Shelter Me: The Baxter Boys, #1

By Mindy McKinley

Photographing pets may be the way into her heart….but this veterinarian-in-training is determined not to let a man derail her life.

Studying to be a veterinarian, vet tech Jenna Howard has little time for anything other than school and her work at Chicago Pet Rescue shelter. With no support to fall back on and a mother who is determined to pull her down, Jenna can't afford to step out of line. Even a night of promised adventure from the hottest bachelor in town isn't enough to pull her out of her routine.

 

Newly famous photographer Luke Baxter finds himself enjoying his role as the most eligible bachelor in Chicago. But when he wanders into Chicago Pet Rescue to shoot a fund-raising calendar, and meets the adorably feisty Jenna Howard, everything changes. He's gotten so used to 'yes' that Jenna's 'no' takes him by surprise. Suddenly she's all he can think about. She's gorgeous, smart, impossibly difficult to read, and he'll do almost anything—even adopt a puppy—to make her realize that taking a chance on him doesn't have to mean giving up on her dreams.

 

Can he convince her that life isn't worth living without a little fun?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inkspell Publishing
• Release date: May 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781953335340

Book preview

Chapter 1

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Jenna

"Jenna, the place looks amazing," Kay gushed, spinning around the front lobby of the Chicago Pet Rescue Clinic like Maria in The Sound of Music. It was an amusing picture. Kay was nearing sixty, with an ample figure, red hair, and a matching lime green outfit that looked straight out of a box of highlighters.

Jenna laughed as she swiped at the blue mystery stain on the counter that had bothered her for ages. Well, it’s not completely perfect, she muttered, giving her blue nemesis one more swipe before dropping the towel.

Oh, stop. Kay took her by the shoulders. Luke is not going to photograph the counter, honey. He’ll set up a backdrop and photograph the animals in front of that. You’ve done enough, I promise.

She’s right, Dr. Campbell added, coming from the back room. He then turned to address Kay. I keep telling her to knock it off, but she won’t listen.

Kay laughed. Has she ever?

Not once, he answered with a grin.

You both know I’m right here, right? Jenna attempted to discreetly drop the cloth she had picked up again, but they both raised an eyebrow at her. She couldn’t help it. This calendar shoot could mean serious money for the shelter, and she wasn’t going to let a little blue spot ruin it.

Dr. Campbell scooted behind the counter and drew Jenna into an awkward side-hug. I know, and I’m so thankful. I couldn’t run this place without you.

Jenna smiled at him. He was being sweet. He could absolutely run the place on his own, and based on the record books she had seen a few days ago, probably should. The shelter had always been shy of money, but Dr. Campbell was virtually working for free while paying Jenna far more than he could afford for a tech.

More importantly—he stepped away and performed a slow spin—"how do I look? Mr. Baxter said he wanted a headshot for the calendar."

Like a million bucks, Kay assured him. Jenna agreed out loud, even though the Dr. Campbell embroidered on the chest of his lab coat was threadbare and he wore the same khakis and orthopedic shoes he sported every day. His gray hair was parted and neatly combed, and his wire glasses framed the kind blue eyes that had helped guide Jenna through life for the last two years. He was the father figure she’d never had, and she would do just about anything for him.

Kay checked her wristwatch. I really don’t know what’s keeping Luke. He’s usually not this late.

Late night out, maybe? Dr. Campbell suggested. I hear he’s quite the bachelor.

Jenna couldn’t help but roll her eyes. She’d heard a little about Luke Baxter in the last few weeks, ever since Kay had brought up this whole calendar scheme. Kay was a frequent client thanks to her cat Fiona’s insatiable appetite for string. She also happened to be Luke Baxter’s assistant, who, apparently, was a world-renowned photographer. And if all the whispers were true, the ultimate bachelor. The only reason Jenna was okay with any of this was that he was doing the shoot for free.

Oh, pish, he’s really just a teddy bear. Kay dismissed the notion with her hand. He might be king of the nightlife on the outside, but I know the truth, he’s a softie. And besides that, he never lets that interrupt his work. She frowned. I’ll give him a quick call.

