Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
"Everything okay, honey?" Peyton asks. "You look kind of tired."
"Just a long night." Tori doesn't want to go into any details. It's been two nights in a row with her mom, who’s been on a real bender lately. Peyton doesn't know anything about it—most people don't—and she has no plans to tell her.
"Girl, you work too much. I don't know how you do it, or why either. When's the last time you had a vacation?"
She slips her smock on while thinking it over. "I can't remember."
Peyton shakes her head. "That's not healthy. You need to take some time off. Go do something fun."
"I suppose." She thinks about all her various jobs, all the people who rely on her. Then she thinks about her mother, who's basically another job. She could have called Road to come help, but she didn't want to bother him and Blair.
"Lamont and I are headed up to Truth Harbor next weekend. We’re staying at a cabin on Treasure Lake. Did I tell you about that?" Peyton sips her iced coffee. "My cousin Tara owns it and is letting us borrow it for a few days."
Tori imagines herself staying at some lakeside cabin, lazing around in a bikini after a swim. It sounds like heaven.
"It's our seven-year wedding anniversary."
"Congratulations," Tori says. "That's wonderful."
Peyton smiles and shakes her head as if she's amazed herself. "It is wonderful. I can't believe I found myself such a good man. I had to kiss a lot of toads to get here though."
"You deserve it."
"And so do you, honey. Eventually things will happen for you and Dr. Adrian."
"Actually, I'm going to ask him to the Seattle Arts Festival today," Tori announces to her friend.
She decided it on the drive over here this morning. After the look when they first met, she figures he’s obviously attracted to her. And then there’s the way he touches her lightly all the time. Maybe he’s gun-shy after breaking up with his fiancée. Something about seeing Liam the other day made her realize it was high time this relationship moved forward.
Her friend nods with approval. "Good for you. I say go for it."
"Hopefully, he says yes."
"Say, listen." Peyton leans closer. "I wanted to run over to Target before lunch. Do you think you can cover the desk for me?"
"Sure, but only until eleven thirty. I have a dog sitting job at noon." Tori brings up the day's schedule on the computer, hoping to see an obvious break where she can corner Dr. Adrian. Unfortunately, they're busy all morning.
"Is it with that FBI guy you went to high school with?"
"Yeah, it's him," she mutters.
Peyton raises an eyebrow. "Well, I'll be."
"Don’t look at me like that. I'm only doing it to help Miss Fancy Pants."
"I know, but you have to admit he’s hot."
Tori snorts. But then she thinks about how strange it was seeing Liam the other day. How unsettling.
It isn't until their ten o'clock appointment calls to say they're running late that she finally sees her opportunity. Dr. Adrian is sitting alone in the break room eating a tofu breakfast burrito, studying his phone.
To her astonishment, she recently found out he’s a vegan just like she is. One more way they’re perfect for each other.
She goes over to the fridge and pretends to look inside for something before glancing over her shoulder. "I eat those too," she says, closing the fridge door. She walks over and joins him at the table. "I'm not sure if you know this, but I’m also a vegan."
"You are?" He looks up from his phone. "I didn’t know that."
"I’ve been one for a few years now."
"So have I."
Their eyes meet, and he grins. "I’ve noticed you and I have a lot in common."
She laughs flirtatiously. "I’ve noticed the same thing."
"Have you tried that new vegetarian restaurant on Roosevelt?"
"Not yet, but I plan to."
There’s a smile in those blue eyes. "Maybe we should check it out together sometime."
A thrill rushes through her. She knew it was a good idea cornering him today. "That sounds great."
They talk more about various restaurants in the city they’ve both tried. He doesn’t ask her out specifically, but he seems to be laying the groundwork.
He takes another bite of his burrito and glances at his phone, chuckling over something.
"What is it?" she asks.
"It’s these cat videos. I watch them to relax sometimes."
"Me too. I love cat videos!"
He waves her toward him. "Well, scoot closer. You have to see this one."
Reaching over, he helps pull her chair right next to his, then holds his phone out. It’s one of those videos where the cat knocks items off a counter one at a time. In this case, the cat is a fluffy gray Persian.
They watch as she knocks off a hairbrush, then a small bottle of shampoo, then a box of facial tissue. The next item in line is a ladybug toy.
The cat seems startled by its bright red color. She stares at it for a long moment. Her tail twitches, twitches again, and then her paw comes out and the ladybug goes flying.
Tori and Adrian laugh.
"I swear, cats have the best comedic timing."
"They do," she says in agreement.
