Compass (Second Chances 1)

I look around. We’re busy, but Zeke has it covered. “I just stopped in to see if you needed me, but looks like I’m taking the night off.”

“Enjoy,” Zeke says as he walks away.

I’ll enjoy it more if I can track Katie down. I haven’t stopped thinking about her since I saw her this afternoon. Hell, I haven’t been able to get her off of my mind for more than two minutes in the past five years.

She’s a woman no man in his right mind could ever forget.

Chapter 4

Kate

I walk into Premier Pet Care and stare across the reception desk at my best friend, Tilly Wolf.

Her blue eyes skim my face. “What’s going on?”

I bring my hand to my lips and shake my head.

Tilly’s gaze darts to the waiting room. “I have to help Dr. Hunt. He’s going to clip that poodle’s nails. After that, I’m off the clock. Are we talking cheeseburger or martini?”

It’s our sliding scale when something is wrong in my world.

Tilly’s life has settled since she found her prince charming in the form of a black-haired police sergeant named Sebastian Wolf.

If Tilly isn’t with her husband, she’s working here as a vet assistant or hanging out with me.

“Both,” I spit out as I look down at the silver watch on my wrist. “Should I sit in the waiting room until you’re done?”

“No.” A man’s voice from the left startles me. “You should drag Matilda out of here now. I owe her a few minutes since she stayed late last night.”

Dr. Donovan Hunt tosses me a mega-watt smile.

He’s Tilly’s boss and clearly the type of all the women who flock here to have him check out their cats, dogs, and whatever other creatures he can cure with his magic touch.

Tilly wanted to set me up with him once until I pointed out the obvious to her.

I don’t want her working with a potential ex of mine.

I like my friendship with Tilly just as it is and that’s drama free.

“I can leave?” Tilly asks as she rounds the reception desk with her bag slung over her shoulder. “You’ll handle Finn on your own?”

The poodle barks at the mention of his name.

“Kate looks like she needs a friend to lean on.” Donovan nods at me. “I have a sister, so I know how it works.”

I ignore what I think might have been a subtle insult about the way I look.

I glanced in the mirror in my office before I walked the two blocks over here. I know all the color has drained from my face.

That happens when the man you once loved strolls back into your life five years after he trampled all over your heart.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Dr. Hunt.” Tilly tosses him a wave over her shoulder.

“Take good care of Kate,” he offers with a friendly grin.

I manage a small smile back as Tilly grabs my hand and steers me out of the clinic.

***