Never Expected You

To Lola, we miss you.

You don’t find love, it finds you.

Anais Nin

Chapter One

With all the things she’d been through in the last year, Stella Lane had no intention of letting a bird get the best of her. She stared up at the pain-in-the-ass-albeit-kinda-cute parakeet trying to poke holes in her good intentions. It was just after ten a.m. and she was ready to call it a day. She wasn’t even supposed to be working today, and she’d already helped a Great Dane through a tricky delivery, given shots to a very sweet kitty, and had her purple Converse puked on by a nervous labradoodle. Just another day at the office. She grinned, thinking it could be worse. Right now, the bird was just flying around. At least he wasn’t dive bombing her or leaving messes everywhere.

The bird chirped, mocking her as it flew a little higher in the reception area.

Come down here and say that, Stella sang out in a syrupy voice. She crooked her finger, like somehow that was a magic spell. She snorted out a laugh. Didn’t work on men, it wasn’t likely to work on a damn bird.

As she inched toward the other side of her waiting room counter, she kept her sight glued to Pedro, certain those marble-sized eyes were sparkling with mischief. Stifling a yawn, Stella reached up and held out a hand, willing the bird to perch on her fingers.

When the door behind her swung open, she whirled. She was not the bird’s biggest fan at the moment, but she was pretty sure her owner wanted her back. Seeing as this particular owner actually paid in cold hard cash rather than most of Brockton Point’s preferred currency of casseroles and favors, Stella needed to keep the animal safe.

Close the door. Quick, Stella called, looking up into a gorgeous set of eyes that were somewhere between gray and blue.

Wow. When she’d signed up for another veterinarian practicum student, she hadn’t considered he might be smoking hot. Truthfully, she hadn’t thought much about it at all, since it was routine. But this guy was enough to make her forget she was on a mission to catch a bird. Business and pleasure do not mix. The lesson might as well have been tattooed on her skin. Plus, Hot Guy was late, and that was as irritating as Pedro’s taunting. Okay, squawking, but it feels like taunting.

The heat of summer and the scent of cologne wafted through the door before he could get it closed. It was a powerful combination, but Stella regrouped and turned back to the bird.

Bird trouble? the man asked, his voice low and amused.

She sent another quick glance his way. He was easily a foot taller than her, but that was nothing new. At five feet, most people towered over her. Those smoky blue-gray eyes stared back, crinkling around the corners. His dark hair was cut short on the sides and perfectly styled on the top—like the thirteen minutes he was running behind had been used to sculpt it into submission.

You could say that. You’re a bit late, she answered. Cut him some slack. It’s not Dexter’s fault Pedro’s owner thought he could walk right in and drop off his pesky pet.

The student’s brows rose. I’m sorry?

Stella noted the light gray T-shirt and jeans, thinking that while they looked damn good on him, it wasn’t the typical student attire for the first day. Most practicum students—especially those in their final leg—were eager to impress the veterinarian they worked with in hopes of securing a position. Not that she was hiring. Unfortunately, free labor was all she could afford.

She had a solid relationship with the University of Maine and didn’t want to wreck that by snapping at her newest recruit. Or hitting on him. It was hard to ignore the fact that he looked more like he’d walked off a movie set than a college campus. Focus. The last thing she needed was to cut off the supply of free, educated help.

Pedro eyed the new guy, who took small, soft steps and made a clicking noise with his tongue. Stella appreciated the initiative.

She startles easily. Have you worked with many birds? Stella asked, moving with a stealthy slowness to shut one of the open exam room doors.

I’ve worked with a few different breeds. Mostly tropical.

Interesting. She wondered if he’d done any of his earlier schooling overseas. She would have loved an opportunity like that, but her goal had been to come back and work with her dad. That had trumped any other job offers. The bird fluttered her wings. Oh no you don’t. With the doors all shut, Stella knew it was just a matter of time. She hadn’t been able to give Pedro an injection, but the bird was older and likely to tire soon.

Pedro cooed at Stella’s new student. Actually cooed. Traitor. She likes you, Stella said, trying not to scowl.