The two of them watch a few more videos, laughing together. Tori has a warm feeling inside. Her eyes roam discreetly over Dr. Adrian’s handsome profile. His eyebrows are the same blond shade as his hair. A smattering of freckles runs across his cheeks and nose. It occurs to her that they have similar coloring. This gives her pause. She hopes they don't look like brother and sister on their cozy sweater Christmas cards.
But then decides that’s silly.
While she may not be attracted to Dr. Adrian physically, she definitely likes his personality. She can tell he’s a good guy and figures the physical part will come with time. It’s all a part of trying something new.
"Do you like art?" she asks him .
"Art?" Those blond brows move up slightly. He's staring at his screen and chuckling at another video. "I suppose I do."
She takes a deep breath. There's a lot riding on this next question. For all she knows, Dr. Adrian is her special someone. "Are you going to the Seattle Arts Festival this weekend? Because I was thinking of going."
He glances at her.
"I was hoping we could go together," she clarifies.
"That would be great. My sister and I are planning to go." He studies her. "Would you like to come with us?"
She sucks in her breath. "I'd love to."
He nods. "This is perfect timing. I’ve been thinking how I’d like to get to know you better, Tori."
"Really? Me too."
They grin at each other.
A thrill rushes through her. It’s finally happening. Dr. Adrian has finally asked her out. So what if she had to prod him a little? At least he’s not pushy like so many other guys.
This is exciting. She can't wait to ride in that midnight blue Tesla.
He's gone back to his phone. Meanwhile, she’s thinking about their date. It’s a good sign that he wants her to meet his sister. Most men don't want a woman to meet family members unless they really like her.
She studies his face as he studies the screen. That square jaw and those perfect blond-tipped lashes. Dr. Adrian really does look like Prince Charming.
"So, what day are we going?" she asks.
"I'm not sure." He tilts his head. "Let me talk to Gina. I think it was Sunday. How does that sound?"
"Perfect. I'm really looking forward to it."
"So am I. Let me get your number." He shuts down the cat videos, and Tori rattles off her phone number. "I’ll text you when I find out the time. "
"Sounds great."
After he leaves the room, Tori hugs herself, elated. See, that wasn't so hard? She should have cornered him sooner. Heck, who knows where they'd be now.
Heading back out to the front desk, she can't wait to tell Peyton. She has to text Blair too. Blair hasn't met Dr. Adrian, but Tori's told her all about him.
She has a feeling it won't be long before she's introducing him to everyone as her new veterinarian boyfriend.
Peyton's reaction to her date is pure enthusiasm. "Girl, that’s wonderful! "
"I know! Isn’t it?"
"Everyone’s going to be so jealous," she says, referring to some of their coworkers who have crushes on Dr. Adrian. "They won’t believe it."
She texts Blair next and hears back immediately.
Dr. Adrian sounds like the perfect man for you. I can’t wait to meet him!
Tori smiles and is still smiling when she heads over to her pet sitting appointment with Miss Fancy Pants. She's in such a great mood as she rings the doorbell to Liam's house that nothing can ruin her happiness. Nothing. It's too magical.
But then Liam Castillo opens his front door.
Like last time, his size and appearance are unexpected. He’s even more handsome than before. Does he get better looking every day? He's wearing gray slacks and a white dress shirt, but his tie is forest green today. The color brings out the brown in his eyes.
She's always liked men with dark hair and eyes, liked how they were so different from her own light coloring.
Blue eyes are nice too , she reminds herself. Dr. Adrian's eyes are a dreamy blue .
The shirt hugs Liam's broad shoulders, and she follows it down to where it's tucked in at his waist, which is narrow and solid.
He smiles at her with that sensual mouth. A flash of white teeth.
Except she doesn't like it. Not one bit.
Annoyed, she glares at him. Her day's happiness is now hovering on the edge of ruin. "Is that how you always dress?" she complains, stepping inside the foyer. "I thought FBI guys wore nothing but cheap black suits."
He chuckles, and to her further annoyance, the sound is a low rumble that sends tingles through her.
"It depends on what case I'm working. I deal with a lot of financial institutions, so I typically dress the part."
She notices how he took his gun off already. The gun didn't bother her, but she appreciated his concern. Oddly, despite their infamous past, there's something about Liam that makes her feel safe. "Is that what you were doing today?"
"No, I was in court this morning. I had to testify against a guy who embezzled from the healthcare company he used to work for."
"You're the one who arrested him?"
Liam nods. "I was lead on the case. I worked undercover for three months to catch him."
Tori's eyes widen. "That sounds dangerous. How much did he steal?"
