A Very Grumpy Veterinarian

I think I’m finally ready to fall in love… I just didn’t expect it to be with my grumpy boss.
Pearl
I’ve worked at Wolf Valley Veterinary Clinic for years.
I love my job, I love the animals, and I loved working with Dr. Harris before he retired.
Then his replacement gets here, and I realize that there might be something else I love about my job.
Him.
Dr. Wells Bennett.
He’s quiet, brooding, annoyingly handsome, and the kind of man who looks at you once and sees too much.
He showed up a few months ago to help out his mentor, but then he stayed.
Took over the clinic.
Took over my routine.
Took over my peace of mind.
Now I’m dealing with a boss who barely talks, glowers at anyone who smiles with me, and finds excuses to stay late when I’m the only other one here.
I should be focusing on my work, but all I can think about is what it would feel like if my grumpy vet finally made a move.

Wells
I came to Wolf Valley to help my mentor through his last months at the clinic.
I thought it would be temporary.
Then I met Pearl.
She’s sunshine and fire all wrapped into one gorgeous, curvy woman who cares more about animals than most people care about each other.
The first day I saw her hold a trembling puppy to her chest and whisper softly to comfort him, I was done for.
Completely gone.
So, when my mentor retired, I didn’t hesitate.
I stayed.
But things are complicated.
Pearl works for me, and I’m terrified of risking the one bright thing I have here.
Only now, every day she’s near me is torture.
Every smile she gives someone else is a punch to the gut.
And every time she brushes past me in the hallway, I have to remind myself she’s not mine.
Not yet.