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permanent relationship with a woman long ago. His nomadic lifestyle would doom a marriage from the get-go. He preferred his women fun, warm and temporary.
    But if he’d ever toyed with the idea of permanence, he thought he’d want someone sweet and kind, a real homebody, not an iceberg like the woman pacing in front of him.
    He frowned. “What’s your name, anyway?”
    Her head whipped around. “Why?”
    He drew back. “Whoa. I’m not asking for your ATM password or your dress size, just a name. Most people have them, you know.” When she hesitated, he held up both palms. “Fine by me. Queenie, it is, then.”
    She glared at him and started to speak, but the vet appeared in the doorway. He glanced between them and settled on Cade.
    “Your dog has suffered a fracture at the top of the femur where it joins the hip socket, likely caused from being hit by a car. I’ll have to perform surgery on him in the morning when I have staff to assist, a femoral head ostectomy, which will smooth off the ragged edge. He’s stabilized for now and resting comfortably. Which one of you is the owner?”
    Queenie stepped forward. “I am. Well, I will be. I only found him tonight. He didn’t have a tag.”
    The vet nodded. “No microchip, either, and the state of his neglect inclines me to believe he’s been abandoned for some time. I can call the shelter, if you prefer.”
    “That won’t be necessary. I want him. I’ll—” She pressed her lips together and twisted her hands. “Do you have any idea what this will cost?”
    “I can take care of the bill,” Cade heard himself saying. Heaven knew he didn’t spend much of his income.
    She turned, and he spotted a conflict in her gaze right before she straightened her shoulders. “I don’t need your help.”
    You keep saying that . Cade shrugged. “Whatever.”
    She faced the vet. “How long will he have to stay here?”
    “He’ll require cage rest for at least a week, then his activities will need to be restricted for another week or so until the sutures are removed. If you’re not in a position to provide that, we can take care of him here. I’ll know more about the time frame after the operation.”
    “When can I call to find out how the surgery went?”
    “I have a full day of appointments, but you can speak to my assistant, Christina.” He handed her a business card. “Here’s the number. Probably after lunch is best.”
    She handed him a card in return. “Thank you so much. I’m sorry for the late-night call.”
    “No problem. Delilah is a favorite of mine.”
    “I’ll be in touch tomorrow.” She left quickly.
    Cade lingered and spoke quietly to the vet. “Delilah’s my sister-in-law. If there’s any problem with the bill, please let me know. I’m good for it.”
    “Are you and the lady friends?”
    “Never met her before. Thanks, Doc. I’ll be calling tomorrow, too.” He waved good-night and left.
    Outside he looked for Queenie, only to spot her quickstepping toward the corner and away from—not toward—his SUV. “Hey! I’m parked back that way.”
    “I’ll get a cab.”
    “Don’t be an idiot. I’ll take you.”
    She didn’t respond, only hastened her steps and rounded the corner.
    Cade raced after her faster than his still-healing body appreciated.
    But when he reached the corner, she was gone.

CHAPTER FOUR
    S OPHIE WAS UP AND ATTACKING weeds well before dawn to make up for work not done the night before. The landscaping contractor wouldn’t be here for two more days. She’d been forced to cut back on the scope of his work due to both time and money constraints, but she was determined that the grounds would be a source of beauty and peace for those who stayed there.
    As she yanked at vines trying to choke what she’d identified as snowball bushes next to the foundation, she thought about the dog she’d rescued the night before.
    Well, they’d rescued. She had to give Cade MacAllister that much. He’d been quick and efficient at