"Five million and change."
"Are you allowed to tell me those details?"
He shrugs. "The FBI isn't the CIA. I can usually discuss cases after they’re adjudicated—been through the court process."
"Really? I didn't know that."
There's a flash of white again. "Now you do."
She follows him into the living room, trying not to watch him walk. His walk is confident. Sexy. Dr. Adrian has a nice walk too. Or at least she thinks he does. To be honest, she's never noticed it, but she’s sure it’s as perfect as he is.
"How is Miss Fancy Pants after the other night?" she asks, concerned. "Is she still okay? I hope there's been no more choking incidents."
"She's back to her normal self."
"Good. Did you go on my website for the list of foods that are safe and ones to avoid?"
"Yes, I saw it."
Tori sighs with relief.
"Have a seat." He motions to the same lumpy couch she sat on a couple days ago. "Can I get you anything?"
"Ice water would be nice."
He heads off to the kitchen, and Tori takes a seat on the couch, placing her purse on the floor again. She looks around for Miss Fancy Pants but doesn't see her.
Liam returns with two glasses. They sit on opposite ends of the sofa, same as last time, except now she's too aware of his proximity.
Her eyes keep roaming over him. She can't seem to stop herself.
It's his whole masculine vibe. It occurs to her that the male energy he puts out isn't quite like Dr. Adrian's. It's different. And the way Liam keeps watching her with those dark eyes isn't like Dr. Adrian either. That's different too.
Very different.
Her stomach dips. Butterflies start fluttering.
But then she's angry with herself. Why is she comparing the two men? That's like comparing a sweet angel to Beelzebub.
"Are you all right?" he asks, studying her with concern.
"Of course." She puts her drink on the table and accidentally sloshes some over the edge. There’s a napkin nearby and she uses it to mop up the water. "I'm having a great day. Just peachy."
"I'm glad to hear it."
She leans back and crosses her legs. She's wearing jeans and a flowered pink top that's one of her most flattering. It's loose enough to hide any sins but tight enough to show some curves.
Liam's eyes flicker down her body. She smiles to herself. Not that she wore this top for him. Please. That would be ridiculous. In fact, she likes the way he's checking her out, because it reminds her of Dr. Adrian on the first day they met.
"Was everything okay that night after we talked on the phone?" he asks.
"What do you mean?"
"With your mom."
Tori stiffens. She can't believe he has the nerve to bring that up. But then he probably thinks an FBI badge gives him permission to be nosy. "That's not something I care to discuss with you."
He leans a little closer. "Listen, I called the police about your missing vehicle yesterday."
"You did?" This gets her attention. "What did you find out?"
"They haven't found your van, but there's been a string of missing minivans lately. They suspect they're being used to smuggle stolen goods."
Tori clutches her chest. "Poor Mable. That's terrible."
"I'll let you know if I hear anything more. I'm really sorry."
With distress, she reaches for her water again. What kind of person steals a minivan and abuses it like that? She hears a flapping noise, and when she turns, discovers Miss Fancy Pants barking and galloping around the corner toward her.
"There you are," Tori says with a laugh. She puts her glass down and pets the little dog, whose tail is wagging enthusiastically. "I'm so glad you're here, sweetie. You're just in time to cheer me up."
"She was outside doing her business," Liam tells her. "She's been using the back door again."
"Is that so?" Tori scratches behind the dog's ears. "What a good girl."
"Yes, I'm happy to report there hasn't been a single piss puddle since you were here Wednesday."
"That's great news."
He nods and sips his iced tea. "I'm hoping we've reached a turning point."
Miss Fancy Pants jumps up and sits beside her on the couch .
"You really should get her coat trimmed," she tells him, petting the dog. "It's too overgrown. I'm sure it's bothering her."
"You're right. I'll take care of it."
His gaze lingers on her again, and there's something about it that makes her feel self-conscious. She continues petting the dog, who's settled in and relaxed.
Tori wishes she could relax. Every time she meets Liam's eyes, her stomach flutters.
She needs to remember what he did to her, and all the reasons she dislikes him.
"So, do you have any plans this weekend?" she asks, figuring it's time to let him know there's a man in her life, and that he needs to stop looking at her like she's a dish of ice cream. Though he reminds her of the chocolate sauce. It's those brown eyes and that sensual mouth. All his male sexual energy. It's too much. It's confusing her.
He glances away. "I do, actually."
"You do?"
He nods. "How about you?"
Tori is surprised. "Who do you have plans with?" She figures he'll tell her it's his family or one of the guys from work.
