Sanctuary Cove

“Go ahead. Our boy seems to have good manners.” To prove his point, he crouched down and let the dog sniff his hand before Josh stroked him. He checked the dog’s pupils and gums, then moved to the side to make room for Emma.

She knelt beside Josh and held out her hand. The dog raised his head, sniffed obligingly and his tail thumped against the side of the cage, causing a metallic clang. “He looks good...considering what he’s been through.” She smiled up at Josh. He was so close, she could smell the clean, fresh fragrance of his soap, see amber specs in his brown eyes and the faint stubble on his face. Hurriedly, she turned her attention back to the dog. “So he’s going to be fine?”

“There’s no reason he shouldn’t be. His condition is stable. He’s healthy other than for his injuries, and I’m no longer overly concerned about the possibility of infection.”

Emma nodded, but kept her gaze averted. “Have you been able to find his owner?”

“No. I’ve asked around, contacted other veterinary practices in the area, put a posting online. No one seems to recognize him, and he’s fairly distinctive.”

Through lowered lashes, she looked at Josh again. He’d shifted to his other knee and was even closer, their faces only inches apart. “If, ah...” She struggled to remember what she’d wanted to say. She transferred her weight to her other side, putting more distance between them. “I meant what I said before,” she replied. “I’ll take him if you can’t find his owner.”

Before Emma realized what his intention was, he tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. She jerked back as if singed.

“Sorry,” she murmured although she had no idea why she was apologizing.

* * *

SURPRISED BY HIS own action, Josh tried not to think of how smooth Emma’s skin had felt. Yeah, it had been impulsive of him, but she’d overreacted to his touch, as evidenced by the way she’d pulled away and the shocked expression on her face.

He straightened the dog’s bedding and refocused his thoughts. He, too, was concerned about what would happen to the dog. He couldn’t keep him at the clinic indefinitely. Once healed, the dog would need exercise and room to roam. He needed a loving home.

He’d dismissed Emma’s offer to adopt the dog when she’d first made it, considering it a knee-jerk reaction, perhaps driven by guilt, when he’d believed her to be responsible for his injuries. Clearly, she’d been serious.

“He’s a large dog, Emma. He’ll require space and considerable exercise. He might also need some training. If he’s part wolf, there might be a degree of unpredictability about him as well, and he might have an instinctive prey drive that could make it challenging around other, smaller animals.”

Watching her, Josh was struck by the many shades of gray her eyes could be, as they transformed from the color of storm clouds to a luminous silver. He felt the powerful pull of attraction again, and it brought Crystal and her antics to mind. Even so, he couldn’t keep his gaze from lowering to Emma’s lips as the corners curved up, and all thoughts of Crystal receded.

“Oh, I’m aware of the space and time demands of a large dog,” she said with a chuckle. “I already have a large one. Max, an Alaskan malamute. I suspect Max would enjoy the company.”

Josh had been so absorbed wondering how her lips would taste, he’d nearly forgotten what he’d said to her. Something about big dogs. Oh, right... “Okay. We’ll see how things go. We should let our patient get some sleep now.” He rose and held out a hand to help Emma up.

There was a slight hesitation before she placed her hand into his. He noted the skittishness in her eyes before she withdrew her hand and took a step back.

There was a shyness about her—an uncertainty—that seemed inconsistent with how beautiful and, by all indications, intelligent she was. She made him think of a delicate bird, injured in some way. He’d never been able to ignore a wounded creature, but it wasn’t just that with Emma.

“Thanks again for taking such good care of him,” she said, interrupting his musings.

When she glanced down at the dog and his tail wagged again, Josh could just about see her unease dissipate.

“Is it okay if I come back to see him?” Her smile lit up her entire face.

Stunning, he thought. The dog could make her smile with a simple flick of his tail and he made her nervous. “Anytime you like.”

She studied the dog thoughtfully. “He needs a name. Even if you find his owner, we need to call him something for the time being.”

“What do you suggest?”

She narrowed her eyes. “How about Theodore? Theo for short.”

Looking down at his patient, Josh considered. “Meaning God’s gift? From the Greek, right?”

“I have no idea. It just came to me.”

“Okay. Theo it is... Emma, you know if we can find his owner, the best place for him is his home. I don’t want you getting too attached.”

