Once Bitten, Twice Shy

"What?" He straightened her IV cord.

"You know."

His amused gaze returned to her face.

"Sure, but I want to hear it from your lips."

She rolled her eyes. "When you're right."

He chuckled. "Sweet music to my ears."

"Stop gloating. It doesn't become you."

He laughed and leaned down, kissing her cheek. "Good night, Heidi. I'll pick you up in the morning."

"Alex?"

"Hum?"

"What are you going to do when you graduate? I mean - well, you have a good job . . ."

He took her hand in his. "A very good job. It put me through school and, along with the interest from my inheritance, gave me enough to start a clinic." He hesitated, and then shrugged. "I never intended to be a salesman all my life, and the company hasn't been the same since it changed hands. Ethics have gone out the door and greed is in. They figure if it makes money, it must be a wise business choice. I don't like operating that way - or representing a company that does. I figure if you have to sacrifice your ethics to keep a job, it's time to look for another one. I always wanted to be a veterinarian, so I decided to fulfill that dream. I've made arrangements to quit my job this fall and work my residency at a clinic in Houston."

She smiled up at him and squeezed his hand. "Good for you - but why the big secret?"

He shrugged again and looked uncomfortable. "I guess I just like surprises. Kind of silly, when you get to thinking about it, I guess."

She gazed up into those warm eyes. "I think it's sweet."

His neck darkened, but he continued to hold her hand. "Now don't go mushy on me."

She laughed softly. "Katie has no idea how lucky she was to have you to look after her back then, does she? I worry about her sometimes. I know Bill will take good care of her, but . . ."

Alex grimaced. "She's not heavily endowed with common sense or ambition, but she does have attributes."

"Of course," Carmen answered instantly. Did he think she was trying to say Katie was stupid? "I just thought . . . well, you must have had a rough time trying to raise her."

He laughed shortly. "Yeah, my only child."

She turned her hand over, so that her palm touched the warmth of his. "It's not too late for you to start a family, you know."