Amy

As I was gearing up to give this guy a piece of my mind for staring at my chest, in walks Creed. The man has a way of commanding a room, even without his title of Deputy. His predatory gaze fell up the offending party, and I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of fear and arousal.

I mean, I know he's married, but damn. That possessive aura he emits makes any woman weak in the knees. And judging by the way the guy in question shrunk away from him, he felt the same way. I have to admit the man has a certain way about him that is hard to fucking resist.

But then he asked me out. My jaw dropped, and my mind raced. Yes, he was sexy and all, but he was a married man! Did he forget that little detail? The audacity of some people, I swear. I couldn't imagine being the other woman adding to the drama of someone else's life. No, thank you, I pass on that kind of mess.

I may be a lot of things, but a homewrecker. I'm not. I value my integrity too much to entertain such foolishness. I have better things to do with my time than be someone's sidepiece. So, to answer his question, no. I will not go out with him. He needs to go sore out his priorities and figure out how to honor his vows.

As he told me about his impending divorce, my brain felt like a game of Jenga, ready to topple at any moment. I couldn't help but imagine all the potential red flags waving in the wind. Was he the kind of guy who jumps from relationship to relationship? Did he have a history of cheating? My mind was spinning like a hamster on a wheel.

And then, he dropped the bombshell: "Let's be friends." My inner skeptic kicked into high gear. Was this just a ploy to keep me on the hook for later? I couldn't help but feel like I was being played. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. Either way, if he thinks he's getting any benefits from this "friendship," he's got another thing coming.

As I turned around, I couldn't help but feel like I was in a scene from a bad horror movie. The silence was so thick I could practically hear my heart pounding. And to make matters worse, everyone who worked in this building was staring at me like a circus freak.

I mean, even the dog wardens were there! What were they doing inside? Shouldn't they be out catching stray dogs or something? It was like the whole world had stopped just to watch me struggle through this awkward encounter. We only needed some popcorn; we could've turned this into a full-fledged movie.

As I saw my Executive Director Marti engrossed in Creed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease settle in the pit of my stomach. It was no secret that our non-profit organization had been eyeing the Marshall wealth for some time now, and Marti's enthusiasm for the show she had just witnessed confirmed my suspicions. In a matter of moments, my fears were realized.

"Mr. Marshall, what a pleasure to see you," Marti purred in her most charming tone. "If you have a moment, I would love to discuss exciting opportunities with you about our organization.

I watched in resignation as Marti moved in for the kill, knowing full well that she was about to extract every penny she could from our unsuspecting donor.

"You've done it now," I muttered under my breath to Creed. "Prepare yourself for the full-court press." "

Creed chuckles and then focuses on my Director. "I have about five minutes. I only stopped by to share my concerns about some cows in a terrible situation with your Humane Officer."

As Marti led Creed to her office, I took a deep breath before facing the people waiting to gossip like old ladies at the hair salon. I knew being the topic of said gossip would be an unpleasant discussion.

"I have no idea why he asked me out," I said calmly, meeting the eyes of each person in the room. "But he is married, and I don't care if he has more money than Hugh Hegner. I am not going out with a married man."

There was a moment of stunned silence before someone spoke up. "But he's such a catch! He could provide for you financially and take care of you."

"Let's get one thing straight. I don't need someone to provide for me financially, and I certainly don't need a man to take care of me," I replied firmly. "I can care for myself and make my way. And besides, I have morals and integrity. I will not compromise them for anyone, no matter how rich or successful they may be."

Even though Creed is without about the hottest man to ask me out, I hesitated to accept his offer. I didn't want to get involved in a messy situation, primarily since people had been known to reconcile before their divorces were finalized.

At that moment, Creed and Marti walked out of the office, they continued to talk, and I hoped their conversation wouldn't affect my job.

"Here, give me your phone," Creed said suddenly, turning towards me.

"Why?" I asked, confused.

"So I can give you my number. You can call me when you go to look at those cows. Besides, 'friends' share numbers, don't they?" Creed explained as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. Somehow I know this is his way of getting my number. I hand over my phone with one thought.

Look at me digging a hole like I'm trying to reach the earth's center! I could invest in a shovel and make it an actual project. Or better yet, I could just keep digging and see how deep I can go. Who needs a social life when you have a giant hole to occupy your time?

