Love's Taming (The Love's Series) Read Free

some fun!”
    Leon winked as she walked by, then handed the bag to Suzanne as she came toward the reception area.
    Annie turned and looked at her two employees. Suzanne was taller than she, with her long black hair pulled away from her face in a tight ponytail and blue eyes that belied her Irish heritage. Drop dead gorgeous, Annie knew Suzanne had men panting after her, but she rarely dated and no long term boyfriends were on the horizon. Annie wondered if anyone would ever take that title. Whereas she wished she had time for a man, she knew that Suzanne avoided the dating scene. But for whatever reason, she never asked, and Suzanne never talked about it. Suzanne was a vet tech student, a hard worker who also served as her receptionist, and Annie valued her friendship as well as her skills in the clinic.
    Tall, dark, with ebony skin and gorgeous eyes, Leon was her vet tech and assistant when needed. Shirley, his long-time girlfriend, was not-so-patiently waiting on him to pop the question so she could plan their wedding. Annie feared that Leon was waiting until his salary increased and guiltily, she had no idea when she would be able to pay Leon or Suzanne more. Leon may joke about Shirley, but the honest truth was that he would do anything for her…and she for him.
    One day, maybe for me. After I build the business. After I pay the bills. After I…yeah right. Looks like crazy cat lady may be my only title after all.
    Taking a deep breath, she turned and walked toward the back surgical area, calling out, “Okay, folks, let’s get ready for the day.”
    Suzanne and Leon watched Annie’s back as she left the reception area then turned their eyes to each other.
    “Lordy, I wish that woman could find herself some fun. And a man. Hell, fun with a man,” Leon exclaimed loudly. As usual whatever came into his mind, came out of his mouth.
    Suzanne, quieter, just nodded before adding, “But she doesn’t need just any man and fun. She needs the right man and fun.”
    “Can’t argue with that, but if she doesn’t ever go out, how is she going to meet the right man? It’s not like Mr. Right is going to drop into her clinic out of nowhere.”
    Shrugging, Suzanne finished her pastry as she headed to the reception area as the door opened and their first customer came in.
    “Mrs. Rosini! How nice to see you and Zoey. Now please tell me you did not give Zoey any treats this morning!”

Chapter 2
    T he last client was checking out with Leon, so Annie went around gathering the trash.
    “Dr. Donavan, I told you I’d get the trash,” Suzanne called from the back room. “I’ve just got to finish sweeping out the exam rooms.”
    Smiling, Annie knew that Suzanne would do everything if she could. Hardworking, diligent, caring…and worked cheap. Thank goodness for that. Veterinary school loans and then taking over the small animal practice in downtown Richland was taking a toll on her finances. Yelling back she answered, “It’s okay. I’ve got it.” Pulling her long hair back up in a messy bun, she grabbed the last of the trash and piled it near the back alley door.
    Popping around the corner Suzanne looked at Annie with irritation. “Dr. Donavan you should have waited. You work too hard as it is.”
    Annie looked at her young vet tech with affection. Suzanne had only been working for her for about six months, but the two of them had become friends. Physically, they could not have been more opposite in height and coloring. Oh, to be twenty and gorgeous, Annie thought, feeling much older than her twenty-eight years. Petite, with her ginger hair and green eyes, she sometimes felt frumpy next to the young beauty.
    “And how many times do I have to tell you to call me Annie?”
    Laughing, Suzanne admitted, “I know, but I call you Dr. Donavan all during the day in front of clients. It’s hard to switch.”
    “Well, we’re finished here. Hopefully, as soon as you finish your vet tech program in a couple of months, I can pay