Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven

Nash had never been so mortified in his life. He explained the situation to Rob and told him he wanted to press charges. Maybe if Tiffany were held accountable, she would stop these childish games.

Rob’s deputy put her in the back seat of his cruiser, and Nash could still hear Tiffany screaming obscenities as they pulled out of the parking lot. Rob assured Nash that Tiffany wasn’t going to be released that night.

Back inside the clinic, Emma, Naomi, and Doc Mellow spoke in his office, their voices hushed. Nash hovered in the doorway, so embarrassed he was at a loss for words.

“Nash, I hope we won’t have this problem again. I would hate to have to ban you from the clinic,” Doc said, his tone more serious than Nash had ever heard it before.

“As you should. I can’t apologize enough. I had no idea she was this . . . insane. How did she manage to get inside afterhours?” Nash asked Doc Mellow and Naomi.

Naomi looked down at her black high-top sneakers. “It’s my fault. I forgot to lock the front doors when we closed up.”

“What’s done is done, but we can’t ever let this happen again, Naomi. Let’s all leave this as a lesson learned. Nash, I’m not sure what advice to give you regarding this woman, but whatever you decide, I wouldn’t wait too long.” Doc’s words were stern.

“Press charges against her,” Emma said. “Sometimes it takes a drastic move to stop obsessive behavior.”

Nash nodded. “You’re right. There are a dozen instances when she’s hung around the condo and the school. I haven’t told anyone. It’s such odd behavior for a woman her age. I figured she would get the message if I ignored her long enough.”

“People like Tiffany play on emotions, especially if they believe the person they’re harassing won’t take any action. Legally or otherwise.” Emma was back in legal mode. “If you can prove she’s been stalking you, there are laws against that, Nash. Have you ever documented her behavior? Cell phone pictures? Did you have a friend with you during any of these incidents?” Emma disliked questioning Nash like this, but she didn’t want any harm to come to him just because someone else had a mental issue. There were many ways to address this situation.

“I never thought of that. It was just Tiffany being Tiffany,” Nash said. “This is all my fault. I’m sorry. I’ll drive you to the condo if you still want to get in the car with me. We can discuss the legalities on the way home.”

Emma hated to admit it, but she loved how Nash said, “on the way home,” as if they had a shared home.

“I just need to check on Penny first and make sure she’s okay,” Nash said before heading back to the whelping room.

Doc nodded. Naomi didn’t say a word. Emma followed him; she was also concerned about the mommy and her pups.

Inside the whelping room, Penny and her girls were sleeping peacefully.

Emma noticed how Nash’s expression softened as he watched his dogs. “I’m bringing them home tomorrow,” he told her.

“Good. I can’t say I know that much about puppies, but I’m a fast learner. Home is probably the safest place for them. I can help look after them while you’re at school,” she offered.

“I’m taking a few days off, but thanks. I may need your help. But aren’t you signed up for substitute teaching?”

“I am,” Emma said as they quietly left the room.

“You may be subbing for me if they can’t cover my scheduled days off.”

Emma was slightly surprised, but wouldn’t mind stepping into his teaching shoes. “That would be okay by me. I’ve never taught high school.”

“Then you’re in for a surprise. I have a great group of kids this year.”

“Good to know,” she said.

Nash spoke to Dr. Mellow and Naomi before they departed, and then he and Emma returned to his car together. Nash opened her door; she leaned against the seatback, staring at the night sky. The stars seemed excessively bright as the clouds drifted away, along with the evening’s drama.

Nash drove slowly. When they returned to his condo, he shut the engine down, not bothering to park in the garage. Turning to her, he said, “I don’t know if I can make this evening up to you, but I would like the opportunity if you’ll let me.”

A dozen thoughts swirled through her head. Despite what had happened at the vet clinic, it had been a wonderful evening. She couldn’t hold Nash fully responsible for Tiffany’s obsession. He was the kind of guy he was, a bit easygoing. Maybe too much so, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. “I would,” she said, knowing she’d regret it if she didn’t.

He let out a deep breath. “Perfect.”

He thought I was going to say no!Emma realized.

“Okay, that’s settled. So, I’ll walk around to my condo and see you tomorrow,” she said, putting her hand on the door and then taking it away when Nash got out of the car to open it for her, ever the gentleman.

“Do you mind if I walk you to your door?” he asked when she got out of the car.

“Not at all,” she replied. As they walked around the condominiums, she debated inviting him in. Not wanting to give the impression that she wanted the night to have a different ending, she decided not to. There would be other times. She would see him again.

At her door, she automatically handed him her set of keys. He unlocked her door, tucked the keys in her hand, then leaned down, his lips warm against hers. He deepened the kiss, pulling her closer. Emma could feel his heart thudding against her own. She felt as if there was molten lava in the pit of her stomach. Her legs were unsteady. If this continued, she wouldn’t have a choice. She would be inviting him in for more than a drink.

He pulled away, his breathing uneven. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” he asked.

She just nodded because she wasn’t sure she could speak after his kiss.