So much for not being complicated. I watched Creed enter his contact information and text him from my phone. Then he waved goodbye to everyone and winked in my direction before leaving. I knew I wouldn't stop thinking about this interaction with Creed for the rest of the day.

But my thoughts were interrupted by Marti's warning. "You had better not mess up whatever this is with that man. He just agreed to be on our Board of Directors. So tread lightly. Your time here depends on it." Marti said before walking away.

I felt a lump form in my throat. I never asked for Creed's attention, but now my job was being threatened because of it. I couldn't help but feel frustrated. I wouldn't be in this position if I had never gone out on that emergency call and met Creed.

I sighed and returned to work, trying to focus on my tasks, but my mind kept returning to Creed. I wondered what he was doing and if he was thinking about me too. Then my mind would jump to Marti's threat. The whole situation made me feel uneasy, but at the same time, I couldn't ignore the feelings that were beginning to grow inside of me.

I plan to check on the cows after I'm in the surgery suite tomorrow. We have a highly qualified team of veterinarians who administer crucial examinations and treatments to our animals. Our surgery suite spays and neuters all kittens and puppies before they are adopted. I am the Veterinary Assistant and manage the Surgery team and suite.

The remainder of the day was relatively uneventful, except for a few conversations around Creed and me. On our way home, my mother attempted to discuss the topic again, but I declined to engage in such discourse. It was clear that I had no interest in further discussing the matter.

Early the following day, I am already at the shelter, preparing the surgery room for the animals in desperate need of care. After the surgeries, I carefully monitor each animal's recovery process, ensuring they recuperate correctly. Once satisfied with their progress, I head to the front desk to update the computer system with the details about the animals that underwent spaying and neutering. As I finished the task, I made a quick call to Creed, informing him that I would be arriving at the location of the cows in thirty minutes.

Upon arriving at the address, I quickly noticed Creed's conversion with a man. As I approached, the man turned his attention to me and bellowed, "You don't belong here, little girl. This situation doesn't concern you. Run along."

"I'm here regarding a call about the housing of several cows," I attempted to explain before being cut off.

"People should learn to mind their own business. Do you even know who I am? I am the trustee for this township. I know where you live, and I can make your life a living hell," the man threatened, stepping closer to me with each sentence.

Creed interjected, "Actually, it seems as though I'm the one who needs to mind my own business since I'm the one who called her here. And as for throwing around names, let's put your name and title up against the Marshall mane and see what happens."

He confidently placed a hand on the man's shoulder, preventing him from getting any closer to me.

"And as for making her life hell, I would think twice about that," Creed growls.

"Are you two sleeping together?" The man asks. I knew this would happen because no one thinks a guy and a girl can interact without sex being involved.

"No, we aren't, but it wouldn't matter if we were. I still would let you use your position to harm anyone." Creed spits.

"Sir, if you would simply show me the cows, we can see what solution we need to look into," I say, trying to move along in this situation.

"Unfortunately, there's not much that can be done about the incessant rainfall," he grumbles.

As we approach the barn, I'm met with disheartening sight-the cows are knee-deep in a sloshy mess. My eyes scan the property and eventually settle on a gate at the western end.

I take a deep breath before offering a suggestion. "It's clear that this situation is far from ideal. The excessive mud can lead to serious health issues such as mud fever and thrush. Perhaps taking the food in the western side of the pasture could provide some relief and prevent further complications for the cows."

"Well, I am giving them their food, and they are just cows after all," he says, though his surprise at my knowledge of animals is evident.

"I understand that you're providing them with food, but these cows deserve better than just being dismissed as mere animals," I voice my concern.

Noticing his surprise at my knowledge about the topic, I suggested, "Instead of placing the round bale here, why not move it to that gate? It'll allow this area to dry up and give you a better spot to rotate your cows."

He replies, "But this location is more convenient."

"It may be convenient for you, but is it humane for the cows?" questioned. "Why don't you tell me your preference-either you move the hay or I'll take the initiative to involve a judge. The choice is yours."

I'm hap[y to report that the owner made the right decision to move the hay. Creed and I stayed to ensure that he followed his promise, and I made it clear that I'll check periodically to ensure that the hay is moved regularly to prevent muddy areas.

This was a case I had to work on with a township trustee. The trustee cooperated and eventually moved that hay to provide better conditions for the cows.