She nodded, but he could see the mixed emotions play across her face. It was probably already too late for that caution.

Josh saw her out, and noted the efficiency and confidence of her stride as she walked away. That confidence seemed to be at odds with how ill-at-ease she was with him. Those contradictions made her that much more interesting.

Intrigued, he would look forward to seeing Emma again and hopefully would have the opportunity to do so on a more personal basis... Crystal be damned.

CHAPTER FIVE

THE GARDENS AND forest were ablaze with color as summer neared its end. Emma had finished the brand proposal and accepted two more assignments from Pinnacle Communications. With each assignment she completed, she got more of her self-confidence back. She was working on a media strategy for an initial public offering for a toy company. This was the first time since she’d been let go that she could say she was enjoying her work. If at times she still lamented how her life had unraveled, turning her mind to her assignments encouraged her. Each day she spent several hours working in her office, with Max sprawled on the rug next to her desk, more often than not sound asleep.

Afternoons, weather permitting, she spent outside. The cooler temperatures meant that she and Max could comfortably take long walks along the forest trails. They both loved the exercise and being outdoors. They’d hike across fern-edged, moss-covered paths in the shade of the high canopy of decades-old growth. They’d follow the gurgling, crystal-clear stream to the river, and the river to where it spilled over the rocks into the lake.

The juncture of stream and lake was a perfect spot to rest. Cattails and tall, wild grasses danced gracefully with the light breeze.

Emma would sit on a log or a boulder, while Max waded in the water. Eventually, they’d wander along the shoreline back to the cottage. Every few days, she’d take out a small kayak and paddle around the lake, occasionally pulling up on the opposite bank.

If the weather was inhospitable, Emma would curl up in one of the comfortable chairs near the fireplace in the great room and read.

For the most part, the only people she felt comfortable interacting with were the veterinarian and his assistant, Sherri. Once in a while, Emma’s former assistant or one of her old colleagues would call, although as time passed, their contact became less frequent. She had to admit that it was mostly her doing, as they reminded her of the job she’d loved and lost.

Emma visited Theo regularly, but she avoided the clinic’s closing time. Josh might have had a small-town practice, but she learned that it was a busy, thriving one. If she visited during the day, Josh was more than likely seeing patients, and odds were she’d manage to avoid him. He stirred up strange feelings in her that she wasn’t comfortable with, and thinking about him caused insecurities of a different nature to emerge. Her relationship with Richard had apparently harmed more than her confidence in her professional capabilities. She didn’t feel self-assured about her personal appeal, either.

Thus, Sherri became Emma’s primary contact for Theo. But thinking of Theo invariably brought Josh to mind.

Emma stood in the kitchen and gazed out the window, trying not to think of him.

A sudden rustle of the brush at the edge of the forest helped her cause. A beautiful doe cautiously stepped into the clearing. Emma felt everything go soft inside her, as she watched the doe stop, its graceful legs slightly spread, and scent the air. Apparently satisfied that there was no immediate danger, she lowered her head, ears twitching, and began to graze.

Emma was enthralled. She placed her mug on the counter. Whether due to the muted sound or the motion that might have been visible through the glass, the doe’s head whipped up, and she was immediately on alert. Emma remained motionless, not wanting to scare her away. A few moments passed and the doe continued to feed, until she finally decided she’d had enough and leaped back into the forest, her bright white tail held high.

The short vignette left Emma with a sense of contentment—even joy—she couldn’t remember feeling for a while. Her spirits lifted, she felt eager to work on her current assignment and planned to keep at it until it was finished. Then she’d treat herself to a trip into town to visit Theo.

The work went better than she’d anticipated. Arriving at the veterinary clinic midafternoon, Emma walked into the empty waiting room. Sherri glanced up from behind the reception counter and grinned. “Hey! How’s it going?”

Josh’s assistant was compact in build, with short, spiky black hair, warm hazel eyes, a small, pert nose and a mouth that seemed to be turned upward in a perpetual smile. Sherri had a forthright, affable personality that Emma had felt drawn to right away.

Emma returned Sherri’s smile and greeting.

“Theo’s going to be happy to see you,” Sherri noted. “He’s definitely having a good day.”

“Sill no luck finding his owner?”