Maybe Pedro could sense Dexter Braun’s—which was the name on the files she’d received earlier that week—patience. Animals sensed emotions and Stella’s were riding high. Running on too little sleep and knowing she had to ask a big favor of a petty person later today had stretched her nerves thin. When Dexter shot her a lopsided smile, her belly rolled over like an easy-to-please puppy. You’re as bad as Pedro. You might as well coo. Nope. No. No. Not only would she be his boss, but she didn’t do relationships. Ever. Not anymore. Flings, sure. Though even those had become a thing of the past. For the last several months, all she did was work. A work fling would be convenient, except for the multitude of gray areas. Gray was an off-limits color in Stella’s world. Black and white suited her just fine.

She thought about his eyes again but didn’t let herself look. She needed more caffeine. Her brain didn’t usually travel so many tangents at once.

Did you hear me? Dexter asked.

Stella widened her eyes and realized she’d completely zoned out—and it wasn’t even about work.

No. Sorry. What did you say?

If you sit in one of the chairs, she might feel less threatened. Both of us shuffling her into a corner probably makes her nervous, he cautioned. Holding a muscled, tanned arm out in a way that showed a hint of dark ink near the cuff of his short sleeve, he placed his palm upward.

Stella sat and watched. She’s not nervous. She doesn’t want a shot.

Dexter smiled. Parakeets are quite intelligent. Perhaps he senses your underlying disdain for her.

Stella arched a brow, unsure if she was amused or annoyed. Mr. University of Maine Veterinarian School certainly wasn’t shy. "Well, Dexter, if she’s that smart, she’ll realize drawing blood is immediate grounds for disdain. If you’re smart, which I’m guessing you are, you’ll realize the combination of being bitten by our clever pal, not having enough coffee, and having a practicum student arrive late are grounds for irritable outbursts."

Dexter’s eyes widened. Actually, I’m not—

Stella held up her hand. Shh! Did Pedro just move closer? The parakeet seemed to have shifted down the wall. Dexter grabbed a dog treat from a bowl on the counter and crumbled some of it into his palm, once again holding it face up.

Come here, girl. You’ve caused enough havoc for one day. Come on down and say sorry to the pretty doctor before she gives in to one of those outburst urges.

Despite herself, Stella grinned. Right. She’s so not coming down for me.

Stella had a feeling females of all species listened when the sexy-doctor to be spoke in that low, gravelly voice he’d just used.

Pedro inched along the wall at a diagonal, coming closer without a lot of wing movement. Dexter patiently held his hand aloft and leaned against the reception counter.

Is it always this quiet in here?

Stella laughed. No. Honestly, it hasn’t been this quiet in months. But I was supposed to be closed today. So I could meet you and then go grovel to the bank.

Dexter crossed his ankles over each other and turned his gaze to her instead of the bird. Is Pedro an overnight visitor?

No. I was coming in to check on some of the animals and Mr. Sutter caught me outside before I could tell him I was closed. I rarely am.

Since they were waiting on the whims of the bird, Stella decided to use the time to her benefit. She had a standard routine with new students, starting with getting to know them. Why vet school?

He glanced at her, seemingly weighing his words.

I kind of fell into it actually. I always wanted to work with animals, but I joined the army and realized the number of animals impacted by combat is disgustingly high. It didn’t seem right, so it became my focus.

Admiration and warmth filled her chest. He’d done a lot in a short period of time. She’d had lots of late bloomer students, but she’d thought his paperwork said early twenties. That was a lot of experience for someone so young. The idea that he’d put his heart and talent into animals in such conditions was more swoon worthy than the flex of his biceps when he stretched out his arm and rubbed two fingers together, calling to the bird again.

Have any of your rotations included surgery? Stella asked, afraid to move when Pedro lowered his position about a foot.

Before he could answer, Pedro swooped down toward Dexter’s outstretched palm and actually settled on his arm.

Son of a bitch, Stella muttered under her breath.

Hi, sweetie. Hungry? The bird pecked at his hand.

Stella rose slowly as her show-off student stroked the bird’s feathers. The stupid bird actually preened. Dexter’s hands were large, with long fingers that easily wrapped around the Pedro’s body, preventing the bird from spreading her wings.

