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movement she became more and more interesting. He was transfixed. He could not remember the last time a woman had smiled at him without pretense. A brightness seemed to shine around her, and he no longer noticed the garish walls or the shelves of expensive products that lined them. Suddenly he had a feeling that he’d met her somewhere before, but couldn’t place her. Then he noticed the earrings and remembered. This couldn’t be the same woman.
    “You’ve changed something,” he said without thinking.
    Yvette pulled out a strand of hair and playfully wiggled it. “I dyed my hair and cut it.” She held out her hand to him. “I didn’t introduce myself the last time we met. I’m Yvette and you must be Mr. Blackwell.”
    “Nate,” he said surprised that her small delicate hand had such a strong grip.
    Yvette suddenly looked uncomfortable. Nate saw her glance at the other woman. “Please follow me,” she said and turned before he could argue. Not that he would. He knew being with her would never be boring and he enjoyed a very nice view of her backside and the way the light hit her legs made a man want to reach out and stroke them.
    He followed her into the grooming area.
    “I’m here for an appointment,” he said when she continued to look uncomfortable.
    “Yes, I know.”
    “But there’s a problem?”
    “Your appointment was yesterday.”
    Nate looked at her, stunned. “Are you serious?”
    “Unfortunately, yes.”
    He swore and held his forehead. “She’s going to kill me.”
    Yvette raised a brow. “Queen?”
    “No, my sister.” He pulled out his wallet. “I don’t care how much extra it is, just tell me you’ll take her today.”
    Yvette grinned and waved his wallet away. “These things happen. I’ll take Queen if you have followed all of the drop-off instructions.”
    Nate pulled out a list his sister had given him. “You mean this?”
    “Exactly.”
    “She hasn’t eaten, she’s done her morning, um…walk and…”
    “That’s fine.” Yvette led Queen onto a steel surface then pressed a lever to lift it up.
    “Nice.”
    “It certainly saves us having to lift big dogs. She’s really medium size but I like to impress my clients.”
    “It’s quiet around here. Are you the only one who works here?”
    “No, it’s a slow day today. Two of my assistants are out and the other has the day off.”
    “Are you sure you don’t want a bonus?”
    “Consider this a thank-you.”
    “For what?”
    “The other day.” Nate’s expression looked blank so she said, “Your aunt.” Yvette gently began to part Queen’s fur. He shrugged. “That was nothing.” Nate looked at her curious. “What are you doing?”
    “Checking for any bumps, lumps or cuts on her skin.”
    “Oh.” He came around the table, and stood closer to her.
    Her voice rose in surprise. “What are you doing?”
    “I just want to get a better view.” His gaze met hers. Yvette’s heartbeat picked up.
    He maintained a respectable distance, but to Yvette it was too close. Her entire body felt on alert. Just when she was getting used to him being there he suddenly leaned forward, his chest touching her back, and pointed to something on Queen’s skin. “What’s that?”
    Yvette swallowed, praying her voice would remain steady when she spoke. “It’s nothing. She’s had it since birth.”
    “Oh.” He drew back, but not far enough. She could smell his cologne, and at times her arm would brush his jacket.
    “Okay, that’s done,” she said, ready to send him on his way. Yvette lowered the scale and took Queen over to the large sink against the wall. “You can pick her up in a few hours or I can have her dropped at your house.”
    “Can I just wait? I like watching you.”
    “You do?”
    He smiled. “I find this interesting.”
    Yvette hesitated, searching desperately for a reason to send him home. “I don’t usually—”
    “I promise I will not get in your way.”
    She began to shake her head. “I really