LITMIR.BIZ

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on a rampage, storming in here, a bleeding dog in my arms. It was clear from the look on your face that I scared you.”

      “Not scared. Startled, maybe.”

      “I’m sorry.” He propped his forearm on the counter and leaned toward her.

      “It’s just that you were the last person on earth I expected to see walk through the door.”

      Del frowned. “Do I know you?”

      “You don’t remember me at all, do you?”

      He looked at her for several seconds. “I’m sorry, but no.”

      “Actually, there’s no reason why you should. The last time we saw each other, I was a frightened teenager crying my eyes out and hanging on to my daddy for dear life.”

      Del was dumbfounded, then the light dawned just as she said, “I’m Allison Russell.”

      CHAPTER TWO

      THUNDERSTRUCK, DEL STARED FOR a second. “I don’t believe it. Wow, no wonder I didn’t recognize you. You’ve grown into a lovely young woman.”

      “Thanks.” Allison smiled. “But you haven’t changed a bit. And you’re still in the rescue business, only this time it’s a dog.”

      He shrugged. “Just in the right place at the right time. What about you? I assume you work here.”

      “Yes, I’m—” She patted her breast pocket, then glanced down. “Oops, forgot my name badge. I’m a full-time veterinary technician.”

      “That’s great. What a stroke of luck to run into you like this.”

      “You’re telling me. I don’t usually work on Saturday nights, but I’m filling in for a coworker. Listen,” she said, “I was just on the phone to Dad when you came back into the lobby and the whole family is so excited to know you’re in town. Long enough for a visit, I hope.”

      “Truth is, I’m going to be here for quite a while.”

      “Really? On a case?”

      He shook his head. “I’ve retired and am in the process of relocating and starting a whole new business right here in Crystal Creek.”

      Her eyes widened. “No kidding! That’s wonderful! Why haven’t I heard about this? When did it happen? Did my mom and dad know about it?”

      Del laughed at her enthusiasm. “As a matter of fact, Sam gave me directions to this clinic. But it was a short conversation and I didn’t have time to tell him I was moving to Crystal Creek. No one knows.”

      “Except me.”

      “You’re the first.”

      Smiling, she propped her elbow on the counter. “Ah-h-h, former agent turned man of mystery.”

      “Hardly,” he said. “This town just sort of stuck in my mind all these years and I thought it would be a great place to start over.”

      She smiled. “Well, I’m glad I’m the first to know and the first to welcome you to our fair city. Again.”

      “Thanks.”

      “Mom and Dad will be thrilled.”

      “How are they? Everything going well?”

      “Great.” For the first time since she saw Del Rickman walk through the clinic doors, Allison’s spirits sagged slightly. At least, everything had been going well. For as long as they’d been together, she’d never felt anything but harmony between her parents, but recently she’d noticed a definite tension and it worried her. She kept her smile in place.

      “And the rest of the family? How are they?”

      “Just fine. My sister Sandy is attending the University of Texas and Hank is a typical teenager. I know they’ll want to see you.”

      “I’d like that. Sam and Lynn and citizens like them are part of the reason I decided to live and work in Crystal Creek.”

      “Since you’re starting a new business, Dad will want to introduce you to the Businessman’s Association and the Lions Club.”

      “Well, I’m not quite ready to open my doors just yet.”

      “Even so, he’ll want you to get to know people. Say,” her smile brightened. “Would you like to have dinner with the family tomorrow night?”

      “Thanks for the invite, but Sam and Lynn may have other plans,” he hedged, even though the idea of a home-cooked meal among friends was definitely appealing.

      “Sunday dinner is always the whole family at the table. Mom says we eat on the run the rest of the week, so she insists we all be together for the Sunday meal. Let me give them a call, but I already know the answer.”

      Del watched as she walked to the phone and punched out a number. After a minute-long conversation she turned, gave him a thumbs-up and one of the most genuinely beautiful smiles he’d ever seen. The impact of it rolled over him like an unexpected tropical breeze after a long, cold winter. She had brilliant blue eyes but they dimmed in comparison to her smile. He had the feeling that when he closed his eyes tonight to sleep, that smile would be etched into his memory so clearly he would be able to recall every detail. There was something…he searched for the right word and had to settle for compelling…about her. Something that made him want to take her hand, tuck it safely into his and walk with her, talk with her. Just the two of them. He blinked, realizing his thoughts had taken a decidedly sensual turn. What was he thinking? This was little Allie, the girl he’d rescued.

      Of course, she wasn’t little anymore. Even a fool could see she was a grown woman, and a damned attractive one. That smile of hers was enough to make a man dream about home and hearth. Get a grip, he told himself. If a great smile could affect him this way, he’d been alone far too long.

      “It’s all set,” Allison said after ending the conversation. “Very casual, lots of good food and conversation, and tons of laughter. You’re going to love it.”

      “I’m looking forward to it,” he answered, and it was true. A meal with a real family. He needed that kind of connection.

      “Me, too. If I’m not being too curious, you said ‘relocating’, so I assume you’re looking for a place to—”

      At that moment one of the double doors opened and Dr. Tanner motioned for Del. “Why don’t you come on back,” the vet suggested.

      Del glanced at Allison. “I’ll go with you,” she offered, and they walked into the treatment room. Inside, a young woman who introduced herself as Connie, another vet tech, was cleaning up. Lying on a stainless steel table and hooked up to an IV tube was the hapless stray. At the sight of Del, the dog’s tail thumped loudly against the table.

      “Hey, there, sweetie,” Allison cooed as she stroked the dog’s head. “You’re being such a good girl. Yes, you are.”

      “Well,” Tanner said, “the good news is, no broken bones, no infections. She’s got a coupla lacerations, but only one needed stitches. Those’ll have to come out in about a week. She’s gonna favor her right leg for a while and she’s got a nasty bruise on that hip, but I figure she’ll probably walk it off in a day or so. You know, another twenty-four hours under that woodpile and it mighta been a whole different story.”

      “Is she anemic?” Allison asked Tanner.

      “Slightly.” He looked at Del. “Anemia is pretty common in strays. That, and malnutrition. This one’s hardly more than skin and bones, but it won’t take long to put some meat back on her. A week or two of three squares a day and you won’t even recognize her. She’ll be in the pink.”

      “She’s been spayed,” Allison said, gently running her hand over the dog’s abdomen.

      “Yep. Best guess is

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