Rescued Page 14

  Evan turned. “Something wrong?”

  Alex shook her head. “No. Remembering Amy.” She followed him to the kitchen where a half-filled glass of wine sat on the center island.

  Evan removed another glass from a rack and poured a sauvignon blanc, offering it to her.

  “Thanks. I like what you’ve done with the place.”

  “It’s coming along. Didn’t take much really, mostly a little cleaning and reorganizing.” His gaze settled on her shirt. “You need rescuing?”

  She furrowed her eyebrows. “Pardon?”

  He pointed. “Your shirt.”

  “Oh, I probably do, but that’s a long story.”

  He sat at one of the stools and motioned for her to sit. “How did things go in New Orleans? Is that the long story part?”

  Alex rolled the glass of wine between her palms. “Yeah, that’s the story. Things didn’t go very well. It seems my mother learned of my inheritance. That was the whole point of contacting me again. She didn’t even have the decency to do that herself. She sent Lex. She also says she has breast cancer.”

  “That’s tough. My mother died from breast cancer. Hell of a thing to have in common, huh? So Lex is your father?”

  “So they tell me.” She took a swallow of wine and felt it warm her. “I went, I saw, I heard enough. At least I can close that door for good and move on.”

  He grimaced. “It still has to hurt.”

  “It did. But Kellie helped put things into perspective.” Alex smiled. “She’s pretty wise for a younger sister. I’m thinking of taking her advice more often.” She gazed over the wineglass and into his golden brown eyes.

  Evan stared back.

  Alex’s breath caught as she felt herself pulled into his warm gaze. She blinked. “It’s getting late. I should go. Do you want me to take Walter?”

  “I can keep him for the rest of the weekend. We’re actually getting along pretty well. Besides, it turns out he’s pretty good at fetch and playing Frisbee. Right, Walter?” Evan said with a grin.

  The dog had been lying on the floor between them but perked up as his name was spoken. When Alex slid from the high stool, Walter leaped to his feet and once again pawed her shoulders, licking her face. “I love you, too,” she said with a laugh.

  “Who loves who?”

  Alex turned abruptly at the question coming from the woman in the doorway. She was tall, with blond hair, blue eyes, and breasts that threatened to spill from the silky lingerie she wore.

  Walter whined and shrunk back, tail between his legs.

  Evan fumbled his wineglass as he set it on the counter. “Alex, this is Tiffany. And this is Alex. She came to check on Walter.”

  Tiffany stepped forward, a forced smiled on her face, hand extended. “It’s so nice to meet you. You were talking to the dog, then?”

  “Yes, of course. He was licking my face. Walter, that is. Not Evan.” Heat seemed to consume her, rushing up from her chest into her face. “I run the local animal shelter and wanted to make sure Evan wasn’t having any problem with Walter.”

  “Oh, he’s no problem. I swatted him a few times with a newspaper and he got the point.” She stared at Alex. “Walter, I mean. I have other ways of handling Evan.”

  “You hit the dog?” That explained Walter’s behavior.

  Evan intervened. “She didn’t hit him. She waved a newspaper at him. You know how friendly Walter can be. And Tiffany’s allergic to dogs. Trust me. I’m taking good care of him.” He guided her toward the door while he spoke.

  “It was nice to meet you,” Alex called back over her shoulder. “I’m sorry for interrupting your evening,” she said to Evan as she stepped outside.

  He followed her onto the porch. “No interruption. Tiffany’s in town for the week. She’s my ex.”

  “Your ex wife?”

  Evan nodded. “Are you coming to the grand opening of Amelia’s on Friday evening?”

  “Yes, I’ll be there. You wanted me to look at some pieces of furniture that are stored in the attic?”

  “If you have time. I know it’s short notice, but I have to have them moved by Wednesday.”

  “I can come tomorrow. That is, if you and Tiffany don’t have plans.”

  “No plans. After eleven? Tiff’s a late sleeper.”

  “Maybe I should wait. Or perhaps Tiffany can help you sort the furnishings.”

  Evan shook his head. “No, it’s okay. She doesn’t know the first thing about antiques or what would fit at the restaurant. And neither of us knew Aunt Amy. You’d know best how she would want those things to be displayed.”

