A Very Grumpy Veterinarian (Wolf Valley: Grumps #14)

Chapter 1

ONE

Wells

She’s laughing with that damn delivery driver again.

I can’t stand it.

I mean, I love hearing her laugh, but I hate that she’s smiling at another man. Pearl is mine. She just doesn’t know it yet.

Pearl is the whole reason I’m in this small town.

I originally came to Wolf Valley to help my mentor, Jim Harris, when he was preparing to retire and close his animal clinic.

When I walked in and saw Pearl comforting an injured puppy, I was done for.

When she looked up, and we locked eyes, I rearranged my entire life so I could be closer to her.

I sold my apartment in Seattle, quit my job, and bought the clinic from Jim. Now, I’m living in this tiny town. Now, I’m always close to my girl. But it’s not enough. I want to be closer. Need to be closer.

I glare at the delivery driver until he spots me and makes a hasty retreat.

“See you tomorrow!” he calls to Pearl.

“No, you won’t,” I mumble as he leaves.

“What was that, Dr. Bennett?” Pearl asks, turning to me with a questioning look.

I clear my throat. “Nothing.”

She gives me a quizzical glance but takes the packages and heads to the back office. I watch her go, my eyes tracking her every movement.

When I first moved to Wolf Valley, I thought I’d be here for six months at most. I’d get to know Pearl, convince her we were meant to be together, marry her, and move us back to civilization.

I love big cities—places where I can get lost—unlike small towns where everyone knows everyone and all their business.

Instead, it’s been close to nine months, I haven’t made any headway with Pearl, and now that I see how happy she is here, I’m resigned to living here forever. I just don’t want to do it without her anymore.

Being with Pearl would make anything worthwhile. If she’s happy, then so am I. The problem is that I’m at a loss for how to make her mine. Every day is torture; I’m with Pearl, but not in the way I want to be.

I put myself through college and veterinary school, so focused on my studies that I never bothered with dating.

I don’t regret that—no one ever interested me before.

But now I have Pearl, I’m clueless about how to win her over.

And being her boss only makes things even more complicated.

I want to make a move, but I’m terrified of losing her.

What if I come on too strong and she quits? What if she’s not interested in me?

It’s hard to know if I’m even the type of man she usually goes for. I’ve asked around, and it seems she’s never dated anyone either, at least not that people are aware of.

Sometimes I think I’m making progress with Pearl, but then she acts like she only sees me as her boss and keeps me at arm’s length. I hate it. I’m not sure how much longer I can resist my curvy girl.

The front door opens, and a new patient is brought in. I take a deep breath, watching as Pearl comes out to greet them. Tonight is Pearl’s night to work late—I double-checked the schedule this morning. Tonight is my chance. We’ll be alone since I also stay whenever Pearl works late.

I could order us dinner, and we could talk—like a practice date.

I smile to myself as I envision the two of us in my office, laughing and eating together.

“Dr. Bennett?”

I blink, coming back to reality. “Yes, Pearl?”

She holds up the cat carrier. “Exam room two?”

“Yes, that’s perfect.”

She nods, giving me a strange look as she brushes past me. I straighten, gritting my teeth as her body brushes against mine. I want to reach out and grab her, but I can’t. She’s not mine.

Not yet.

I sigh as Pearl heads into the examination room. Just a few more hours.

I file the last patient’s paperwork up front and head back to work.