"A blind date I was set up on."
"You were set up on a blind date?" She takes this in. Blind dates are notoriously bad, and for some reason she's relieved. "Good luck with that."
"We've already met." He tells her how they went for a run together recently and how he's taking her to a baseball game tomorrow. "Her name's Shelby. She seems nice."
"Is that so?" Tori tries to regroup and flicks her hair back. She added extra gold highlights recently. It figures this Shelby would be athletic and into sports. Not that she cares. "Well, I have plans this weekend too. I'm headed to the Seattle Arts Festival with the man in my life."
Liam studies her, his expression unreadable. "I didn't know you were involved with someone. "
"I am. We've just started seeing each other." She nods to herself. It's not exactly a lie, more like a version of the truth. "I've had a crush on him for a while."
He grows quiet.
She smooths out an imaginary wrinkle on her pants. "You've met him, actually."
"I have?"
"It's Dr. Adrian."
"Who?"
"You know. Dr. Grant." She lets that sink in. Yes, that's right. I’m dating a doctor. A wonderful veterinarian. "Adrian is his first name," she informs him.
Except Liam still seems confused.
She sighs with irritation. "From the animal hospital. Remember? He's the vet who saw Miss Fancy Pants when you brought her in."
"I know who you're talking about. I just don't believe it."
"What's not to believe? I just told you we're involved."
"No, you're not."
"Yes, we are."
He grins.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing. Except he's gay."
" What? " Tori’s taken aback. "No, he isn’t. That’s absurd."
Liam chuckles and seems to relax. "I'm sure he's a good guy, and a great vet, but there's no way you two are involved."
"You don’t know what you’re talking about. He’s not gay. That’s silly."
He gives her a long, considering look. "Have you slept with him?"
She gawks. "That's none of your business! I can't believe you have the nerve to even ask me that." And that’s when it comes to her. "I know what this is. You’re doing it again. I can’t believe it."
"Doing what?"
"You’re trying to ruin my happiness just like you did in high school. "
Liam appears stunned. He sits up straight and focuses on her with intensity. "Listen to me, Tori. That’s not true. It wasn’t then, and it isn’t now."
"Oh, really? Then why would you make up something like that about Dr. Adrian?" She pets Miss Fancy Pants, who’s following their exchange with interest. If it wasn’t for this dog, she’d leave right now.
He grows quiet and seems at a loss for words. He leans back again. "All right, fine. Tell me more about Dr. Adrian. How long have you two been seeing each other?"
She wonders if she should even answer. "It’s our first date on Saturday," she admits.
"And how did this date come about?"
"What do you mean?"
"Did he ask you out or what?"
"Yes, he asked me out. He asked me to the Arts Festival. It happened in the break room at work."
"And it's just you and him going together? No one else?"
She stares at him. "What is this, an FBI interrogation? Am I under arrest?" She turns her head away. "I don't have to answer your questions."
"Don't be silly. I'm not interrogating you."
"It sure feels like it. I don't know why you even care."
Liam runs a hand through his short hair and seems frustrated. "Just tell me who's going on the date with you besides him. Is it someone else from the vet’s office?"
She sniffs. "If you must know, it's his sister."
There’s the hint of a smile on his face, but he doesn't say anything more, just picks up his glass of iced tea.
Tori glances at her watch with irritation. "Our time is nearly over. I sure hope you got your money's worth today."
"Come on. Don't be like that. I just don't want to see you get hurt."
"Oh, that's rich coming from you , of all people."
"You should be with a man who'll appreciate you. "
She pets the dog again and gets up. "I'm leaving now. Next time we schedule this, let's do it so I have some alone time with Miss Fancy Pants. I believe she's ready for that."
Liam nods. "At least let me walk you to your car."
"That won't be necessary."
To her annoyance, he walks her out anyway. She goes ahead of him, but not too far because she doesn't want Miss Fancy Pants to feel ignored.
Before leaving, she bends down and tells the dog she's looking forward to seeing her again. Miss Fancy Pants wags her tail.
She pointedly ignores Liam, though she can feel those brown eyes on her. He's got a lot of nerve acting like he cares about her. She can’t believe he’d stoop so low as to make up stuff about Dr. Adrian.
It isn't until she's in the car driving away that she realizes she forgot to teach him the Heimlich maneuver. She'll have to show him next time. A part of her wishes she didn't have to see him again. She doesn’t like this weird attraction she seems to have for him. But Miss Fancy Pants needs her help.
"It's okay," she tells herself. "Everything will be fine once Dr. Adrian and I fall in love with each other."