Page 10 of Silver Fox in Cedarwood

“You’re the topic of gossip around the front desk. Everyone wants to work for you because you’re young, handsome and new.” Elise shrugged. “I don’t care who you love or what you do.”

“Oh.” He frowned. “Thanks?”Should I be thrilled?

“I’m not being catty.”

“Just blunt,” he said. “Are you planning on fixing me up? That seems to be a theme in my life. Everyone wants to fix me up with someone. I don’t need a date.”

“Oh, God, no.” She snorted. “I was going to suggest you visit the animal shelter and adopt a dog or cat.”

“Adopt…uh, why?” He hadn’t considered bringing a pet into his household.

“First, you’re a nice guy and handsome, but you seem lonely. If you got a dog, then you could work him into the conversation with the patients. If you walk him around town and are seen doing so, then people will feel less threatened by your somewhat cold attitude. Plus, having a dog means people want to chat. It opens the lines of communication.”

“This is the first time I’ve ever been nudged into adopting a pet—for my career.” Although he wished he’d figured it out before now. People liked dogs. He liked them.

“A pet will give you something to focus on when you aren’t here. I know it’s not my business, but I’ve seen enough doctors and practitioners come through here that aren’t focused on their job,” she said. “They’re scattered.”

“You’re right.” He hadn’t thought about his life as scattered, but she’d pegged him correctly. He had no direction beyond going to work. “I appreciate the suggestion.”

“Well, good.” She patted his arm. “As for the people in Cedarwood, most of them don’t care if you’re gay, but they sure as hell want to know you’re an animal person. Cat, dog, bird. Doesn’t matter.”

“I see.” He rubbed his chin. She made a lot of sense. He preferred not to be lonely and this was a good reason to consider adopting a pet.

“But if you happen to meet a cute volunteer there…” She elbowed him. “It wouldn’t be bad.”

“Cute volunteer? I’m not a kid.” He didn’t need her setting him up.

She rolled her eyes. “I bet you’re a catch.”

“Now you’re trying to fix me up—the one thing I didn’t want you to do.”

“No, I’m one of the volunteers at the shelter and I want to see a shelter pet adopted.” She paused. “And no, I’m not looking for a husband. I had one and he passed. I don’t want to train another.”

“Smart.” He respected her even more for her honesty.

“If you need any help, let me know. I’ve got to get back to the desk. See you tomorrow?” she asked. “I’m your lead receptionist, but that desk is always swamped.”

“I’ll bet.” He walked her to the door. “Thank you. If I have questions, I know where to find you.”

“You bet.” She patted the door, then left.

He sank onto his office chair. He’d moved his stuff in the week before, but still hadn’t wrapped his head around his choice to switch practices. He wasn’t young and inexperienced. He needed roots.Christ.He was thirty-nine years old and still looking good, but not involved with anyone. He had his hair—no grays and no extra pounds on his frame. He considered himself smart and he had a steady career. He loved Springdale, but there had to be possibilities in Cedarwood, right?

He checked his patient roster. Len’s name wasn’t on it. God, he had to get a hold of himself. He’d seen Len in town. Maybe Len would want to be his patient again. They’d have the chance to talk.

He scrubbed his hands over his face. He needed to get a grip. If he didn’t want to be lonely, then he needed to either go out to the clubs or adopt a dog and live his life. Something had to give and he swore it had to be him.

* * * *

“Time for walkies.” Len opened the dog kennel and fixed the leash on the collie. He patted her head. “I have the feeling you’re going to be adopted soon.” He led the dog out to the walking yard and made ten laps through the grass. He loved his new volunteer job at the Cedarwood animal shelter. He’d been there as a volunteer for the last month and loved every second. There weren’t a bunch of dogs currently in the kennels, but there were too many cats. He wished he could adopt all the animals, but he wasn’t in any position to be the crazy dog and cat guy. Cissy stood at the doorway to the building and watched him.

“Sorry, Ciss. I’ll walk you next.” He led the collie back into the shelter and to her kennel. “Sorry, girl,” he said to the collie. “Your forever parents will come. I know they will.” He patted his hip. “Come on, Cissy. Time to make the rounds.” He marveled at her ability to mingle with the dogs at the shelter. She seemed to come alive when she visited, with an instinct for which dog needed comfort. He wished he could be as much of a busy bee as his dog.

He rounded the corner to check on the dogs in the last row and noticed a man walking down the corridor between the kennels. Isaac. If he didn’t sac up, he’d never speak to his former doctor. “Isaac? Hey…good to see you.” He sure hoped the man was Isaac or he’d just made an ass of himself. He’d spent a fair amount of time with Isaac, but he still wasn’t sure of himself around the doctor. He’d seen him at the store and the bank, but what if Isaac didn’t want to talk to him?

“Len.” Isaac grinned. “How are you? You look good. How are you feeling? Are you taking care of yourself? You look like you are.”

Man, the guy had used the wordyoua lot. He chuckled. “I’m great. I’m eating right and exercising. I volunteer here and at the library. I started swimming again.” He puffed out his chest, proud of himself. “I feel ten years younger.”

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