And even that suddenly didn’t feel right.
Yes, he was a grinch where the holidays were concerned, but after watching him go help that homeless man and how he brought Lola back to the clinic, she had a feeling there was more to him than she originally thought.
And really, she hoped there was because the thought of someone being that mean and miserable all the time didn’t seem right.
But the whole Christmas thing couldn’t be ignored.
Why would someone be so against a holiday that even looking at decorations put them in such a bad mood? Did something happen to him at Christmas? Did he lose someone at Christmas? Of course there were a million possibilities, but she doubted he’d share any of them with her. If there was one thing Bailey learned in the last year, it was that Dr. Maguire did not engage in any kind of personal conversation with anyone.
Anyone.
It was maddening. Living in a small town her entire life, Bailey knew everything about everyone. That’s just the way it was. When Dr. Maguire moved to town, he was a mystery and a year later, he still was! She’d lost count of how many people had tried to get some information out of her on the new veterinarian, and they were always disappointed when she shared that she didn’t know any more than they did.
Maybe she could...
A loud knock on the window made her scream. With her hand on her chest to try to calm her racing heart, she turned and saw Dr. Maguire standing next to the car. She rolled her window down and looked up at him.
“Please come back inside,” he said gruffly. He didn’t have a coat on, she could see he was shivering, and snow was actually starting to accumulate on him.
What choice did she have? She couldn’t walk or drive home and she certainly couldn’t sleep in her car so...
With little more than a nod, she rolled up her window and climbed from the car. Once they were back inside the clinic and the door locked behind them, Bailey wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do or where she was supposed to go.
Stay down here and work?
Sit inside with Lola and the puppies?
Make herself comfortable in one of the exam rooms?
“I was just heading up to make some dinner,” he said, interrupting her thoughts. “Your soup and grilled cheese suggestion sounded good so I hope you don’t mind if that’s what we have.”
He was inviting her to eat with him? Then Bailey almost groaned at her own stupidity. The man might not be particularly personable, but he wasn’t cruel. Of course he’d invite her to share a meal with him. How awkward would that be if he went up to his apartment and made himself something to eat while she sat down here in the clinic all by herself?
“Bailey?”
Oh, right. She should at least respond. “That sounds good. Thank you.” With nothing left to do, she followed him up the stairs. They were halfway there when the oddest thought came to mind.
Damn, Dr. Maguire has a fine butt.
She could feel her cheeks heating up at the incredibly inappropriate thought. Once they were up in his apartment, she froze.
For the past year, she had never once come up here. Whenever she let Cooper in on Thursdays, she simply opened the door at the bottom of the stairs and watched him head up. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting, but it wasn’t this.
White walls with no pictures.
Wide open space with no walls to divide the rooms.
The entire place was sparsely furnished—a sectional sofa in the living room area, a small table and chair set by the kitchen, and a bed in the...well, the bedroom. It was functional but not in the least bit homey. To be honest, it was borderline depressing.
Like their sadly decorated reception area.
Maybe she should have tried walking home...
“Make yourself comfortable,” he said, motioning toward the sectional sofa. “Can I get you something to drink?”
Making her way over to the sofa, she primly sat down. “No thank you, Dr. Maguire.”
He was halfway to the kitchen when he turned and came back toward her. “We’re off the clock and we’re going to more than likely be snowed in here until tomorrow or Sunday. How about you call me Gavin?”
Bailey could feel her cheeks heating up again as she smiled. “Okay. Gavin,” she said, testing it out.
And then he smiled.
And that was even sexier than his butt.
I’m in trouble...
“I was going to make some chicken corn chowder—just the canned stuff—but I do have other options if you’d like something different. Nothing gourmet or anything, but enough to cover all the bases.”
“No, please don’t go to any trouble. The corn chowder sounds great. One of my favorites, actually.” She stood. “Is there something I can help with? You don’t need to wait on me or anything.”
She could tell he wanted to argue, but ultimately thought better of it.
“Sure. We can work together to get the grilled cheese going and then we’ll eat sooner.”
“Sounds good to me!”
As they moved around the kitchen together, they talked about Lola and the puppies and what the next couple of days would be like. Cooper came walking into the room and Gavin played around with him for a minute before setting out the dog food and fresh water. Bailey found it fascinating to watch them interact because there was a playfulness there that she had never noticed before and she wished he’d be like this more often.
Or...every day but...whatever.
Soon they were putting the meal together and sitting down at the small kitchen table. This was the most time they had ever spent together one-on-one and even though she knew she could carry on a conversation, she was kind of afraid to keep talking. It had been obvious since he first took over the clinic that her constant chatter annoyed him, so rather than do or say anything to make the situation any more awkward, Bailey opted to eat in silence.
It took less than a minute for Gavin to comment. “Is everything okay? You’re never this quiet.”
Okay, he had a point, but something about that observation rubbed her the wrong way. Putting her spoon down, she glared at him and had a complete argument in her head where she told him off and pointed out how rude he was.
