Terrified and angry at the same time. I thought I was going to have to muzzle him.” Carina’s eyes were bright with laughter as she spoke.

“He’s a doctor.”

“Oh, sure. I should have guessed that. He seemed like he wanted to be in charge.”

“I’m sure he’s more comfortable that way. How’s Cece?”

“Still with Cameron. Sally’s assisting. They’re doing an X-ray. We’ll have the results in a few.”

“Great. Thanks.”

“Want to stay back here? It’s safer.”

“No. I can handle Simon. If you’ll excuse the pun, his bark is worse than his bite.”

“If you say so.”

Montana walked toward the front of the building. Before pushing through the swinging door, she drew in a breath and told herself that whatever she felt when she saw Simon, she wouldn’t show it. This was a crisis and he’d called her because of Cece. He’d made his feelings about everything else very clear. Wanting him didn’t mean he wanted her back. She had to keep telling herself that.

She stepped into the reception area, only to find it empty.

“Looking for the guy who brought in the poodle?” the receptionist asked.

“Yes.”

“He’s out front. Pacing. Poor guy. He’s pretty frantic.”

Montana walked out the door and saw Simon at once.

Even though he wore a shirt and tie, he looked mussed. His thick hair was a mess, as if he’d been running his fingers through it.

He was tired, she thought, remembering that Kalinda was supposed to have had a major surgery today. Compassion and worry for him blended with her own pain at seeing the man she loved but couldn’t have.

“How is she?” he asked as he jogged toward her. “Have you heard anything?”

“They’re doing an X-ray right now. We’ll know soon.”

He swore. “I can’t believe what happened.” He told her about the toys and the drawer. “It’s my fault. She’s jumped like that before. I was irresponsible.”

She instinctively touched his arm, then wished she hadn’t. Heat flared between them. Heat that mocked her with its intensity.

“You weren’t. It was an accident. They happen. It’s not like you deliberately hurt her.”

“I should have closed the drawer.”

“Yes, you should have, but you didn’t. If her leg is broken, they’ll set it and she’ll heal.”

He shook his head and started pacing. “Is this what they go through? The good parents? I want to hit something. I want to rush into the examining room and take care of her myself.”

“I don’t remember you mentioning you went to vet school,” she said, keeping her tone deliberately light.

“You’re not helping.”

“Sure I am. To answer your question, yes, this is what those parents go through. Although they’ve loved their children for years and you’ve known Cece a few weeks, so it’s worse.”

She didn’t get into the dog-versus-child debate. That wasn’t the point.

If only, Montana thought as she watched him. If only he’d been able to care for her in return. Even a little. They could have been great together.

The front door opened and Cameron stepped out.

Montana had met him once before. He was in his early-to mid-thirties, tall, good-looking with dark wavy hair. Added to that, he loved animals and was raising his daughter by himself, so he was probably being stalked by most of the single women in town.

“Hi, Montana,” he said.

“Cameron.” She turned to Simon. “This is Dr. Cameron McKenzie. Cameron, Dr. Simon Bradley. The human kind of doctor.”

“Nice to meet you,” Cameron said, holding out his hand.

“You, too. How’s Cece?”

“She’s fine. Nothing’s broken. She pulled a muscle and scared herself. She needs to take it easy for a few days, which is tough with a dog. She’s already been given something for the pain and an anti-inflammatory. We’ll send both home with her, as well.” He glanced between them, as if not sure who would be responsible for the little dog.

Simon stepped forward. “She’s coming home with me.”

Cameron gave him the rest of the instructions.

Simon listened intently and nodded. “I’ll go back to my office and get her carrier,” he said.

“No problem. She’s pretty sleepy from the pain medication. Take your time.”

Cameron went back inside.

Simon turned to her. “Is it all right that she stays with me?”

“Sure. Let me know when you want me to get her. I can keep an eye on her while you’re at the hospital.”

He nodded. “Thank you for this. You didn’t have to help.”

“Of course I did. Not only is Cece my responsibility, I’m still your friend.”

His gaze locked with hers. “I hurt you, Montana. I’m sorry about that, but apologizing doesn’t justify what I said.”

Nor did it change the outcome. “You felt trapped.”

“You’re making excuses for me?”

“No, I’m saying I understand why you reacted the way you did. I knew the rules when we started.”

“I’m not sure that’s true.”

Stay, she thought, wishing begging would help. If only he would stay with her, be with her, love her back.

“Call me if you need anything,” she said, then turned back to the building.

She thought about offering to help him with Cece, but she knew what would happen if they spent the night together. She knew they would most likely give in to the ever present passion. And then what? Right now she needed to take care of herself and that meant protecting her heart.

So she did what was right rather than what she wanted and slowly, painfully, walked away.

MONTANA WATCHED AS NEVADA sat across from their mother in Denise’s cheerful kitchen.

“I did it,” Nevada said firmly. “I applied at Janack Construction. They have the last of their permits and have put out the word they’re hiring. I have an interview next week.”

Denise smiled. “You can stop looking worried. I’m not going to tell you this is a bad thing. You have to do what makes you happy.”

“But I’m leaving Ethan.”

“You’re not going to work for him anymore. There’s a difference. As you said, he’s more interested in his windmills, anyway.”

Nevada drew in a breath and smiled. “You’re not mad?”

“Of course not.” Her mother turned to Montana. “How are you doing?”

There was concern in her tone and sympathy in her gaze.

“You heard.”

“That you and Simon aren’t seeing each other anymore? Yes. I heard.” Her mother reached across the table and took her hand. “Anything I can do?”

“No. If I asked you to change Simon, you probably couldn’t. And even if you could, I don’t want him to be different. I love him the way he is.”

“That’s usually best. Women think they can change a man, but they’re often wrong.” Denise straightened. “Do you want me to talk badly about him or ask one of your brothers to beat him up?”

Despite everything, Montana laughed. “I’m good. He can continue life unscarred.” The laughter faded. “You know what I mean.”