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She grinned, but her hands were still in the air.

“See?” Eli told her. “Not only are they harmless when they’re little babies like this, but they’re also pretty damned cute, aren’t they?”

The little fluff ball paced excitedly from one thigh to another. Beth was so caught up in watching it that she didn’t notice Eli’s hands on her wrists, lowering her arms. By the time she was holding the chick, it was too late to object.

“Oh my god! Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod! I’m holding it!” she exclaimed.

“You sure are,” Eli said.

“And it’s not poking my eyes out or eating my brain!” Beth added. She laughed as its downy soft feathers tickled her skin.

“Nope.” He nudged her knee with his own, careful not to jostle the rest of the chicks piled in his lap. “Maybe wild animal instinct is not to identify you as the enemy after all. If you don’t see yourself as the bad guy, chances are they won’t either.”

Beth lifted the small creature in front of her face so they were eye to eye.

“Tweet,” Beth spoke softly.

“Chirp,” the chick replied.

She gasped, a strange warmth pulsing through her. “Is this why you do what you do?” The question was for Eli, but her gaze stayed fixed on the chick. “Because of how good it feels when they actually like you?”

Eli chuckled, and out of the corner of her eye, she caught him lifting one of his chicks just like she had.

“I like ’em…the animals, I mean. And sure, I get attached to some…”

“Like Frederick?” she asked hesitantly.

“Like Frederick,” Eli admitted. “But it’s not about the affection,” he continued. “That’s just an added perk, I guess.”

She turned her gaze to him. “Perk to what?”

He kept his eyes trained on the chick. “To animals being easier to be around than people.”

Something in her heart tugged, or maybe the feeling was more of a reach.

“You don’t really believe that, do you?” Beth bumped her elbow against his.

“Have you seen me around town when you’re not at work?”

Her brows drew together. “Well…no, but I’ve heard you go to the tavern every now and then.” She squeezed her eyes shut, having inadvertently admitted she’d been asking around about him.

“Because everyone there lets me enjoy a pint in peace. My barstool is like sacred ground.”

“And you’re great with your patients and their owners. You have dinner parties with Delaney and Sam. And…and there’s Boone.”

He let out a soft laugh and finally turned to face her.

“You just listed people I either have to interact with because of work or because we’re related. Two friends I’ve known for a few years basically because I do pro bono work for Delaney’s shelter, my brother, plus my patients and their humans.” He leaned closer and whispered. “The animals aren’t big fans of being owned. Especially the cats.”

Beth snorted, then resisted the urge to cover her mouth so she didn’t accidentally eat a live chick. “You’re funny and charming and…”

And a little too easy on the eyes.

“And what?” he asked, one brow quirked.

“And…and there’s no way a species other than humans can appreciate what Dr. Eli Murphy, cowboy veterinarian extraordinaire, has to offer.” She deposited her chick back into her lap and crossed her arms. “You charmed me, okay? There. I said what I said, and I meant it.”

Okay, so he blew hot and cold and then hot again, but Eli Murphy was still undeniably attractive and charming. He couldn’t turn it off if he tried.