Sherri shook her head, and Emma felt her usual twinge of guilt for what she considered selfish relief each time Sherri told her no one had come forward to claim him.

“Just give me a minute to clear this stuff up,” Sherri said, lifting a stack of papers, “and I’ll take you back.”

“No problem. Quiet day today,” Emma observed.

“We had a couple of cancellations.”

“Is Josh having work done to his house?” Emma inquired as she leaned casually on the reception counter and watched Sherri sort the documents.

“Work? Oh, you mean the ladder and the pressure washer beside his garage?”

Emma nodded.

“No. Not exactly work.” The sparkle of humor that usually lit Sherri’s eyes was distinctly absent when she rose and moved to the file cabinet. “More of a cleanup.”

“A cleanup?”

“It’s to get rid of a little farewell present that was left for him.”

Emma arched an eyebrow. “Sorry, I don’t understand.”

Sherri shot a furtive glance at the closed examination room door. “Crazy ex-girlfriend. She wasn’t happy about the relationship being over between her and Josh, and she likes to show her displeasure. Did some damage here a while back. Broke some exterior light fixtures, trampled some plants. The pièce de résistance was spray-painting exactly what she thought of Josh on the side of his garage.”

“Oh, no. That’s terrible...”

Sherri shrugged. “Josh can handle it. But thankfully she’s been quiet for a couple of weeks now. He’s hoping she’s moved on. As for the graffiti, he’s tried to scrub it off with soap and water, but it didn’t work. He’s finally gotten around to renting the proper equipment to do the job.”

When Sherri was done, Emma followed her to the back. Listening to her friendly chatter, it occurred to Emma that she was starting to get a little tired of her self-imposed isolation. “Do you have any plans after work today?” she asked on impulse.

“No. Why?”

“Would you like to stop by my place for a drink?”

“I’d love to!” Sherri said with a grin as they entered the recovery room.

Upon seeing them, Theo stood and his tail thumped against the back of the cage. Emma noted happily that he was less awkward getting up. He came to her without hesitation. She ruffled his fur before snapping a leash to his collar. She took him for a slow walk around Josh’s property. Theo still favored his injured leg, but as the weeks passed, the bone was healing and he was able to put more weight on it. Since Theo didn’t seem to be in any discomfort or pain, Emma kept him out longer than usual, noting again how nicely he walked on a leash.

* * *

JOSH BACKED OUT of the examination room and held the door open for his last patient of the day. “There’s no charge, for this visit, Mrs. Ross, since it’s a follow-up.”

After he escorted Mrs. Ross and her cat out, Josh joined Sherri by the window, where she was standing. Together they watched Emma exercise Theo.

“Good movement. Nice stride today,” Sherri remarked.

Josh rubbed his chin and kept his eyes on Emma. “Hmm. I don’t recall an occasion she didn’t have good movement. Or a nice, ah...stride.”

Sherri laughed and jabbed Josh lightly in the ribs with her elbow. “I was talking about Theo.” She leaned against the sill and gave Josh a considering look. “If you’re interested in Emma, why haven’t you made a move?”

He folded his arms and shrugged. “I think she needs some space. I also get the distinct impression she’s trying to avoid me. So I’ve let her.”

The phone rang and Sherri dashed over to answer it.

Still watching Emma, Josh murmured to himself, “It might be time to change that, though.”

“No, I’m sorry but he’s not here right now.” Josh could hear Sherri behind him lie to the caller. He turned and gave her a questioning look. Sherri cast her eyes to the ceiling, and his smile faded. He had a feeling he knew who was on the other end of the line. His suspicion was confirmed when Sherri stated in a placating voice, “C’mon, Crystal. Calm down.” For Josh’s benefit, she moved her index finger in a circular motion next to her temple. “No. I’m sure your life isn’t over simply because Josh isn’t in it.” There was a pause and Sherri dropped down into the chair. “Yes. I know he’s a cad.” She mouthed the word cad in an exaggerated manner, pointed at Josh and made a face that drew a reluctant smile from him. “No, I don’t think he’s changed his mind. No, definitely not a good idea for you to drive—”

Sherri held the phone away from her ear. Crystal was yelling loud enough for Josh to hear her clear across the room.

