Read Score (Gina Watson) Online
Authors: Gina Watson
Score (Gina Watson) (12 page)
Cory returned to his SUV for the black bag that held the drugs that would take Randy out of this world. The dog needed to be put down, but he knew it would be hard on Brook and he hated that she would forever connect him to her pain. He’d put down several animals since he’d opened his vet practice. Of course the owners grieved but they all did it differently. He wondered how Brook would do it. Usually, there were two grievers, two owners. Would Cory need to comfort her? The thought wasn’t unpleasant to him, which he found odd. He shrugged.
Cory was glad the horses they usually kept were currently housed at his practice for breeding; they had the stables to themselves. He walked in and sat opposite Brook, leaving the dog between them. “I know you’re aware that Randy is in a lot of pain. You’re doing the right thing.”
Brook’s anguished green eyes met his. “Please, I’m ready.”
Cory didn’t say a word. He pulled the loaded syringes from his black bag and took Randy’s paw into his hand and did what needed to be done.
Randy would be in a state of eternal sleep soon. His respiration was slowing.
Brook put her lips to his ear and said, “I love you, Randy. I’ll miss you.”
Cory wanted to give them privacy but when he rose to his feet, Brook grabbed his ankle.
He looked down and watched the tension ease from her tight shoulders on a deep exhalation of air.
“Will you stay here with me? Please. I don’t have anyone else.” Her lips trembled, and her sorrow filled the stable.
Cory wanted to comfort her, but he didn’t know her, didn’t know what she’d need. He lowered himself to the ground and sat quietly with her. Brook pulled Randy tight against her and leaned into Cory. His body immediately went rigid. He wasn’t used to this kind of intimacy with women. Brook held Randy and lodged her head under Cory’s chin. His body responded naturally. Without thinking, he snaked his arm around her waist. Her hair, smelling of wildflowers, tickled his nose and her bronze skin glistened in the glow of the overhead lights. Cory suddenly, urgently, wanted to taste that skin but he willed his desire down. The last thing she needed was Cory preying on her as though she were an animal in heat.
They sat quietly for about fifteen minutes. Rigor mortis would soon set in, and Cory didn’t want Brook hugging Randy when it did. She hadn’t moved since he’d placed his arm around her waist. To avoid startling her, he spoke softly into her ear. “I think we should talk about what you want to do next.”
She turned her head to meet his eyes. “You mentioned a pecan grove?”
Cory smiled. “Yes, I think Randy would like it there; it’s my favorite part of the property. Do you want to take him there now?”
Brook turned to look at the lifeless dog that lay across her lap. She whispered, “Okay.”
Cory stood. “Let me get Randy, and you can help me gather some tools.” He immediately loaded Randy into the Mule 4x4 and used a blanket to cover him.
He walked back in and directed Brook, just to give her something to focus on.
“Get the rake and the lanterns from that table.” Cory motioned toward the table, and he turned to grab the shovel. He hoisted a bag of sodium hydroxide onto his shoulder. “And take a couple of those gray blankets from the shelf behind the table too.” They loaded all the items into the Mule and Cory drove to the garage. “I’m just gonna get some water.” He leaped from the Mule.
Leaning against the refrigerator was a spear with white ribbon dangling from the tip. Cory snagged the stick to mark Randy’s grave.
He drove them to the back part of the property and unloaded the tools. He should have changed clothes, but he hadn’t wanted to leave Brook alone with her thoughts and her dog. It was hot, so he loosened his tie and removed it. His shirt followed. He started on the job of digging Randy’s grave.
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CKNOWLEDGMENTS
Several people made this endeavor possible. Without their support this fictional world would not exist. Thank you for all the motivation and support. Beth Hill at
A Novel Edit
is wonderfully professional and does a marvelous job with the editing process. Emily Colter and Maxamaris Hoppe at Waxcreative truly did an awesome job at conceptual design for the website that channels the St. Martin Family. Damonza.com handled cover design and formatting. Mom and Karen, thank you for always agreeing to proofread. Monica your continued support and motivation were priceless on this project. Beth B. thank you for always giving it to me straight, this is invaluable to an author. To all my students and friends, this would not have happened without your beta skills: Kayla H., Courtney W., Danielle S., Meagan W., Ruth L., Angelica L., Jenna L., Tammy S., Kelli R., Amber S. Brian, what can I say, you put up with me, for that there are no words. Thank you.
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