Sanctuary Cove. Kate James

and watched Sherri sort the documents.

      “Work? Oh, you mean the ladder and the pressure washer beside his garage?”

      Emma nodded.

      “No. Not exactly work.” The sparkle of humor that usually lit Sherri’s eyes was distinctly absent when she rose and moved to the file cabinet. “More of a cleanup.”

      “A cleanup?”

      “It’s to get rid of a little farewell present that was left for him.”

      Emma arched an eyebrow. “Sorry, I don’t understand.”

      Sherri shot a furtive glance at the closed examination room door. “Crazy ex-girlfriend. She wasn’t happy about the relationship being over between her and Josh, and she likes to show her displeasure. Did some damage here a while back. Broke some exterior light fixtures, trampled some plants. The pièce de résistance was spray-painting exactly what she thought of Josh on the side of his garage.”

      “Oh, no. That’s terrible...”

      Sherri shrugged. “Josh can handle it. But thankfully she’s been quiet for a couple of weeks now. He’s hoping she’s moved on. As for the graffiti, he’s tried to scrub it off with soap and water, but it didn’t work. He’s finally gotten around to renting the proper equipment to do the job.”

      When Sherri was done, Emma followed her to the back. Listening to her friendly chatter, it occurred to Emma that she was starting to get a little tired of her self-imposed isolation. “Do you have any plans after work today?” she asked on impulse.

      “No. Why?”

      “Would you like to stop by my place for a drink?”

      “I’d love to!” Sherri said with a grin as they entered the recovery room.

      Upon seeing them, Theo stood and his tail thumped against the back of the cage. Emma noted happily that he was less awkward getting up. He came to her without hesitation. She ruffled his fur before snapping a leash to his collar. She took him for a slow walk around Josh’s property. Theo still favored his injured leg, but as the weeks passed, the bone was healing and he was able to put more weight on it. Since Theo didn’t seem to be in any discomfort or pain, Emma kept him out longer than usual, noting again how nicely he walked on a leash.

      * * *

      JOSH BACKED OUT of the examination room and held the door open for his last patient of the day. “There’s no charge, for this visit, Mrs. Ross, since it’s a follow-up.”

      After he escorted Mrs. Ross and her cat out, Josh joined Sherri by the window, where she was standing. Together they watched Emma exercise Theo.

      “Good movement. Nice stride today,” Sherri remarked.

      Josh rubbed his chin and kept his eyes on Emma. “Hmm. I don’t recall an occasion she didn’t have good movement. Or a nice, ah...stride.”

      Sherri laughed and jabbed Josh lightly in the ribs with her elbow. “I was talking about Theo.” She leaned against the sill and gave Josh a considering look. “If you’re interested in Emma, why haven’t you made a move?”

      He folded his arms and shrugged. “I think she needs some space. I also get the distinct impression she’s trying to avoid me. So I’ve let her.”

      The phone rang and Sherri dashed over to answer it.

      Still watching Emma, Josh murmured to himself, “It might be time to change that, though.”

      “No, I’m sorry but he’s not here right now.” Josh could hear Sherri behind him lie to the caller. He turned and gave her a questioning look. Sherri cast her eyes to the ceiling, and his smile faded. He had a feeling he knew who was on the other end of the line. His suspicion was confirmed when Sherri stated in a placating voice, “C’mon, Crystal. Calm down.” For Josh’s benefit, she moved her index finger in a circular motion next to her temple. “No. I’m sure your life isn’t over simply because Josh isn’t in it.” There was a pause and Sherri dropped down into the chair. “Yes. I know he’s a cad.” She mouthed the word cad in an exaggerated manner, pointed at Josh and made a face that drew a reluctant smile from him. “No, I don’t think he’s changed his mind. No, definitely not a good idea for you to drive—”

      Sherri held the phone away from her ear. Crystal was yelling loud enough for Josh to hear her clear across the room.

      He’d had enough. He wasn’t going to let Crystal be abusive with Sherri. He started across the room, but Sherri held her hand out and put the receiver back to her ear. “Crystal... Crystal!” The second time she’d said her name, she’d shouted. “Why don’t you have a nice glass of wine and think about what a cad Josh is. I’m sure you’ll realize he’s just not good enough for you, and you’re better off without him.”

      Josh raised both his brows.

      “Yes. I know. That’s right. I’m sure you’ll feel better. A-ha. Okay. Good-bye.” Sherri hung up the phone and exhaled. “Well, that was fun,” she said sarcastically. “You really should tell the cops.”

      Josh regretted how things had ended, but his conscience was clear. He hadn’t done anything wrong where his relationship with Crystal was concerned. It hadn’t been all that serious and they just hadn’t clicked. Regardless, he still felt responsible and didn’t want to cause Crystal grief...even though that was exactly what she’d been doing for him. Also, the thought of going to the police about trouble with his ex-girlfriend was just too embarrassing to consider. Even though Sheriff Chad Atkins was a close friend—they’d grown up together, played some ball—and Josh trusted Chad not to say anything, Sanctuary Cove was a small community and word would spread like wildfire. “She’ll get over it,” he stated dismissively. “I’m sorry you had to be on the receiving end of that. Why don’t you head out now? I’ll lock up.”

      “I will, as soon as Emma’s back with Theo.”

      Josh was about to argue, but decided against it. Just as well, he thought as he retreated to his examination room. He wasn’t in the mood to try to charm Emma after that call from Crystal.

      * * *

      AS SOON AS Emma got home, she found a pair of pruning shears and took Max outside with her. She let him roam and sporadically chase chipmunks he had no hope of catching while she cut flowers. When she had a generous bouquet, she signaled for Max to follow her in. She placed the flowers in a vase and took the vase into the great room, setting it in the center of the coffee table. Perfect, she thought and grinned as she stepped back and surveyed the room.

      She was arranging a variety of cheeses, crackers, fruits and sweets on platters when her phone rang. Glancing at the clock, she decided she’d let it go to voice mail so she could finish the preparations for Sherri’s visit. She was running late not only because she’d wanted fresh flowers, but she’d also spent more time than she’d planned on a quick cleanup. She couldn’t help it. She wanted the house to look its best. Sherri would be her first visitor since she’d moved to Sanctuary Cove nearly four months ago.

      She’d just finished the platters when Max’s distinctive malamute “whoo, hoo” alerted her that Sherri had arrived. Emma wiped her hands on a dishtowel and followed Max to the front door to let Sherri in.

      “This place is marvelous!” Sherri enthused. “The glimpses of it from the road don’t do it justice.” She bent down to ruffle Max’s fur and scratch him behind his ears. The dog arched his back and leaned in toward her. “And what a gorgeous boy you are!” she said, continuing to delight him with affection.

      “He’s going to be plastered to your side now,” Emma declared, as she handed Sherri a glass of wine.

      Sherri took a sip and made a sound of approval before placing the glass on the coffee table. She leaned over to smell the flowers before sitting on the sofa. As soon as Sherri dropped her hand on her lap, Max nudged it until she gave him attention again.

      “I told you,”