Page 23 of Animal Instincts
Oliver ripped off his blood stained gloves and thew them into the clinical waste before he got wadding, gauze and the bandage.
“I’ll watch and take over if I have to.”
“I know how—” Joss bit down on the rest. This wasn’t about him, but about Oscar. “Of course.”
As soon as he began to bandage, Joss forgot all about Oliver’s close scrutiny as he concentrated every ounce of himself on the job in hand, finishing just as Oscar began to twitch back into life.
Next to him, Oliver let out a shaky breath. “Good, he’s awake. It’s always a risk, putting traumatised, small animals under. Good job with the bandaging. And thank you, not just for Oscar but for dealing with the girl—”
“Gemma.” Joss smiled, and when Oliver smiled back and nodded, his heart did a little jump.
“I’ll finish off with Oscar, and you can tell… Gemma… the good news.”
With instructions to keep Oscar warm and calm — and away from any open doors the little house rabbit could dash through — and a course of antibiotics, Gemma and a dozy but treated Oscar went on their way.
Oliver let out a long sigh. “So much for a leisurely lunch break.”
“Will he be okay?” Oscar was so tiny, and not much more than a kit…
Oliver nodded. “No reason for him not to be. It was a nasty gash, but if there had been internal injuries… You did well. Keeping calm isn’t always easy in situations like that. Thank you.”
Joss saved himself from gasping as Oliver placed his hand on his arm. The warmth and pressure on his bare skin sent shivers running over him, as his nerves danced at the touch.
“I’m sorry.” Oliver snatched his hand away, his face reddening.
“No, don’t be. I’m—I’m just glad I was able to be of help when it was needed.”
“Well, best get ready for this afternoon. Hopefully there won’t be any more dramas.”
“No…” Joss trailed his fingers down his arm, still feeling the heat of Oliver’s touch as he watched the awkward vet with the crooked smile and the flushed face scurry back to the consultation room.
FOURTEEN
Joss tied his bootlaces tight, and stuffed his waterproof into his backpack, along with a small bottle of water, a couple of bars of chocolate, and a treat for Bingo. Sunday morning, the weather was good and he was eager to be off.
“Gran? I’m going up to High Top, I’ll be back at—”
He slung open the door to the big utility room attached to the kitchen, the words withering in his mouth. Hunched in a chair, a very small, and very, very old lady slumped at an angle as Gran massaged her pink scalp through sparse and wispy hair.
“Sshhhh,” Gran hissed loudly. “Sheila’s come for her pamper morning. She’s relaxing and doesn’t want to be disturbed by your racket.”
“What are you doing?” Joss stared between the tiny woman and Gran. “Are you sure she’s even alive?” He’d meant it as a joke but, as he stared at the woman, he was no longer quite so sure.
Gran huffed. “Sheila’s relaxed, that’s all, because she’s let go of all her stresses and has released her inner cheese.”
Joss blinked. “Her what?”
“Chi.”
“You said cheese.”
“No, I didn’t.”
Gran’s eyes held steady. If they were to have a staring match, Joss already knew who the winner would be. He opened his mouth to ask what a pampering morning consisted of, before snapping it closed. Maybe it was better he didn’t know.
“I’m extending my offer beyond hair and make-up for the more mature lady.” There was a truculent edge to Gran’s tone, as though daring Joss to challenge her. He knew better than to try.
“That’s — good.” Joss was already stepping back. “You wouldn’t want to keep your talents hidden, would you? See you later.” He closed the door quickly. Thank god he’d insisted she take out liability insurance…