He’d had enough. He wasn’t going to let Crystal be abusive with Sherri. He started across the room, but Sherri held her hand out and put the receiver back to her ear. “Crystal... Crystal!” The second time she’d said her name, she’d shouted. “Why don’t you have a nice glass of wine and think about what a cad Josh is. I’m sure you’ll realize he’s just not good enough for you, and you’re better off without him.”

Josh raised both his brows.

“Yes. I know. That’s right. I’m sure you’ll feel better. A-ha. Okay. Good-bye.” Sherri hung up the phone and exhaled. “Well, that was fun,” she said sarcastically. “You really should tell the cops.”

Josh regretted how things had ended, but his conscience was clear. He hadn’t done anything wrong where his relationship with Crystal was concerned. It hadn’t been all that serious and they just hadn’t clicked. Regardless, he still felt responsible and didn’t want to cause Crystal grief...even though that was exactly what she’d been doing for him. Also, the thought of going to the police about trouble with his ex-girlfriend was just too embarrassing to consider. Even though Sheriff Chad Atkins was a close friend—they’d grown up together, played some ball—and Josh trusted Chad not to say anything, Sanctuary Cove was a small community and word would spread like wildfire. “She’ll get over it,” he stated dismissively. “I’m sorry you had to be on the receiving end of that. Why don’t you head out now? I’ll lock up.”

“I will, as soon as Emma’s back with Theo.”

Josh was about to argue, but decided against it. Just as well, he thought as he retreated to his examination room. He wasn’t in the mood to try to charm Emma after that call from Crystal.

* * *

AS SOON AS Emma got home, she found a pair of pruning shears and took Max outside with her. She let him roam and sporadically chase chipmunks he had no hope of catching while she cut flowers. When she had a generous bouquet, she signaled for Max to follow her in. She placed the flowers in a vase and took the vase into the great room, setting it in the center of the coffee table. Perfect, she thought and grinned as she stepped back and surveyed the room.

She was arranging a variety of cheeses, crackers, fruits and sweets on platters when her phone rang. Glancing at the clock, she decided she’d let it go to voice mail so she could finish the preparations for Sherri’s visit. She was running late not only because she’d wanted fresh flowers, but she’d also spent more time than she’d planned on a quick cleanup. She couldn’t help it. She wanted the house to look its best. Sherri would be her first visitor since she’d moved to Sanctuary Cove nearly four months ago.

She’d just finished the platters when Max’s distinctive malamute “whoo, hoo” alerted her that Sherri had arrived. Emma wiped her hands on a dishtowel and followed Max to the front door to let Sherri in.

“This place is marvelous!” Sherri enthused. “The glimpses of it from the road don’t do it justice.” She bent down to ruffle Max’s fur and scratch him behind his ears. The dog arched his back and leaned in toward her. “And what a gorgeous boy you are!” she said, continuing to delight him with affection.

“He’s going to be plastered to your side now,” Emma declared, as she handed Sherri a glass of wine.

Sherri took a sip and made a sound of approval before placing the glass on the coffee table. She leaned over to smell the flowers before sitting on the sofa. As soon as Sherri dropped her hand on her lap, Max nudged it until she gave him attention again.

“I told you,” Emma said with a smile.

When Max finally stretched out by Sherri’s feet, she reached for her glass. “I might as well be up front,” she stated. “I’m wondering how many glasses of this excellent chardonnay we’ll have to drink before you’ll tell me who the real Emma Meadows is and why she’s decided to leave the excitement of the big city in favor of admittedly quaint but nonetheless sleepy Sanctuary Cove?”

Emma’s chuckle was spontaneous but her eyes darted away. “There’s not much to tell.”

“Let me be the judge of that. I emphasize the word sleepy as it relates to Sanctuary Cove. For those of us born and bred here, watching paint dry can be an event.”

Sherri’s comment surprised Emma. “If you’re unhappy, why have you stayed?”

Sherri laughed. “Oh, I’m not unhappy! I was quite determined to leave when I was younger. I had a taste of city life while I was at college and I liked it—for the short term. But when it comes down to it, I’m not built for the city. Like most of us locals, I appreciate what I have right here. Family and friends. A job I love. And a pace of life I’m comfortable with.” She swept an arm toward the windows. “How can you beat the beauty of nature all around us? I’m quite happy. So—” she smiled and swirled her wine “—back to you. What enticed you away from the bright lights?”