  Alex gave herself an imaginary kick in the seat of her pants. The mixture of feelings that filled her were not the ones she would have anticipated after coming here tonight. She felt embarrassed, stupid and slightly annoyed with Tiffany. Not to mention annoyed with herself because she felt anything. “One o’clock?”

  “Perfect.” Evan followed her down the steps to her car and opened the door for her. “I’ll see you then.”

  “Goodnight.” Alex started the car. “Evan, I’m serious about not swatting Walter with a newspaper or anything else. Not only is that abusive, but I spent a lot of time socializing him for adoption and that could set him back. I can return him to the shelter tomorrow when I leave.”

  Evan raised a hand. “It won’t happen. He’ll be fine. Trust me.”

  How could she trust him when she’d finally dropped her defenses and what does he do? He moves his ex-wife into the house. She backed up the car, turned around and headed down the driveway, feeling ridiculous.

  Tears inexplicably stung her eyes. She was such a loser. Her own mother had walked away from her, only to return into her life once Alex had inherited money. And the one new guy in town that she could have possibly had a relationship with invited his ex-wife to stay with him. It had been a long time since she’d felt so alone. Despite exhaustion, she headed for the one place where she always felt welcomed and needed. Puppy therapy never failed.

  *

  Evan closed the door and returned to the kitchen where Tiffany was pouring herself a glass of wine.

  “What was that all about?” she asked.

  “Alex came by to check on the dog. This is kind of a trial time for me and Walter. I may adopt him.”

  “You and a dog? You’re kidding.”

  “No, I’m serious. I like dogs.” He stared hard at her. “They’re loyal.”

  “Ouch.” She sipped her drink. “I’m beginning to think there’s a lot more to you that I never knew.”

  Evan rinsed his wineglass and set it in the dishwasher. He was not about to be baited into a trip down memory lane or a discussion of any future relationship with Tiffany. “I’m taking Walter for a walk, and then I have to get some sleep. I have a lot of work to do tomorrow. You want anything, help yourself.” He removed Walter’s leash from the hook in the alcove by the back door. The dog danced around and yipped, racing to the front door where Evan caught up with him. The dog avoided getting within five feet of Tiffany. He was a good judge of character.

  While Walter tugged him along, sniffing at every tree trunk and clump of weeds, Evan thought about Alex’s unexpected appearance. She looked fresh with no makeup and her hair pulled back in a ponytail. She smelled as if she’d just stepped out of a shower. The look of surprise and then of disappointment when Tiffany appeared had not been lost on him. Guilt stabbed at him when he realized he had set a plan in motion that would possibly cause Alex pain. He didn’t want to hurt her, only to discourage her enough to keep a distance. Mainly because he didn’t trust his own ability to do so. When she’d told him about her reunion with her mother and he saw the pain in her eyes, he’d wanted nothing more than to pull her close and hold her. He knew the loss of a mother, even if the women and the circumstances were very different.

  Once Walter had finished his business, he pulled on the leash, returning to the porch. Evan sat down on the top step and the dog sat beside him.

  �
��You’re a lucky dog, you know that? No interest in females for you. At least not the ones that can cause you grief. Maybe I should be neutered, though Tiffany already tried that.” He stroked the dog’s ears and Walter leaned into him. “Alex wants to take you back tomorrow, but I’ve been thinking you and I make a pretty good team. What do you think?”

  As if in response, the dog licked his cheek. Evan laughed. “Good answer.” He stood. “Let’s get some sleep.”

  Evan was wakened by movement on the bed and warm breath in his ear. He reached back and mumbled, “Walter, get off the bed.” But his hand made contact with something definitely not Walter.

  A warm palm slid across his abdomen. “I’m not Walter.”

  Evan scrambled across the bed and snapped on the light. “What the hell are you doing?”

  Tiffany grinned. “You said if I wanted anything, I should help myself. That’s what I was doing. Now come back here.” She patted the bed and pouted.

  How had Walter not alerted him to her entry into the bedroom? “Where’s the dog?”

