The Surgeon’s Best Friend Dilemma - Chapter 4
Natasha was attacked the moment she opened the door. Two large paws on her shoulders greeted her with a canine hug, almost knocking her over. Her dog, Eddy, a collie/springer spaniel cross, was the only one this enthusiastic about seeing her. Until, of course, he spotted Evan and abandoned her for his other favourite human.
‘The therapy dog training is going well, I see.’ Evan smirked through a flurry of wet doggie kisses.
‘Get down, Eddy. He’s actually completed training. Perfectly calm and well-behaved except when you’re here.’ It had been Evan’s suggestion to get a dog for company after everything that had happened with her ex. He’d helped her pick the pup from the rescue centre and he’d been Eddy’s play date ever since, rolling around on the floor with him like a big kid himself. That was why her usually placid canine companion got over-excited when Evan stopped by.
‘He’ll make a great addition to the staff at any hospital.’ Evan ruffled Eddy’s ears and earned another affectionate embrace.
‘I hope so. Therapy dogs are great for calming patients and giving them a bit of stimulation during the day. Tamsin O’Neill, the transplant specialist visiting from the Great Southern, has expressed an interest in the idea to help her younger patients.’ Natasha was looking forward to introducing Eddy to his adoring public as soon as someone on the board was willing to take a chance on him and make a difference in a hospital setting.
‘He would certainly be an asset. Can he make dinner too?’ Evan sniffed the air as the smell of the chicken casserole she’d put on this morning drifted through the house.
‘Slow cooker. I just popped the ingredients in this morning and it’s been cooking away all day. You need to get one for those nights when you can’t be bothered cooking.’
‘That’s every day, then.’
She knew he hadn’t eaten properly since his relationship broke down. That was why she liked to cook for him every now and then, so she knew he had at least one warm meal in his belly on a cold night. And she had someone other than Eddy to talk to.
***
‘That was delicious. Thank you.’ Evan stretched and patted his flat stomach.
‘You’re welcome.’
‘Can I help with the washing up?’ He started clearing the dirty dishes from the table and taking them over to the sink.
‘Ugh. That can wait until tomorrow. I’m too tired, and full, to do anything.’
‘Me too.’
‘Stay the night.’
‘You’re so forward, Dr Harrison.’
Natasha rolled her eyes at him. ‘You’re tired. I have a spare room. You know the drill.’
It wasn’t the first time he’d slept over. Sometimes it made more sense for him to have a good night’s sleep and start an early shift from her place rather than go home. Besides, she and Eddy both liked having him here.
‘Only if you insist. I know you like to play house with me.’ Evan grinned, but unease settled in Natasha’s belly at the comment. She was beginning to realise how true that was.