'Tis the Season. Robyn Carr

the skinny blonde first. He said she looked near death, anyway.”

      Nate thought that was hilarious. He laughed for a long time, but he didn’t let go of her. “Good thing she left, then. She couldn’t hold her own in any kind of fight. She cried if she broke a nail.”

      “I bet she was just one of many.”

      He withdrew a little, but the amusement stayed in his eyes. “You think I’m a player.”

      “How could you not be? It’s not like I don’t know about those rich horse people. And you’re the doctor! Of course you’ve had a million girlfriends.”

      The smile finally vanished. “No,” he said. “I’m not that guy, Annie. Just ’cause I’ve been around those folks doesn’t mean I’m that kind of guy.”

      “Well, there are the girl vets you’re going to the islands with,” she reminded him.

      “Tina and Cindy,” he said with a laugh. “Shew. I hate to brag, but I’m thirty-two, Annie, and there have been a couple of women in my past. But I bet there are a couple of guys in yours, too. Tina and Cindy are just friends of mine.”

      “Uh-huh. I’m sure. Old friends and a hundred string bikinis.”

      “Come back in and finish your coffee,” he said with a tolerant chuckle.

      “I have to go. I have to get home to Ahab.”

      “Who’s that?” Nate asked.

      “My cat. Ahab. Tripod. He has a lot of names. He’s three-legged.”

      “What happened?” Nate asked.

      “I don’t know. I adopted him from the shelter when it was clear no one else would ever take him. He’s got a bad attitude, but he loves me. He’s very independent, but he does like to eat. I have to go.”

      “Are you coming back tomorrow after work?”

      “Are you going to be a gentleman?” she asked.

      He lifted one of those handsome brows. “You want me to?”

      No. “Absolutely. Or I’m leaving the puppies all to you without helping.”

      “Just come tomorrow after work. Swing by home and feed your cat first so you don’t have to be in a hurry to leave.” He gave her a very polite kiss on the cheek that just oozed with suggestiveness. “I’ll see you then.”