  “I offered him the rest of the chicken in the fridge and he was more than happy to follow it outside.”

  Panic seized Evan. He tugged on his jeans and slid into his shoes. “You gave him a chicken carcass? What the hell is wrong with you?” He pushed past her and raced down the stairs.

  As soon as Evan opened the door, he heard what he feared. Walter stood in the yard gagging and heaving, fighting for air. “Oh, no.” He almost knocked Tiffany over getting to his car keys.

  “He’s a dog. Why can’t he eat chicken?”

  “The bones, Tiff. They’ll choke him.” He popped open his SUV and lifted Walter into the back. As soon as he pulled from the driveway, he realized he didn’t have a clue where to go. No one would answer at the vet’s office at this hour of the morning. He had no choice but to call Alex.

  “Hello?” she answered sleepily.

  “It’s Evan. How do I contact the vet? It’s an emergency.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  He quickly explained. She gave directions. “I’ll meet you there. I’m calling Howard now.”

  Dr. Howard Dennis stood in front of the clinic when Evan pulled up. He hurried to the SUV and assessed Walter before carefully lifting him out and carrying him inside. Alex’s car screeched to a stop behind the SUV.

  “What happened?” Alex demanded.

  “He got hold of a chicken carcass.”

  “What do you mean ‘got hold of’? Last I checked, Walter couldn’t open the fridge by himself.”

  “Tiffany.”

  “Oh, great. Instead of beating him with a newspaper, she just tried to choke him to death. You do know you forgot to dress?”

  Evan was well aware he’d forgotten to put on a shirt. He’d been in a hurry. “I didn’t want to take the time. Walter was choking.”

  Dr. Dennis looked up from where he tended to the distressed animal. “Could you two take the argument outside, please?”

  Alex’s face flushed. “I’m sorry. I’d like to stay and keep Walter calm.” She turned to Evan. “You can go.”

  “I’m not leaving. I’ll wait outside, but I’m staying until I know he’s okay.”

  He stepped out into the dimly lit waiting room and paced. Half an hour later, Alex came out of the exam room.

  “Is he okay?” Evan asked.

  “He will be, no thanks to your ex-wife. A chicken bone was stuck in his throat. Fortunately, Howard was able to extract it.” Her eyes raked over his chest and down his abdomen.

  He crossed his arms. “Thank God. I really am sorry.”

  “Good. You can pay the bill for emergency services and an overnight stay.”

  Howard came into the waiting area. “That was close. I swear that dog is part cat, has nine lives.” He stared at Evan. “I offer a monthly class for new pet owners. You might want to sign up. Of course, you’d have to wear a shirt.”

  Evan gritted his teeth. “I didn’t give the dog the carcass. Even I know better.”

  Howard shrugged. “Just a suggestion if you’re thinking of adopting a dog.” He turned to Alex. “You free on Friday night? I have a Veterinary Association fundraiser in Jackson.”

  She looked from Howard to Evan. “Friday? I promised to go to the grand opening of Evan’s new restaurant, Amelia’s. It honors Amy Whiting’s memory, so I feel I should be there.”

  Howard’s face fell and Evan fought back a smile. As angry as she was with Evan right now, Alex still turned down a date with Dr. Do-Good to come to his grand opening. Wait, he didn’t want her to want to be with him. Did he? “Alex, I’ll understand if you can’t be there.”

  It was Howard’s turn to smile. “Come to the fundraiser. I’ll take you to dinner at Amelia’s another evening. We can sample Evan’s fare together.”

  Alex shifted her gaze from Howard back to Evan and back again to Howard. “Let me think about it. I’m exhausted right now. You’ll let me know if there’s any further problem with Walter? Otherwise, I’ll pick him up Monday morning.”

  “I can bring him by the shelter,” Howard offered.

  “I can pick him up,” Evan said. “I intend to keep him.”

  Alex glared at him. “Then before you leave here, you need to sign up for Howard’s class.” She pushed the door open and stalked out.

  Howard slapped him on the shoulder. “Come on. I’ll check the date of the next Pet Owners 101 and sign you up.”

