Free Vets in Love by Cathy Woodman

interrupts us.
    ‘I think she runs up pretty well,’ Matt says, turning to Henry. ‘She’s supple and moves with a good rhythm.’
    ‘Are you talking about the horse, or the girlfriend?’ Henry says, his hands on his hips and his feet apart.
    ‘My girlfriend, of course,’ Matt responds, and I almost leap out of my skin when he pinches my bottom. I’m shocked and pleased, though I shouldn’t be, but I’m particularly delighted at the expression of what could be a touch of envy and regret on Henry’sface. ‘We should be getting on,’ Matt continues. ‘I’m taking Nicci out for a drink tonight.’
    This is news to me but I play along, until Henry disappears into his lorry to harangue his stroppy groom for leaving the water tap on and draining the tank.
    ‘I know Henry – he’s a bit of a prat.’ Matt is grinning. ‘It’s all right. He’s well aware of what I think of him.’
    ‘I’m really sorry.’
    ‘Oh, don’t worry about it.’
    ‘You know, you didn’t have to go that far.’
    ‘As far as what? You mean, pinching your bottom? Well, I couldn’t resist.’ His chuckle turns to an exclamation of regret. ‘Nicci, I haven’t offended you, have I?’
    ‘No, no.’ I can hardly accuse him of overstepping the mark when it was me who started the boyfriend/girlfriend thing.
    ‘I don’t know why you said it, but I’m more than happy you’ve decided to be my girlfriend, because it saves me having that awkward conversation where I ask you out.’
    I stare at him, confused. His gaze is steady and his pupils are dilated, set in irises stacked with shades of brown, hazelnut and gold. His cheekbones are high and his complexion infused with warmth. His hair, although cropped short, is tousled in all directions.
    ‘You are joking?’ I say.
    ‘Not really.’
    ‘Oh?’
    ‘Don’t panic – you look like the proverbial harecaught in the headlamps. I’m more than happy to play along, especially when you’re trying to make your ex-boyfriend jealous. Henry told me. He said you were a bit of a spoilsport.’
    ‘He would say that, wouldn’t he?’
    ‘It’s all right. I know there are always two sides to every story.’
    ‘I can’t apologise enough for saying what I did,’ I repeat, but Matt cuts me off.
    ‘You aren’t dumping me already? We haven’t been on a date yet.’
    ‘We can’t date,’ I point out quickly, and I’m about to give him a very good reason.
    ‘You’re right. We’ve moved way beyond the casual dating stuff. Should I ask you to marry me?’
    ‘Oh, Matt!’ I start to giggle at the ridiculousness of the situation. ‘Stop it.’
    ‘You have a lovely smile,’ he says. ‘I didn’t see much evidence of it when you were being Nicci the doctor. I thought you were a bit … well, scary at first.’
    ‘Thanks.’
    ‘There’s no reason to thank me. Let’s go out for a drink tonight and we can discuss our living arrangements. Are you a live-out or live-in girlfriend?’
    ‘I need to get Willow home,’ I say, turning away and leading her back to the lorry where I tie her up and put on her boots and tail guard for the journey. Matt leans against the side of the ramp, watching.
    ‘I’ll pick you up at eight.’ He pauses. ‘I’m being serious now. I’d like to take you out to celebrate your win.’
    ‘This isn’t a date?’ I blurt out.
    ‘It can be whatever you want it to be.’
    ‘What about Mel?’ Matt frowns as I go on. ‘What will she think about it?’
    ‘It’s none of her business.’ His expression relaxes. ‘I’m not involved with Mel, not now. I’ll explain later.’
    ‘Okay.’ His reply seems genuine enough. I make my mind up. ‘I’d like to meet up.’
    ‘Where do you live?’
    Mindful of what I’ve been preaching to my mum, I suggest we meet at the Talymill Inn.
    ‘That’s a great idea. We can sit outside.’ He smiles that slow, heart-lurching smile of his and adds, ‘See you later, girlfriend,’ before walking away without giving me