Into the Fury (BOSS, Inc. #1)(16)

“People can be cruel, that’s for sure,” Val said.

A loud woof reminded them another dog, brought in just as Val had arrived, waited in grooming room number two.

Samantha grinned. “Harry’s calling. I guess he’s ready for his bath.” Harry was the exact opposite of the little poodle except he had the same white coat, a gigantic, shaggy, Old English sheepdog right out of a Disney movie.

“I’ve got to take care of him.” Sam tipped her head toward the waiting area. “Ethan ought to be here any minute. Why don’t you wait for him out front? I really appreciate your coming in, Val.”

“I’m glad I could help, but I’m not going to stand around and do nothing while you battle with that monster dog.” As if he heard, Harry started woofing. “Come on, I’ll help you.”

“You’ve got a big production tonight. You should be getting your beauty rest, not washing some oversized mutt.”

“I can’t leave till Ethan gets here, and it’ll go a lot faster with both of us working.” She thought of the man who was on his way to the shop, a professional bodyguard whose appearance left no doubt he could handle the job. She had no idea what he wanted, but a little ripple of anticipation went through her at the thought of seeing him again.

It was ridiculous. So he was hot. So what? Between the gym and her modeling, she saw hot guys all the time. She had no idea why she felt such a ridiculous attraction to this one.

With a grateful smile, Samantha led Val into the other shampoo parlor, which smelled like perfume and wet dog. “Okay, Harry, you know the drill. Come on, boy.”

Sam unhooked the leash attached to the wall, and the big dog rose to all fours. Samantha led him over to the big stainless tub filled with hot soapy water, and he jumped up in, sending water and soap bubbles flying.

Sam grinned at Val, and she grinned back, then both of them dipped into the water up to their elbows and started giving Harry a scrub.





Chapter Seven



Worry rode Ethan’s shoulders all the way across town. What if the murdered woman had been Valentine? What if she was the killer’s next target? Thinking of Samantha’s beautiful friend lying dead made his stomach burn. He’d promised to protect her. If something happened, what would he say to Sam?

He was in a dark frame of mind when he climbed out of the Jeep and pushed through the door of the Perfect Pup. What the hell was a pampered woman like Valentine doing at a dog-grooming parlor on the day of her show?

He scoffed. Probably having ribbons tied on the topknot of some little rat dog. Maybe one of those prissy little lassa-*s, or whatever the hell they were called.

No one was behind the counter in the waiting area, but he could hear feminine laughter coming from the back of the shop. Ethan headed in that direction, his mind on the steps he needed to take once he had Valentine secure.

At the door to one of the shampoo rooms, he spotted Samantha’s mop of nutmeg curls as she shampooed a gigantic white dog. A blond woman stood next to her, both of them up to their elbows in soapy water.

Ethan jolted to a halt as the great beast leaped out of the tub, soap bubbles flying, knocking down the taller woman, who went sprawling on her behind, the wet dog landing on top of her.

She let out a squeal of laughter matched by Samantha’s burst of hilarity. Ethan just stared. Good Christ, it was Valentine Hart.

“Get off me, you big ox!” Valentine gave a fierce shove that didn’t budge the animal at all. Ethan finally managed to collect his wits enough to start forward. Sensing he wasn’t in the mood to be disobeyed, the dog lumbered to his feet and ambled a few steps away.

“Hi, Ethan.” Samantha grinned. “That’s Harry.” Just then the dog gave a mighty shake, sending a barrage of water droplets flying.

Sam and Valentine broke into fresh gales of laughter. Valentine’s dimples popped out, and Ethan couldn’t stop staring. Her soggy T-shirt clung to a pair of perfect breasts, but it was the joy in her pretty blue eyes that made his chest feel tight. He reached a hand down to help her up, and she grabbed hold. Ethan felt a jolt all the way to the soles of his low-topped boots as he pulled her to her feet.

“Thanks,” she said, smiling.

Ethan couldn’t stop a smile in return. “You’re just full of surprises, Ms. Hart.” His gaze traveled from the messy ponytail on top of her head, all the way down her long, jeans-clad legs, to a pair of worn sneakers.

Behind him, Samantha snapped a leash onto Harry, and the big dog politely sat down.

“I think it’s time I introduced you two,” Sam said. “Ethan, this is Valerie Hartman. Valentine Hart is her stage name. She’s not really a model. I mean, she is, but it’s only temporary. Val’s actually a student at the university. She came over to help me take care of an injured poodle. She’s studying to be a veterinarian.”

“A veterinarian,” he repeated dumbly, still trying to get his head wrapped around this latest bit of news.

“I tried to tell you,” Samantha said, “but . . .” She shrugged her small shoulders and let the words trail off, and Ethan felt like a fool.

He turned to the pretty blonde. “I think maybe we should start over . . . if that’s all right with you.”

Her pink lips curved. “Okay.”

“I’m Ethan Brodie.” He stuck out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Valerie.”