When he looked at Stella, his smile made her stomach somersault again. With a cocky nod of his head, he asked, What now?

Stella laughed quietly. Gesturing for him to follow her into the exam room Pedro had escaped from, she glanced over her shoulder. Let’s see how docile she is for you while I give her a shot.

Dexter’s chuckle vibrated in the small, sterile room and sent shivers over Stella’s skin. Or maybe it’s just cold in here. Right. It was cold.

They made it through the shot a lot easier with four hands, and when Pedro was back in her cage, dozing off, Stella breathed a sigh of relief.

Dexter was making himself comfortable, looking around the open reception room while Stella wrote up her notes. She’d never had a student with such…sex appeal? A sculpted body? Mesmerizing eyes?

Confidence! Stella closed her eyes when she realized she’d blurted the word out loud.

Pardon me? Dexter moved closer, but she refused to look at him.

Uh, nothing. I’m just making notes.

You’re putting something in your notes about Pedro’s confidence?

Stella looked up, and sure enough, Dexter had crowded way too close, his eyes locked on hers doing strange things to Stella’s sorely deprived libido. I am. Yes.

Right. Stick to your story. The look on his face proved he didn’t believe her.

Straightening, she closed the file and walked to the cabinet to put it away. She needed to reattach her walls of professionalism. This guy had definitely caught her at a weak moment, and she prided herself on not having many.

There are no other patients in clinic today, so I’ll show you around, but I do have some errands I need to run in a bit. Plus, I have farm visits. You can fill out some paperwork and then we’ll head down to the stables. I need to check on my horse. Just the thought of spending a few minutes with Chocolate Chip made the tension slip from her shoulders. Too bad she didn’t have time for a ride today.

Grabbing her boots from under the counter, she switched her Converse for them, then grabbed the clipboard with the paperwork.

So, listen, Dexter said, taking the clipboard from her after looking at it like it might bite him.

Now he was nervous? Stella headed for the door with him on her heels. It would be easier to rebuild those sex-starved barriers if she wasn’t breathing in the delicious smell of him. Six weeks. She could handle six weeks with a sexy, smirky student if he was as competent as he appeared. They’d barely stepped off the porch of the clinic her father had built before she was born when a tow truck came rumbling up the drive.

Stella shielded her eyes to block the already hot sun. Dexter shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels.

You fix cars as well as animals?

Not so much, she replied, not recognizing the tow truck driver or the passenger.

The big truck pulled a small, beat up two-door vehicle behind it. Her own dogs, Nacho and Soda, howled from the wraparound porch of the farmhouse she’d grown up in. It sat a short walk away on a small incline.

The tow truck driver parked, and the guy in the passenger side rushed out, almost bailing on the gravel drive.

Slow down, guy, Dexter mumbled.

Stella winced, amused at Dexter’s commentary but worried the person rushing them would face-plant in her clinic parking lot. He reminded her of one of her labs as puppies, all feet and ears.

Something I can do for you? Stella called as he continued to rush over to her.

Dressed in light chinos and a button up shirt, he straightened his shoulders like he was just now thinking of making a good impression.

Hi. I’m so sorry for being late. Are you Doctor Lane?

Stella’s brows scrunched together. Dexter mumbled something under his breath that sounded a lot like uh-oh.

I am. And you are?

He stopped in front of her, his breath choppy and his smile crooked. He had curly dark hair and the slightest hint of stubble on his young-looking face.

I’m Dexter Braun, ma’am. From the University of Maine Veterinarian Program. My faculty associate arranged my practicum with you. I truly apologize for being late. My car broke down about fifteen miles from here. I tried to call but it went to voicemail.

Stella’s heart hammered uncomfortably. Turning slowly, she saw who she thought was Dexter staring at her with an abashed forgive-me grin.

This ought to be good. This is exactly what happens when you get sucked in by sexy eyes and a killer smile.

She covered her chagrin with a glare. Who the hell are you?