Of course, not one word of that argument came out of her mouth and with a serene smile, she said, “I was just enjoying the meal.”
The look he gave her told her that he didn’t believe her explanation one bit.
“Okay, fine. I know you like your peace and quiet and solitude so I was trying to be polite. There. Happy?”
A little snippy and not the smartest way to keep the peace, but he asked, right?
Now it was Gavin’s turn to put his spoon down and huffed with annoyance. “It’s not a crime to not want to talk to everyone every minute of the day. And it doesn’t make me a bad person because I don’t have time for social chit-chat with every person in town!”
And then...the gloves were off. It didn’t matter that the snow was still coming down. It didn’t matter that she was stuck here with him. This was a conversation that she’d been dying to have with him since week one and dang it, it was happening.
“Actually, it does make you a bad person, Gavin,” she snapped. “The people of this town are all decent, friendly, and hard-working. It wouldn’t kill you to crack a smile when you see them or to simply say hello! Your behavior and your attitude are beyond rude and everyone in town hates it, you big jerk!”
He cocked one dark brow at her. “Everyone?” he asked sarcastically, crossing his arms over his chest.
Bailey mimicked the post. “Yes. Everyone.”
His expression didn’t change, but Gavin stood up so quickly, his chair fell backwards. Without looking at her, he stormed across the room, down the stairs and slammed the door when he walked into the clinic—leaving Bailey alone, bewildered, and unsure of what she was supposed to do now.
Chapter Five
AS MUCH AS GAVIN LIKED to project an attitude of disinterest, sometimes it
simply wasn’t the case. Over the years, it had been a form of self-preservation and survival. He’d perfected it and after a while, it just became who he was. But hearing Bailey’s words about how everyone felt about him? Well, it hurt more than he thought it could.
Walking into the back room of the clinic, he found Lola and the puppies sleeping in the gated area he set up for them. There were pads on the floor since Lola couldn’t go out and he carefully stepped over the gate to make sure everyone was okay. All the puppies were a good size and seemed to be healthy. Still, for good measure, he examined each of them and it was the perfect distraction until he could get his emotions under control.
Part of him expected Bailey to follow him down here and try to apologize or at least make sure he was okay.
But she didn’t.
Probably because I’m such a jerk...
It wasn’t the first time he’d heard it and probably wouldn’t be the last, but for some reason, hearing it from Bailey made him wish he could be different.
Friendlier.
Less closed off.
But he couldn’t and if people couldn’t accept him as he was then...who needs them.
In his hands, one of the tiny puppies wiggled and squirmed and Gavin gently placed him back by his mama before he rose. The dogs were going to be all right. Him? Eventually. Knowing he couldn’t hide out down here forever, he scrubbed a weary hand over his face and climbed back over the gate. He’d go back upstairs, sit back down and finish his dinner.
He didn’t need conversation.
He didn’t need Bailey’s approval.
But it would have been nice...
Keeping his expression neutral, Gavin made his way back up to the apartment and found Bailey standing by the large picture window behind the sofa, staring out at the snow. A quick glance at the table showed she hadn’t finished eating either and no doubt both of their dinners were cold.
Wordlessly, he walked over and picked up the soup bowls and placed them in the microwave to reheat them. The sandwiches were kind of a lost cause. He was about to scoop them up to throw them away when Bailey walked over and took the plates over to the stove.
“We can reheat them a bit in the skillet. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than tossing them out,” she said quietly, barely looking at him.
They put the meal back on the table a few minutes later and cordially sat down and ate in silence.
It was maddening.
Every night he ate alone and normally enjoyed the quiet. Tonight? Not so much.
“I just went down and checked on Lola,” he stated and then waited to see if she’d react. When her blue eyes met his, Gavin felt a sense of relief he didn’t think possible. “Everyone’s good. I examined all the pups and I probably will a couple of times throughout the night, but I think they’re all going to be okay.”
And when her expression went from cautious, to relaxed, to a smile, Gavin felt a tightening in his gut that was unfamiliar.
But not unpleasant.
“Look, Gavin,” she began, “I never should have said what I said. It was uncalled for and...” She paused and sighed. “I’m sorry.”
For some reason, those two simple words really seemed to get to him. It wasn’t the first time someone had apologized to him, but it was the first time the words ever sounded so sincere. And for the life of him, Gavin didn’t know what to say or do or even how to react.
“Thank you,” he said gruffly, barely recognizing his own voice.
Then, in typical Bailey fashion, she began to talk. And as he sat and ate his dinner, he found it wasn’t quite so annoying and that she really had a great voice and a sexy laugh—all sweet and feminine.
I’m in trouble here...
Doing his best to focus on what she was saying—which was more local gossip about what went on behind the scenes at the annual Christmas parade—Gavin smiled and nodded when appropriate.
