Satisfaction Guaranteed(14)

“Indeed she does.”

Janice reaches for the small dog, scoops her up, and strokes her snout. “I just don’t know what to do.”

“It’s certainly something to think about,” Jonathan offers.

“Can we train her out of it?” Janice asks.

“If it’s truly important to you, simply remove the temptation. However, Ruby might develop a liking for a favorite shirt of yours then. Sometimes it’s best to just let dogs be dogs.”

We say goodbye to Janice and move on to other appointments. I greet Doug when he arrives, and we cross paths all day long, as we usually do. I also see Sloane chatting on the phone in his office, tapping away on her computer, and keeping her head down. Her blonde hair is piled high on her head in a messy bun with soft tendrils framing her face.

I’m not tempted.

Not tempted in the least.

I wave and say hello.

She says hi back.

Look at that. Aren’t we so damn cordial?

It’s easy, too, as we review the paperwork on her current dogs in foster. A breeze as we discuss the shots they need. A picnic as we devise a plan.

It’s all thanks to focus.





*



As the day draws to a close, Sam informs me that Lydia called, wanting to bring Sabrina in again. “This time, she’s evidently hyper.”

Jonathan shoots me an amused look as Sloane walks by. “That’s the Doctor Doolarge effect.”

Sloane stops in her tracks, arches a brow. “Doctor Doolarge?”

I groan.

Jonathan wiggles a brow. “Didn’t you hear? He had his name changed.”

I hold my hands up in surrender. “What am I going to do with you two clowns?” I say to Jonathan and Sam.

Sam shrugs. “I just don’t know, Doctor Doolarge.”

Sloane laughs as I head into the exam room for the last appointment of the day.





*



When I leave, I don’t see Sloane anywhere. I tell myself to focus on finishing paperwork, but maybe I’ll just poke my head into Doug’s office.

I find him there at his desk. “Hey, Malone. How was everything today?”

“It was great.”

“Not too disruptive having my girl here?”

“Not at all.” That feels mostly true. We did get along well.

“We can start on the spay and neuters tomorrow.”

“Sounds like a plan.” I look around, as if Sloane is hiding behind a filing cabinet.

“Oh, she took off for the night. Said she had to go see a friend.”

Friend.

This bothers me more than it should.

I slide my blinders back on as I work out, head to dinner with Jason, and then go home.

By the time I’m ready to hit the sack, my phone buzzes with a text from her that completely disrupts all my hard-won focus.





10





Sloane: Good evening, Doctor Doolarge. Wherever did the name come from?



Malone: I knew I would never live that down.



Sloane: So . . . do tell!



Malone: A client called me that.



Sloane: Were you involved with her?



Malone: No, but she was openly hitting on me in front of Jonathan.



Sloane: Your clients hit on you???



Malone: This surprises you? It shocks you into disbelief?



Sloane: I’m not shocked. I’m . . . annoyed.



Malone: Ah, the plot thickens.



Sloane: Did you go out with her?



Malone: What do you think?



Sloane: Just tell me.



Malone: Why are you asking?



Sloane: Humor me.



Malone: Fine. No, I did not. Are you happy?



Sloane: Yes. I’m glad you didn’t go.



Malone: Your jealous side is adorable.



Sloane: I’m not jealous.



Malone: Maybe a little jealous?



Sloane: Just like you were jealous of Basil.



Malone: Completely jealous. Speaking of envy, is Basil the friend you’re with tonight?



Sloane: No. I’m with Clove. His sister. :)



Malone: rolls eyes



Sloane: You deserve it. :) I went out with my friend Piper. She had a bad day, so I cheered her up with some Italian cookies and my upbeat attitude. She’s the one I’ve been staying with, since she lives in Manhattan and it makes things easier with getting to the practice. Also, I found a foster home today for one of the dogs I picked up from another shelter!



Malone: That’s fantastic news.



Sloane: What about you? How was your day? Any interesting cases?



Malone: I had a client who was worried about her dog masturbating on her toys and stuffies.



Sloane: Did you tell her everyone does it?



Malone: Everyone? Including you?



Sloane: Oh, c’mon. As if I don’t.



Malone: Do you? Regularly?