Chapter Two

Zach watched Stella’s gorgeous brown eyes go nearly black. He was sorry to see the moment end. He hadn’t known what to expect, but it sure as hell wasn’t the bone deep slap of attraction that sucker punched him from the second he laid eyes on her. Also didn’t expect her to mistake me for someone else. He’d tried to correct her, but she’d cut him off both times. Her stare was pure fire, and damn if it didn’t light a matching one in his gut. She wore her backbone as easily as her flower-patterned rubber boots, and that was sexy in spades. But he wasn’t looking for sexy. Or sex. He was looking for a long-term relationship. Business relationship.

This surprising snap of lust was a complication, but it wouldn’t derail him. He’d been waiting too long to be exactly where he was standing. Truthfully, Zach had hoped to be standing in front of Stella’s father. News of his passing had only made him more determined to come home and do right by one of the few men who’d treated Zach with dignity and respect as a kid. Shouldn’t surprise him that Doctor Lane’s daughter had grown right into her father’s shoes.

Stella Lane was appealing in ways he hadn’t even known were possible. Business and pleasure do not mix. And business is your only focus right now. As a former army sergeant, discipline was as second nature as breathing. He could ignore a little attraction.

Reaching out a hand, he introduced himself. Zach. Zach Mason. Veterinarian. Jesus. He wanted to smack himself. Who did he think he was? The James Bond of animal doctors?

Those long, inky lashes lowered, and he watched as she visibly breathed in and out to pull herself together. When she opened her eyes, she turned away from him and his extended hand to face the real Dexter.

Please don’t worry about being late, Dexter. Why don’t you deal with your car, and we’ll start again tomorrow?

She looked and sounded cordial, but Zach had a feeling she was simmering under the surface.

Are you sure? My uncle lives in town. I’ll be staying with him, but I thought it was best to get here as quickly as I could, Dexter said. He brushed his hair out of his eyes and shifted his feet.

The tow truck driver glanced over, his eyes sticking long enough Zach thought he might remember him from high school. It was bound to happen despite the ten years he’d been gone and the thirty pounds of muscle he’d added.

Stella stepped forward, all sweetness and charm. I’m positive.

She glanced back at Zach, and it was like Jekyll and Hyde—the look she gave him had fangs with a side of suspicion. Even his Army unit would have shriveled under that look. Zach grinned at her, making her whip back to the kid, smiling anew.

I have more than enough to take care of today. You go do what you need to do. Come at eight tomorrow so we can chat before the first patient.

Thank you, Doctor Lane. I really appreciate it.

So now I’m hauling this thing somewhere else? the tow driver asked, scowling.

It would seem so, Stella said, straightening her spine.

Zach didn’t like the lust that was coiling low in his gut, but she was gorgeous and ready to go to bat for some kid she’d just met? That was a combination no one could ignore. At least not a guy like Zach, who, more than once, had desperately needed someone to go to bat for him.

While Stella affirmed that she was sure about it, Zach looked around. Hell of a property—just like he remembered. Gorgeous and vast, acres upon acres. Rolling green lawns, some of it overgrown, some of it treed, lots of it fenced. The tree line was nearly miniature from where he stood. The farmhouse where he’d sat on the back porch with her dad was weathered with age but still standing strong. The new porch railings suggested it was cared for, as did the brick edging that closed in a small flower bed next to the porch. Ms. Lane didn’t strike him as the type to let things fall into disrepair. She didn’t look like she planted flowers, either. Looks more like they should be thrown at her feet.

He studied the smile she gave the young student, and the kid’s eager nod made Zach feel older than his thirty-two years. If he thought hard, he sort of remembered Doc Lane’s little dark-eyed girl running around with some of the animals. Mostly, he’d come to the clinic to get away from everything else. Back in the day, the land and the pets soothed a part of Zach that nothing else could. Calculating, Zach guessed he had about five years on Stella. He barely remembered her, but she probably didn’t remember him at all. When he’d started feeling ready to come home, he’d read what he could about Stella online, but truthfully, there wasn’t a lot. He’d done a little digging in phone calls with his mom, asking if the practice was busy, if she had a partner, but he had to be careful there or she’d be knitting baby booties.

The idea her son was coming home to stay was enough to put his mom in a perpetual state of happy. Shouldn’t have left her for so long. It had been the best thing for both of them. Going away let him become something, and being a man who could provide for his mother had mattered. It wouldn’t have happened if he’d stayed in Brockton Point.