“It gets crazier every year,” she said. “You’d think by now that nothing new could happen, but...it does!” She took a spoonful of her soup and then looked at him again. “I always wanted to see a parade float with pets on it, you know? Something fun where they’re all decked out with antlers or little Santa hats.” She laughed. “In theory it sounds great, but I have a feeling it would be hard to get the animals to cooperate and sit still for the entire ride.”
The image made Gavin laugh softly. “I think if you’re looking to make things crazier, that would be the way to go.”
Beside him, Bailey laughed and shook her head. “I guess it’s a good thing I’m not on the committee.”
He picked up his glass and took a sip before saying, “They’d be lucky to have you. Your work is excellent and you give one hundred percent to everything you do.”
Her soft gasp had him looking at her and Gavin could tell she was a little surprised by his praise.
Probably because he never complimented her work before.
Clearing his throat, he murmured, “I mean...you know...you’re a model employee and...and...”
“Really?”
Great. Way to go. Keep complimenting her. That’s not making things more awkward.
Why deny it? They were stuck together for at least tonight, why not at least try to make things...pleasant?
“You really are, Bailey,” he said gruffly. “You’re a great employee and...I know we haven’t talked about what happened this morning, but...” Her hand covering his stopped any words he was going to say. Swallowing hard, Gavin looked up at her.
“I’m not going to pretend that I’m okay with everything,” Bailey began softly, her hand still firmly resting on his. “I’m sure you have your reasons for why you feel the way you do. I just wish you could see things from my perspective.” She paused. “And Hannah’s. And Amber’s. We’re not asking for much...”
Sadly, he knew she was right, but...
Unable to help himself, he turned his hand under hers until they were palm to palm and his fingers gently twined with hers. Bailey let out another soft gasp but didn’t pull away.
He looked down at their hands. “I do,” he said quietly. “I have my reasons and...they’re not something I want to get into.”
“Oh.”
Then he did look up and knew he probably should talk to her—explain himself—but he couldn’t. Not yet. Maybe not ever. After all, what would be the point?
Slowly Bailey’s hand glided out of his and they both went back to eating their dinner. There was no more conversation and the meal was finished in silence.
Maybe it was for the better.
It would be a mistake to get too comfortable with Bailey—or to reveal too much about himself.
It was better this way.
FOR THE LIFE OF HER, Bailey had no idea what had happened or how to get the moment back. One minute they were talking—connecting!—and the next, Gavin seemed to shut down completely.
When he’d turned his hand in hers, she felt tingles all over. His skin was warm and a little rough and it felt so good that she had to hold in a dreamy sigh. For a minute there, she thought something was happening between them and she was surprised at how much she wanted it.
Wanted him!
Unfortunately, they seemed to be back at square one—barely talking, barely tolerating each other. Clearly he preferred to keep his distance—maybe even keep her as an enemy rather than a friend or maybe trying for something more.
And that just made her sad.
But it was probably for the best. After all, she still wasn’t sure she could work for him and getting involved with him—even as just a friend—might make things weird.
Once they were both done eating, Bailey stood and cleared the table. “Why don’t you go and check on Lola while I clean up?”
“You don’t need to do that. I don’t expect you to.”
She waved him off. “I don’t mind. Besides, it gives me something to do.”
“You could go check on Lola and the puppies while I clean up,” he suggested and
for a minute, Bailey was tempted.
Waving him off one more time, she turned and put their dishes in the sink. “As much as I’d like to say yes, I think as the vet, it would be smarter for you to check on them. You’d know if something were wrong long before I would.”
Before he could respond, Cooper came over and whimpered. No doubt he wanted to go out and Gavin crouched down and scratched the dog behind the ears. “The snow’s pretty deep out there, boy,” he said with a small smile. “You sure you’re up for it?”
Cooper barked in response and Bailey watched as the two of them made their way to the stairs. “Is there a space for him to go out that isn’t covered with snow?”
Gavin grabbed his coat and put it on. “There’s a spot out back that had part of the roof covering it and I have a shovel nearby so I can clear some grass for him. Cooper’s not overly particular. Once I get him taken care of, I’ll send him up and then go check on Lola.”
She nodded and watched them both go down the stairs and wished she could go too. Her scrubs weren’t the warmest clothes to wear in this weather and there really wasn’t anything she could do to help, but she just wanted to be with them rather than up here in Gavin’s apartment alone.
Once the dishes were washed, dried, and put away, she wandered around the space. There were no family photos, nothing overly personal on display. Other than it being furnished and a small smattering of dog toys, it was almost as if no one lived here. Bailey’s own place was full of framed photos, shelves of collectible Disney figurines, colorful walls, and tons of Pinterest projects she’d tackled to really make the space her own. It was sad that Gavin chose to live in such sparse surroundings.
Really sad.
She touched the comforter on his bed. It was a navy blue suede and felt very decadent and almost a little out of character for him. There was a bed for Cooper not far from Gavin’s and she wondered how often the dog slept in it or if he jumped up to sleep beside his master.
I’d like to sleep beside his master...
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