Take Me Again by MacKenzie McKade

shrugged out of his grasp and climbed in. Looking down at him she attempted to hide her growing unease. “I don't know what you're talking about."
    "Sure you don't.” He slammed the door before moving around the vehicle. Opening his door, he slid behind the wheel. “I've never seen two people so hot for each other. You like him. He likes you."
    She snapped her head around to face him. “You're crazy.” She swallowed the pulse throbbing in her throat. “Besides I don't even know him. I mean past the fact that he hates me because I'm threatening his career.” Her voice climbed an octave. “Tonight—was just one of those things. It just happened.” She wet her lips and turned her head to look out into the night. “It won't happen again."
    He started the engine. “Uh-huh.” She didn't miss the skepticism in his tone. In fact, it pissed her off. Preparing to give more reasons why she would never sleep with Dolan Crane again, she waited for Rowdy to say more. Yet he remained silent, shifting the truck into gear and accelerating.
    Why Tracy felt it necessary she didn't know, but she added, “I mean it, Rowdy. It won't happen again."
    "Trying to convince me or yourself?"
    She jerked her head around. “Smartass."
    He looked straight ahead, but she saw his grin.
    Dolan stood at the window, staring at Rowdy's taillights fading in the distance.
    Dammit. He shouldn't have let her go. What the hell was he thinking?
    Removing his hold, he let the heavy curtain fall. “It's for the best.” Even as he said the words, he knew it was a lie. The chemistry between them was unmistakable, he knew it and he'd lay a bet so did she. That's why she left or was he kidding himself?
    He pushed his fingers through his hair. “What the hell am I gonna do?” Now that he'd had a taste of her, he didn't know if he could turn and walk away.
    Irony echoed in his laughter. The little redhead veterinarian could ruin his bad boy reputation. Then again, he could lose more than his reputation to her.
    Dr. Zimmerman had informed him earlier today he was meeting with Tracy tomorrow. She was inquiring on working out of their office. Doc and Carl Epps were friends. Of course, the old doctor had asked Dolan what he thought about the idea of her joining them.
    He had treaded lightly, stating that it could get pretty cramped since the office had been built to accommodate two, not three, veterinarians. There would be additional office personnel expenses, conflicts in the operating room and use of equipment. Zimmerman had brushed away each one of his worries, stating he was doing less and less in the office.
    "My hands aren't as steady as they use to be. Besides you're performing the majority of my surgeries. In reality there would still only be two doctors. And I hear she's a looker.” Doc had nudged Dolan's arm and winked. “She's intelligent, loves horses and what she does. Hell, boy, she even comes from your ol’ alma mater."
    His mentor continued to inform him Tracy was a graduate of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dolan learned she had earned a full scholarship as he had.
    "Like you, son, she needs a chance to get herself established."
    Damn. Did he have to play that card?
    If it hadn't been for Zimmerman, Dolan didn't know what he would have done after graduation. Of course, he could have gotten an internship with one of the other veterinarians in the city or in a different state. Yet Doc had his foot into some of the most powerful breeders and racers in California. Contacts, networking and opportunities that would have otherwise been elusive were handed to Dolan. Not to mention, he could study with one of the best. But it had been Dolan's knowledge and work ethic that had taken him further.
    Of course, there was another way to look at this situation. If she didn't establish herself in California she would leave. Sounded pretty much like a lose-lose situation. Helluva choice. Either they compete for business or she was