Chapter 43

“That’s just for show…for Susan.”

Scott smiled.

“I’ll leave some Vet Wrap and hoof pads for you. I’ll come back out next week to check on him. Just call the office and let me know what day is best.”

They put Shadow back in his stall and walked to the truck. “I was hoping to meet the girls,” Dan said. “Dr. Devlin told me the family had moved in.”

“They’re in town with their mother visiting their grandmother for the day. But you still have that raincheck on burgers from last time, remember? Why don’t you come out Saturday when the girls are here and meet them? I’m sure Susan will want to thank you personally for taking care of Shadow. She’s been so worried about him. It’s about all I can do to keep her from sleeping in his stall.”

Dan wrinkled his brow. He silently cursed Ezra. “I’d really like to, but was just invited to a staff party this weekend. And I’m on call. But I’d like to do it another time,” he said, hoping he didn’t sound too eager.

“Sure,” Scott said, clearly looking as if he were as disappointed as Dan. “Anyway, I’ll see you next week. Maybe we can work out a time then.”

“I hope so.”

They shook hands and said their goodbyes. Dan wanted to hug Scott so badly he could hardly stand it.

* * * *

Dan arrived at Ezra’s pool party a little before seven. He hated to be the first to arrive at functions such as these. It seemed so awkward when only a few guests were there. At the same time he didn’t want to be rude and show up late since Ezra had sort of thrown the party for Dan.

He was greeted at the front door by Linda, Ezra’s wife.

“Dan!” she exclaimed as she hugged him. She was wearing a rather skimpy two-piece bathing suit and an open beach robe, making the embrace mildly uncomfortable for Dan.

“I’m so glad you could make it. When you were late, Ezra was afraid you had an emergency call.”

Dan handed her the bottle of merlot he’d brought. “Had one earlier today, but all’s clear for now.”

“Good. You can change into your trunks in the boys’ bedroom, third door on your right down the hall. Then come on out to the pool. It’s right through the kitchen.” She pointed.

Dan thanked her and made his way down the hall and tapped on the door she’d indicated.

“Yeah?” A male voice answered.

“Uh…it’s just me, Dan. I’ll wait.”

“No, it’s okay, come on in.”

Dan opened the door just as Bill Henley, the vet who’d replaced Christine in the small animal clinic, was pulling up his trunks. Dan had a quick glimpse of Bill’s cock and balls.

Dan hadn’t drained his nuts since he’d been with Steve, his libido feeling a bit bruised. However, the sight of Bill’s ample equipment, coupled with the fact that Bill was a rather attractive man, triggered a familiar tightening in Dan’s groin that announced there was life after the death of a love affair after all.

Dan hesitated just briefly at the sight. Bill smiled.

“Good to see you,” Dan said, then felt his face grow warm as he realized how those words could be interpreted in a situation like this.

Bill’s smile broadened, but otherwise made no indication he was aware of any social faux pas and said, “Glad you could make it. I’ve been hoping we’d have a chance to get acquainted.” He sat on the edge of a lower bunk.

Evidently Bill had no plans for leaving, so Dan took his trunks out of his bag and laid them on a chair. He then proceeded to self-consciously undress, acutely aware of Bill watching him.

However, Bill didn’t seem to be overly interested as Dan disrobed, he just started a casual conversation. “I understand I replaced your wife on the staff.”

“That’s right.” Dan turned his back to Bill, doffed his boxers, and quickly pulled on his bathing suit.

“I know from experience how difficult a divorce can be.”

Dan turned to him and raised an eyebrow.

“My wife and I got divorced about three years ago.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Dan said, wondering why Bill was sharing this personal information so quickly. It made Dan feel slightly uncomfortable.

“Don’t be. It was a bad idea from the start. We’re both better off for it. Do you hear from your wife?”

“Uh, yeah. I do. We’re actually good friends.”

“Mind if I ask why you split?”

“Um…no, not really, I guess.” Dan explained the situation of Christine’s wanting kids and Dan’s inability to fulfill that desire without going into much detail about the condition of his sperm being the reason for his not being able to impregnate her.