A Very Grumpy Veterinarian. Wolf Valley: Grumps, #14

I think I'm finally ready to fall in love. I just didn't expect it to be with my grumpy boss. PearlI've worked at Wolf Valley Veterinary Clinic for years. I love my job, I love the animals, and I loved working with Dr. Harris before he retired. Then his replacement gets here, and I realize that there might be something else I love about my job. Him. Dr. Wells Bennett. He's quiet, brooding, annoyingly handsome, and the kind of man who looks at you once and sees too much.
He showed up a few months ago to help out his mentor, but then he stayed. Took over the clinic. Took over my routine. Took over my peace of mind. Now I'm dealing with a boss who barely talks, glowers at anyone who smiles with me, and finds excuses to stay late when I'm the only other one here. I should be focusing on my work, but all I can think about is what it would feel like if my grumpy vet finally made a move.
WellsI came to Wolf Valley to help my mentor through his last months at the clinic. I thought it would be temporary. Then I met Pearl. She's sunshine and fire all wrapped into one gorgeous, curvy woman who cares more about animals than most people care about each other. The first day I saw her hold a trembling puppy to her chest and whisper softly to comfort him, I was done for. Completely gone. So, when my mentor retired, I didn't hesitate.
I stayed. But things are complicated. Pearl works for me, and I'm terrified of risking the one bright thing I have here. Only now, every day she's near me is torture. Every smile she gives someone else is a punch to the gut. And every time she brushes past me in the hallway, I have to remind myself she's not mine. Not yet.