It'll Be An Adventure (Masters of the Shadowlands #15)(51)
Author: Cherise Sinclair

 

Her stunning beauty made Murphy feel…less.

 

Saxon shook his head. “Everly, we’ve talked about this—”

 

When Sherlock whined, Everly’s nose wrinkled. “Sexy, could you put your sweet dog out before he gets fur all over my dress?”

 

When he frowned, she gave him an appealing look. “Since you’re busy, I just have a request, and then I’ll let you get on with your day.”

 

He nodded. “All right.” Snapping his fingers for Sherlock, he headed for the back.

 

Once he was out of sight, Everly turned and looked down her nose at Murphy. “I’m guessing you’re his newest hookup?”

 

“Excuse me?”

 

Everly shook her head. “I truly am sorry, and I’m sure he didn’t mention this, but we’re together and have been for some time.” Her look of pity scraped over Murphy’s nerves like coarse sandpaper.

 

They were together? Murphy tried to find a firm spot to stand on with the shifting emotional ground. “From what I hear, he doesn’t confine himself to any one woman.”

 

“Just me. Maybe because I don’t care if he fucks what’s offered.” Everly’s look of contempt showed just what she thought of Murphy. “What man wouldn’t? But he’s mine.”

 

With a thump of boots, Saxon walked back into the room. “Now, Everly, what’s the problem?”

 

“No problem, darling.” Everly’s smile was meltingly sweet. “I wanted to tell you the C-Guard stars will be showcased at your charity gala. We can go to the event together.” Up on tiptoes, she planted a kiss on his mouth.

 

The sight was another blow to Murphy’s heart. She couldn’t take another.

 

Rising, she grabbed the carrier and cat supplies, then walked out the door.

 

Behind her, Saxon was talking to the woman, his firm baritone a reminder that he was a Master at the Shadowlands. Dominant. And amazing. Fun. Kind-hearted. Sexy as anything.

 

Of course he had a ton of girlfriends. And apparently, a serious one. Didn’t this just remind her of how Ross had been cheating on her?

 

Murphy, Murphy, Murphy, didn’t we have this talk? You were supposed to keep your distance.

 

After stowing the supplies in the back, she opened the passenger door. And noticed Everly getting into her own vehicle…and leaving.

 

“Murphy, wait.”

 

She glanced over her shoulder.

 

Saxon stood behind her, his face was tight and hard. “I’m sorry, Murphy. This was—”

 

“Hey, it’s not a problem. I do have to get home.” Turning away, she set her kitten in his carrier on the passenger seat then pulled in a breath.

 

Do not show how much this hurts your feelings. She faced him, back straight, chin up. She wanted to hit him—not for lying to her because he hadn’t—but for making her feel as if she was special to him.

 

She wasn’t. Nonetheless, she had to question his interest in a woman who didn’t like Sherlock. Sheesh.

 

Stop, focus.

 

“Thanks for bringing me here, Saxon, and for the supplies and the advice.” Staying out of reach, she gave him a warm smile. “I truly do appreciate everything.”

 

Showing that he really could read body language, he took a step back. “You’re welcome. See you at the next practice.” Tilting his head to her, he turned and headed back into the house.

 

With a silent sigh, she got in her car. “Hey, kitten. Guess it’s just you and me.”

 

So much for hoping for more. For a man to care about.

 

She could almost hear her crushed hopes falling like leaves in a winter’s wind.

 

Foolish, foolish Murphy.

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

 

 

 

 

 

In the vet clinic’s reception area, Rainie glanced over at Sherlock and Rhage, her black-and-white poodle-terrier mix. Both dogs were peacefully napping under the back table, probably because Saxon had run them through the agility course outside.

 

Exhausted dogs were good dogs.

 

And…now that the doc was in surgery and out of hearing distance, she was contemplating a smidgen of interference. Hey, if Master Z can play matchmaker, why can’t I?

 

“That expression on your face is worrisome.” Completely unconcerned by the waiting room audience, Jake tipped her head back and gave her a long, sweet kiss. “What evil are you planning, buttercup?”

 

Ummmm, am I planning something?

 

Oh, right. Saxon.

 

She hesitated. Jake and Saxon were as close as real brothers, and although her man could be the most easygoing of guys, he was still a Dom. It would be smart to keep him out of the loop.

 

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Your behavior is totally unprofessional, Dr. Sheffield. For shame.”

 

His grin moved him from merely gorgeous to heart-stopping. “A man is allowed to kiss the woman he plans to marry. Don’t you all agree?” he asked the riveted waiting room.

 

Of course, they all cheered.

 

“Your mother should have spanked you more as a child,” Rainie muttered.

 

He leaned a hand on her desk, green eyes wicked. “I prefer being on the giving side of that equation.” His voice couldn’t be heard past a few feet. “I’ll show you later.”

 

They’d been together over two years now, and he could still make her melt with that suggestively evil tone—the one that promised he would be doing all sorts of indecent things to her.

 

As every nerve in her lower half set up a tingle, the corner of his mouth tilted up. He knew full well his effect on her.

 

She glowered at him.

 

“Now tell me what’s up?” He leaned a hip against her desk. The man was as unshakable as Sherlock on a search.

 

However, she held the winning cards today.

 

“I’m so sorry, but we have no time for chatting, Dr. Sheffield.” She raised her voice. “You have a terrified pit bull waiting in room 3, and he’s shaking so hard I can almost hear his bones from here.”

 

“Oh, the poor baby,” someone in the waiting room murmured.