4

“Follow me.” Paulson turned, leading the way to one of the doors, revealing an exam room larger than the reception area. He patted a metal table in the center of the room and went to pull on some rubber gloves as Gage carefully placed Matty on the table. Paulson’s tone was low, soothing as he petted the dog, then began his cursory exam. “Definitely needs to be fattened up, but I suspect that’s not your biggest concern.”

Gage jutted his chin at the dog. “He can’t walk right.”

“And you have much better vocabulary. Proper sentences please, Mr. Tackett.” The hint of a smile played at Paulson’s lips. He gently checked Matty’s paws, his brow furrowing when he reached the right hind leg. “She’s got frostbite on all her pads, but there’s serious tissue damage on this one. I may have to remove some of it. We’ll start her on antibiotics and see if we can get the infection down. I’ll run a battery of blood tests and give her some painkillers.” He left Gage standing with Matty and started collecting supplies on a metal rolling tray. “You’ll be able to take her home tonight, but make sure she doesn’t aggravate the wounds.”

“She…” Gage’s cheeks heated at Paulson’s amused look. Then continued before the professor could comment on his not checking the sex of the dog. “I can’t take her to my place—no animals allowed.”

Lips in a hard line, Paulson put his hand on Matty’s back in a way that Gage could only define as protective. “So you intended to just leave her with whatever vet you found?”

“Of course not. But I can’t keep her.” The patronizing stare was gonna get the asshole punched, but Matty still needed treatment—which would be difficult for Paulson to administer with two black eyes. So Gage forced himself to calm down. “I planned to find Matty a good home.”

“You clearly don’t see that as your responsibility any longer.”

“I didn’t fucking say that!” Gage strode away from the table, returning quickly at Matty’s sharp cry. He put a comforting hand between her shoulders to hold her down as she tried to stand. “Shh, baby. It’s all right.” He was going about this all wrong. He sighed, focusing on Matty as he spoke to the professor. “Can you take her home with you? Just until she’s well and I can get someone to adopt her?”

Brow furrowed, Paulson shook his head. “Between my hours at the clinic and teaching, I don’t have time to—”

“I’ll watch her when you’re busy.”

This time, Paulson’s brow lifted. He let out a soft laugh. “Are you inviting yourself to my house, Mr. Tackett?”

“I’m taking responsibility for my dog.”

“She’s not your dog, remember?” Paulson prepared a syringe. “Very well. When we are done here, I will keep her overnight. I will give you directions, and you will arrive at my door no later than seven a.m. Are we clear?”

“Yes, sir.” Fuck, I hate this guy. But Gage reeled in his animosity and spent the next hour comforting Matty, relaxing even more as she stopped whimpering and jerking every time Paulson came near her. She didn’t even budge when Paulson shaved some of the fur on her leg to reveal an infected cut that had to be cleaned and bandaged. Brave girl.

Took a while, but the hatred faded back to the initial grudging respect Gage had held for the professor. He chanced a smile once Paulson had Matty loaded in a large travel crate with a few blankets. Held out his hand.

The professor glanced at his hand, and then jutted his chin toward the front door. “I have to lock up. I will see you in the morning. Don’t be late.”

Cheeks heating with embarrassment, Gage nodded. “Yes, sir. And thank you.”

Alone in his car, Gage let out a curse under his breath. He’d been right about Paulson.

The man was a complete asshole.