Hopefully he could change Stella’s current opinion of him, otherwise he’d be relying on a years old connection to her father that she probably didn’t even know about. If nothing else worked, he’d be dusting off his knees to do some begging. Zach chuckled to himself at the thought. A part of him wouldn’t even mind that task. And you’re ignoring that part completely.

The driver and student headed back toward the truck, and Stella walked over to Zach. She didn’t look happy, but he’d certainly faced worse. She wouldn’t be one he could charm or out-maneuver, and knowing that made him want her—it, you want it—more.

Why did you lie? she asked. She whistled, and her dogs came running, circling them both, trying to check him out and get her attention at the same time.

He leaned down, let the first of the two labs smell his hand, and then crouched to rub their sides. He looked up at Stella. With the morning sun lighting the sky, she looked like a dark-haired angel. If he was ever overseas again, this was the image that would haunt his brain. All that quiet, somewhat fragile, beauty.

She arched a brow and crossed her arms under her breasts.

Right. She wasn’t letting him off on a technicality. He rose, smiling when the darker of the two labs kept nudging his nose against him. You caught me off guard. It wasn’t my intention to mislead you. I did try to tell you, but Pedro started moving and you shushed me. So, not entirely his fault.

She started to protest, but he held up a hand and cut her off. I did help you with Pedro.

Her shoulders relaxed some. True. What can I do for you, Zach. Zach Mason? He laughed at her teasing and noted her tone seemed friendly enough, but her gaze suggested she was waiting for him to drop a second shoe.

The wariness she didn’t hide well made him wonder if she’d already been approached about partnership. Last he’d talked to his mom, she’d told him Stella Lane was working herself to the bone for casseroles and cupcakes. Brockton Point was growing bigger and she couldn’t possibly serve the entire area as her father had once done. Zach could go anywhere, practice anywhere, settle anywhere. But home was where he wanted—needed—to be. So Stella Lane was his best option for the professional future he was counting on. The first step in a series of them that would firmly root him back to the very place he’d always wanted to belong.

Zach put his hands back in his pockets and gestured toward the barn with his chin. Weren’t you going to check on your horse?

Stella looked down at her watch. Shit. I have an appointment in forty-five minutes. You might as well come with me and tell me why you stopped by. Without an animal to be checked.

They walked down the sloping gravel lot to a path that led to the barn. It looked newer than the rest. The air was sweeter in Maine than the many places he’d been lately, and not just because of the woman beside him. Hell, a basement with no windows and no ventilation was nicer than some of the places he’d been in the last ten years. The more recent years had been better, but some memories never entirely faded.

You’re actually a vet? Stella asked.

He glanced over at her, his brow arching. Some trust issues there.

You don’t believe me?

She held his gaze, and once again, he admired her backbone. People lie all the time.

True. Her tone suggested she spoke from personal experience. Did I not just help you with your bird?

She shrugged, faced forward, and kept walking. For all I know, you watch a lot of Animal Planet.

Zach laughed. I prefer National Geographic, but I can assure you, I’m not a phony. Wanna see my license?

She smirked but didn’t smile. Have you been to Brockton before?

Grew up here, actually. I’ve been gone a long time, but I’m back to stay now. It’s time to put down roots. He’d moved on from being the shy, poor kid with the well-known, jackass of a dad. The army had done something staying in town never could—made a man out of Zach. One he was proud to be, but it had taken some time.

Stella considered him a moment, then asked, You have family here?

Zach nodded, carefully stepping around the overgrown roots on the path. My mom and aunt. A few cousins. My mom brings her dog to you.

Stopping, she tilted her head. Wait. Sheila Mason?

Zach grinned. He’d missed small towns where a person could guess someone’s family members based on a last name. She is.

A strange look passed over her features, but before he could question her, she continued down the path. Your mom is a nice woman. Her border collie keeps her active. She’s heading up Brockton Days this year. She’s very persuasive and managed to rope me into setting up a clinic at the festival.

That sounded like his mom. Zach had inherited his mom’s persuasive charm. Hopefully Stella wouldn’t be immune to