Can't Touch This (Can't Touch This #1)

Polly bit her lower lip. “And he’s invited me. You sure you didn’t invite me?”

“Nope.” I showed her the screen, making her squint again. “All him.”

Her eyes scanned my messages. “I agree with him that you shouldn’t feel guilty for being happy.” She leaned up, placing a kiss on my cheek. “You’re the best. And this is exactly what I needed, Ves. You’re awesome. If you promise to be there just in case he turns out to be a donkey, I’d love to go and see Ryder’s house and find out where the hell he puts all those dogs he brings in.” She laughed. “He doesn’t boil them into a soup, does he? ‘Cause that would be the worst thing ever.”

I giggled. “No, he has this amazing barn conversion. And the river, Pol. Wow.” My heart swooned even as my body melted at the memory of what we did at said river.

She rolled onto her back. “I know this is a stupid, crazy idea but how about we close the practice tomorrow? Pet Curers up the road can take any slack; we’ll put their number on the answer machine for any emergencies. And still take any calls that are urgent, urgent.” Her hand found mine in the dark. “I just really need this with you. I need to be with other people who are normal, away from work and home. I need a good laugh. Would that be okay?”

“It would be more than okay.”

I didn’t care about the loss of potential income. I did worry that pet owners would be stressed but as long as the other vet across town was open and they knew it was only for one day, then I couldn’t see the harm. There was a thing called workaholicism and unfortunately, Polly and I had been infected by it.

“Text him back.” She tapped my phone. “Tell him he has a date.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.”

Me: Polly will accept your date. She says it’s a good idea, after all. When should we come over? I’m taking your other unsolicited advice from when we first started chatting and playing hooky all day.

Ryder: I love that my bad influence is rubbing off on you.

Me: I’ll be rubbing off something else tomorrow.

Ryder: I’ll hold you to that.

Me: So…time? What should we bring?

Ryder: Just your beautiful self and your business partner. Rupe and I will take care of the rest.

Me: You’ve got yourself a party.

Ryder: Is it in my pants?

Me: The one with exclusive invitation just for the two of us is.

Ryder: I’m glad Rupert isn’t invited. I have a confession to make.

Me: Oh?

Ryder: I was nervous about you meeting Rupert as I didn’t want you to think he was the better model and trade me in. With Polly there, you’ll be forced to stay with me because that would just be awkward stepping on your friend’s playing field.

Me: Somehow, I don’t think Polly will be looking for a hook-up. She’s scarred for life from the last one.

Ryder: Rupe won’t either but he’s a sucker for a damsel in distress.

Me: Polly isn’t a damsel. She’s a freaking ninja.

Ryder: She’s a girl who will be left alone at some point in our festivities while I go and do bad things to you. Ergo, damsel. Believe me; he’ll take good care of her.

Me: That gives me mixed feelings.

Ryder: About the bad things or Rupe’s exemplary care?

Me: Both.

Ryder: Guess we better discuss the rules in the morning.