Page 15 of Fool Me

“You’re still bringing Echo by later this week, right?” Atlas asks.

“Of course.” Although, after being blindsided by his last name, the thought of driving two hours to the next closest vet in Bramble so I don’t have to seeDr. Atlas Kanecrosses my mind.

Without saying goodbye to Atlas, I follow my dad out of the gym. As soon as his wheels hit the sidewalk, he spins on me. “Got something you want to get off your chest?”

“Not sure what you mean.”

“Your manners ain’t great, but they ain’t that bad either. So, something else must be eating you.”

I don’t drag my boots. Telling him in the middle of Summit Square is just as good as anyplace else. “Canyon’s moving back and he wants the Incident Commander job.”

My dad tilts his head back, his hand coming up to shield his face from the sun. I respect that he doesn’t jump straight to blowing smoke up my ass. I don’t need anyone placating me, especially not him. If anyone will tell it to me straight, it’ll be Dad.

Canyon coming back could really mess up my plans. Not because he’s more qualified, but because he’s a local, and even with glaring flaws and past mistakes, he’s well-liked. He’s a man in a male-dominated field, and the fancy new resort he went towhen he left has a first-rate avalanche prevention program and the technology to back it up.

If I know Canyon, it’s the line he’s going to take, boasting that he can help prevent another accident from happening, completely ignoring the fact that he was the reason my dad almost died.

“There’s not much you can do about Canyon coming back—it’s out of your control. All you can do is focus on continuing to be a leader on the team and taking the high road where Canyon is concerned.”

“I don’t want to take the high road,” I grumble.

My dad chuckles. “I know you don’t, Harley, but battling the past won’t serve you. What’s done is done.”

“Did you read that on a fortune cookie?”

“Nope. Heard it on one of those daytime shows.”

“You did not.”

“And you don’t know what I get up to when you’re not around.”

“I know it’s not watching talk shows.”

“Why not? I can gab with the best of them,” he says with a lift of his shoulders. “You’re gonna be okay, kid.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Only now there are two Kane brothers to get under my skin. And I can only avoid them for so long in a town this size.

Like it or not, I’m going to have to figure out how to coexist with Canyon Kane while beating him out for the job I want. This oughta be good.

CHAPTER

SIX

ATLAS

An impromptu visit from Betty White and Mrs. Franklin has me running a few minutes behind. So, when I step into the exam room, Echo and Harlowe are already waiting. Moving to the sink, I wash my hands. I try to focus on the task, but my gaze keeps drifting to the pretty blonde with the scowl.

So far, I’ve seen her in work clothes and workout clothes. Both times I was struck by how stunning she is. Even that first day when she was stressed, her face pale from exhaustion, she was beautiful.

Today she’s dressed casually in a pair of jean shorts and a tank top that’s cropped above her belly button. The monochrome top has tiny white flowers stitched all over it, making her summer tan stand out and giving her a feminine edge. Long hair flows down her back to her waist. Somehow, the look softens her even with a mask of indifference on her face.

The other day at the gym, I could feel her walls go up as soon as my brother was mentioned. I don’t know what that’s about, but I’m pissed at him for making her look at me the way she is now.

“Sorry about the wait; Betty White was extra chatty today.” I lean against the counter, hoping small talk will warm her up to me.

Harlowe’s lips twist in confusion before realization strikes and she relaxes. “Oh, the bird.”

Her stiff posture and pout don’t immediately return. Maybe I owe my best patient some extra head scratches when she’s in next.

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