At Emma’s sigh, Sherri reached forward and touched her knee. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to pry. Well, yes, I suppose I do, but I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I sense there’s a story there, but we can leave it.”

Emma glanced at the pale gold liquid in her glass. Took a small sip. She really liked Sherri and maybe it would help to talk about what had happened. At least some of it. She shrugged. “Things weren’t working out for me in New York. Not on a personal level and not with my job. I thought a change of scenery would be good.”

“Hmm...”

“Well, I’ve always loved spending time at my cottage. So, with no obligations, I decided to move here. I know that sounds cryptic...”

“You’ve been here for what, two months, maybe three?”

“Nearly four.”

“For most city transplants, the novelty wears off in time, and they can’t wait to get back to civilization.” Sherri helped herself to a strawberry, then dipped it into the melted chocolate. “Something tells me you’re different. That you might stay.”

Emma smiled. “It’s nice of you to say that. I would like to.”

“If you don’t mind me being honest, I think what drove you here was a lot harder on you than you’re letting on. I remember the first time I met you. You had dark shadows under your eyes and there was an edginess to you.” She returned Emma’s smile. “Now the shadows are gone and I don’t see the nerves, or at least not nearly as much.”

“It’s hard not to unwind in Sanctuary Cove,” Emma said evasively and popped a candied almond into her mouth.

Sherri helped herself to a plateful of snacks and snuggled back in the chair, a distinct gleam in her eyes. “So, are you going to go out with the dreamy Dr. Whitmore?” she asked.

Emma choked on her wine. Grabbing a napkin, she held it to her mouth for a few moments until she could swallow. “Where did that question come from?”

“I’ve seen how the two of you look at each other. Not directly—but when you know the other isn’t paying attention. You can’t tell me you’re not interested in Josh.”

“Didn’t you say he had a bad breakup recently?” Emma asked. She could feel the heat rise to her cheeks. “I’m sure you’re reading us wrong.”

“I know Josh, and he is interested in you.” Sherri savored another strawberry. “Mmm. I might not know you that well, but I’d say you’re attracted to him, too. Am I incorrect?”

When Emma stayed silent, Sherri continued. “So what’s holding you back?”

“I don’t want a relationship,” Emma blurted out. “Besides, it’s hard to imagine a guy like him wouldn’t be with someone already.”

Sherri shook her head, sending her dangly silver earrings dancing. “Nope. He hasn’t seen anyone for months. Bad breakup, remember. And good-bye and good riddance to Crystal, if you ask me. Also, if he was with someone, he wouldn’t be sending off those signals like he does with you. Josh isn’t like that.”

“Why aren’t the two of you together, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Are you kidding? Josh and me? I haven’t thought about him romantically since I was about ten. For his part, he’s always considered me like a kid sister. I’ve known Josh a long time. His sister, Angie, is one of my closest friends. As kids, Angie and I were inseparable whenever their family was in Sanctuary Cove. I spent so much time at their place during the summers, Josh and I virtually grew up together. Over the years, he’s become a good friend. I’d like to see him happy with someone. But that someone is definitely not me.”

Loud cracking sounds from the direction of the forest caused Emma to jolt and she nearly toppled her wineglass. Max was instantly alert and up on all fours. “Was that what I think it was?” she asked.

Sherri frowned and nodded. “Yep. Gunshots.”

Emma thought of the beautiful white-tailed doe she’d seen just that morning, and pushed out of her chair. The thought of a hunter trespassing on her property outraged her.

Sherri put down her glass and joined Emma and Max by the window.

At the sound of another series of shots, Emma winced. She’d check the regulations and, if warranted, report the occurrence to the authorities, she decided.

The incident left them in a more subdued mood. Regardless, when Sherri left hours later, Emma felt they had the beginning of a friendship. She cleared away the plates, glasses and empty bottle. She checked to see if the person who’d called earlier had left a message but there was no voice mail. Grabbing Max’s leash, she took him for a long, brisk jog down the driveway and along Otter Creek Road. When they returned, her skin was flushed and damp with the exertion, despite the chill in the air.