  “Oh, good. I can’t wait.” He followed Howard to the reception desk and accepted a card with a class date and time. “May I see Walter before I leave?”

  Howard shook his head. “I had to sedate him. He’s sound asleep. Which is where I would like to be again.” He turned off lights and directed Evan toward the door. “Should I send the bill to your home or your business address?”

  “Home. I’ll write it down for you.”

  “No need. I know the place.” He got into a pick-up truck. “See you, Whiting.”

  Evan ground his teeth as he started his SUV. He was starting to strongly dislike Dr. Howard Dennis. Why couldn’t Alex see how arrogant the guy was? Or maybe she did and that’s why she used his restaurant opening as an excuse not to accompany Howard to his dinner.

  Tiffany sat at the kitchen island when Evan returned. “Is the dog okay?”

  He glared at her. “No thanks to you. What were you thinking?”

  “I was thinking of getting him out of the way so you and I could….”

  “There is no you and I,” he bellowed.

  She looked momentarily hurt, but regained her composure. “Sometimes it’s best to let the past be the past and start over.” She traced a fingertip down his chest to the snap of his jeans.

  Evan shivered and stepped back. “Sometimes it’s best to learn from the past and not make the same mistakes.” He stomped up the stairs and, this time, locked the bedroom door.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Alex’s heart still pounded. She made a cup of tea and settled on her sofa. Sippi and General Lee flanked her. Alex told herself she would have been equally angry, had either Evan or Tiffany been responsible for Walter’s medical emergency. But there was something about that woman….

  She thought about Howard’s invitation. If the fundraiser was in Jackson it would be too late for them to drive home afterward. Which meant spending the night. Would he think she would sleep with him? They’d only been out on three dates. She liked Howard. Found him attractive. But she wasn’t attracted to him in that way. Not the way she was attracted to Evan.

  She choked on her tea and bolted upright, dabbing at her shirt with a napkin. She could not be attracted to Evan Whiting. Not in a million years. Sure, he was handsome and could be nice. But he was self-absorbed, irresponsible and—worst of all—temporary. He’d be out of Cade’s Point in a year, once he could claim his full inheritance.

  She remembered her promise to help Evan with the furnishings. Well, she could do that. For Miss Amy. It didn’t mean anything more
than that. She set her mug in the sink and returned to her bed where she watched the digital clock silently tick off the hours until dawn.

  Every muscle complained when she stretched and sat up at six-thirty a.m. She stared at the shadows the morning light spread across the bedroom and thought about her mother. What if she really was sick? So what, Alex didn’t owe her a thing. The woman abandoned her. But what if money could make a difference, buy her the treatment or care she needed? How would Alex live with that question and do nothing?

  Alex padded into the living room and retrieved her checkbook from her purse along with the note upon which she’d jotted her mother’s address. Her hand trembled as she wrote out a check for ten thousand dollars, something she’d never imagined being able to do. She drew a line through her address on the check. Unable to think of a thing to say, she stuffed the check into an envelope without a note and addressed it. She did not place a return address on the envelope.

  After feeding the cats, she stood in the shower and let the steam clear her head. Once she was dressed, she called Howard to inquire about Walter.

  “I came in to check on him. He’s still a little groggy, but he’ll be okay.”

  “Thanks, Howard.”

  “Wait, Alex. Did you think any more about Friday? I’d consider it a favor if you went with me.”

  She felt pushed to answer. And she did not like feeling pushed into something. “I really can’t, Howard. It’ll be a late night and I have to be on deck Saturday morning at the shelter. Several volunteers are on vacation this week. And there’s the grand opening of Amelia’s. Evan asked me to say a few words at the ribbon cutting about Amy.”

  After a brief silence, he asked, “Is that all it is? You seemed to be quite enthralled with the shirtless Mr. Whiting.”

  She gasped. “Howard! How dare you?”

  “Well, you couldn’t take your eyes off him. Look, Alex, I like you. A lot. I think we could be good together. If you’d give us a chance.”

  What if he was right? She remembered his goodnight kiss the last time they’d gone out to dinner. It was like kissing her brother, she assumed, if she had a brother. No spark at all. “Please don’t do this.”