Heal My Heart

ELEVEN

It didn't matter if Nicolette slept like the dead, she awoke with the sun, ready to start her day. She'd had a hot bath before going to bed, which was probably what helped her fall asleep faster, but Adrian was in her dreams and she knew he would have to be the first face she saw this morning. Even if she had to wake him up herself.

She dressed as pretty as she could today, knowing she needed to make a good impression on her aunt and uncle since they had seen her wearing men's trousers last night. Surprisingly, Aunt Betty never said anything about it during the hour the older woman spent with Nicolette before she retired to her room for the night.

Today, she wore her favorite lavender blouse with frilly sleeves, and her shimmering gray skirt. She didn't wear her woman heeled boots that often, but they looked so nice with her outfit, she couldn't resist putting them on. She couldn't wait to see Adrian's eyes when he saw her this morning. She really wanted to prove to him that she was a lady. He already knew her other side.

She pulled the top part of her hair back and fastened the bulk with diamond studded combs. Her locks curled slightly as they hung over her shoulders and down her back. She added diamond-drop earrings to her lobes before she was satisfied with her appearance.

Enthusiasm helped move her feet toward the door. As she opened it, Adrian suddenly appeared. At first, he wore a worried expression, but when his gaze moved over her, his face changed. His approval was evident in his bright eyes and wide smile.

He lifted his gaze to her eyes and opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Instead, he shook his head and stepped into the room, kicking it closed with his foot as he gathered her in his arms. He didn't say a word, but his kiss spoke volumes. The way his mouth tenderly captured hers, nearly had her legs weakening. If not for his arms around her, she would have been on the floor.

Their kiss was one she'd hoped to have last night, and she showed him how much she'd missed doing this with him before going to bed. His head titled as he deepened the kiss. The pounding rhythm in her chest shook all the way through her, making her breathless. How had she missed out on such passion? Those other men were simpletons compared to Adrian.

He slowed the kiss and gradually pulled back, sighing happily. She caressed his hair, peering deeply into his hazel eyes.

"I love you, Lottie."

"I love you, Adrian."

"You look breathtaking today." He smiled.

She sighed and leaned against him. "Now you know how I feel every time I look at you."

He stroked her cheek tenderly. "If only we could stay in each other's arms today, I'd be the happiest man in the world."

"Me, too." She paused before asking, "Is that why you came to my room? For some private time?"

His eyes widened in panic and he jumped back, grasping her hand. "No. I came to get you. Something is wrong with Bandit. He's acting very sluggish."

She gasped, opened the door, and dashed down the hallway, pulling Adrian with her. "Where is Bandit?"

"Outside on the back porch."

Worry filled Nicolette as she hurried toward the back of the house. Memories resurfaced of when her childhood dog died, bringing back the pain in her heart that she'd experienced. She'd become a Veterinarian because of that dog, and now... could she save Bandit?

She wanted so much to prove to her family – and the town – that she would make a good Veterinarian, but she'd always been afraid to show them exactly how much she'd learned. Now was her chance. She must do this. She must save Bandit.