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My thoughts kept pushing me toward Olive. I knew she was out of a job and desperately wanted to find something new, but she didn’t have the necessary experience. Then again, she did walk dogs for a living and seemed to know a thing or two about other animals as well.

I leaned back in my chair and put my feet on my desk. Deep down, I knew why I didn’t want to offer her the job. I’d become her boss, which meant there was only one feasible path for us to take, and that was the friend zone. Not that I assumed we would start dating, but the possibility was at least there as long as she didn’t work for me.

Experience had taught me workplace romance could result in a true disaster. One that left you with a broken heart or professional humiliation. Both, even. It was hardly a choice anyone would make voluntarily.

The smart thing to do was follow common sense.Don’t hire Olive.

Too bad my heart kept screaming to be heard as well. The bloody thing might’ve been broken, but it wasn’t ruined completely. It still worked. It jumped in my chest every time Olive treated me to one of her knee-buckling smiles. It popped out sparks whenever she studied my face as if she was dying to know what I was thinking.

I groaned. I had to stop this. I left England because of a woman ruining me, and I wasn’t planning on getting involved with someone again any time soon.

My computer screen buzzed to life when I touched the keyboard. I opened the folder containing all the job applications the clinic had received over the past year and went through them. I’d make some calls as soon as I heard back from Lori and hire someone, anyone, who wasn’t Olive.

The rest of the day went by fast, thanks to back-to-back surgeries. After I updated all the necessary paperwork, Lori’s husband called to tell me she did indeed have mono and wouldn’t be able to return to work for quite some time.

I went back through the applications and printed off the best ones. I’d sift through them again when I wasn’t feeling so tired.

At six thirty, there was a knock on the door. Even though a big sign told whoever was out there that the clinic was closed, that clearly didn’t deter them from knocking again and again.

I pushed my chair back and headed through the reception area and waiting room to open the door. The clinic might’ve been closed, but that didn’t mean I should turn away someone with a potential emergency.

I unbolted the door and was greeted by Colleen, much to my surprise.

“Hi, Colleen,” I said. “Do you have a hamster-related problem?”

She waved my remark away with a flick of her hand. “Not at all. I brought you a casserole.”

“Oh, really?” I didn’t recall making food arrangements with her.

She smiled sheepishly. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to intrude or anything. It’s just that you’re a man alone, and I always make way too much for Gary and me anyway. I’d rather feed you with it than throw it out.”

I opened the door further and motioned for Colleen to come in. “That’s okay. I must say it does smell delicious.”

Right on cue, my stomach growled, and we both laughed. “Sorry, I’ve been working all day and hardly took a break to eat.”

Colleen leveled me with a stern look. “You’re supposed to eat, Lewis, even when you’ve got a lot of work. It’s important to take care of that body of yours, especially yours specifically.”

“Mine specifically?”

“You know, the strong, handsome type.” She cleared her throat and glanced at her watch. “Not that I’ve noticed, but my daughter might have mentioned it.”

Huh. Olive had been talking to Colleen about me. Again.

I motioned my head toward the casserole in my hands. “I think there are some clean plates in the employees’ lounge. Will you join me?”

“Oh, I’ve already eaten.” She fiddled with her watch again. “I must get going. Gary and I are heading to the bowling alley. Have you been?”

I shook my head. “Can’t say that I have.”

“Well, you should come sometime. I’m sure the ladies of the bowling club would love to have you there. If you go on a Thursday, though, make sure to arrive on time. That’s when you get free chicken wings if you buy two drinks. The place is always packed to the rafters.”

“Free chicken wings, huh?” I said.

She slapped her hand over her mouth. “Oh dear, you’re one of those vegetarians, aren’t you? Being a vet and all.”

I chuckled and gave her a reassuring look. “I don’t eat a lot of meat, no, but I do love chicken wings.”

She beamed at me. “Great. I hope to see you there one of these days.”