Jenna tried to busy herself while Kay waited patiently for her boss to pick up the phone, but listened anyway. Helloooo, Kay sang out in her usual over-cheery voice when he answered. Are you close? She waited for a moment. Okay, dear, see you in five minutes.

After Kay hung up her phone, she looked at Dr. Campbell and Jenna. He’s almost here, just got a little turned around on Milwaukee Avenue.

Well, that explains it, Doc said good-naturedly. Everyone does.

Jenna rather thought a world-renowned photographer would know how to work the map app on his phone well enough to find a shelter in the town he lives in, but she kept it to herself.

Ope, I think that’s his car, Kay announced as a very expensive black car rolled slowly by the shelter a few minutes later.

Might have to hike a bit, Doc mentioned, it was hard parking anywhere on the street in Jefferson Park this time of day.

He’ll survive. The man has muscles out to here. Kay held her hands out wide to indicate his size.

Oh, good, Jenna thought sarcastically, talent, money, and muscles. He was bound to be an insufferable douche.

Oh, like mine, Doctor Campbell joked, flexing his bicep, making Jenna snort and Kay giggle.

Their laughter was interrupted by the sharp jangle of the ancient bell above the door, causing Jenna to pull her eyes away from Doc, only to promptly lose every thought she’d ever had.

Walking through the door was the most beautiful man she’d ever laid eyes on. He had everything she’d ever lusted after—black eyes, dark tousled hair, and a smile that crinkled the corner of his eyes in a way that reduced her to jelly. Add a tight, fitted, gray T-shirt to those muscles Kay had mentioned, and her naughty bits had come alive with a vengeance.

Hey, everyone, he greeted them affably. Several camera bags hung from his broad shoulders. Sorry to keep you waiting. He passed the bags off to Kay one by one. They seemed to weigh nothing to him, but each one made Kay grimace. I just had a little trouble on Milwaukee.

Nothing to be sorry for, Dr. Campbell assured him. Happens to the best of us.

Kay swooped in for the introductions in a rush of color and sound that made Jenna dizzy. Luke, this is Dr. Campbell; Chicago Pet Rescue is his baby.

Luke shook the hand Doc offered.

Thank you for being here, Doc told him. We are so excited to have you.

I’m happy to be here. Luke gave him a smile that was both open and genuine.

"And this, Kay announced dramatically, presenting Jenna like a model at a car show, is Jenna Howard, Dr. Campbell’s vet tech."

Jenna could feel Luke’s eyes burn a path across her skin, down her body, and the devilish smile he gave her after his languid appraisal made her toes curl. She had to remind herself to breathe when her fingers twitched to pull his T-shirt off. Jesus, Jenna, she scolded herself and managed to smile. Hi, it’s nice to meet you.

You too, Luke drawled, holding out his hand for her to shake.

She stared at it for a moment. It was sinfully large, and his smile promised he’d put them wherever she wanted.

Oh God.

With a deep breath, she grabbed his hand and sighed as he wrapped those long, warm fingers of his around hers. He held it for a moment as if to say, I know you want me to fuck you, and you know I’ll do it right.

When he finally let go of her hand, she was out of breath. In the span of three seconds, she had fifteen independent erotic fantasies.

Luckily, Kay had started setting up the equipment, which created enough commotion to pull Luke’s attention away. She let out the breath she’d been holding, shook her head, and retreated to the safety of the kennels.

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Luke

Luke had an exceedingly hard time concentrating on equipment set-up after meeting Jenna Howard. She was a vision in purple scrubs with long dark hair pulled into a messy ponytail, the most delicious mouth he’d ever seen, a light dusting of freckles, and gorgeous golden-brown eyes.

The excitement that zipped through his body, all the way to his groin, when their hands touched, rendered him speechless. Jesus, the thought of being inside of her was almost enough to knock him over.

Fortunately, Kay was there to keep him in line, as she always was, and if he was honest, it was probably the hardest part of her job. It was her unfaltering sense of direction that kept everything together and, before long, they had the backdrop and lighting rig ready to go.

All right, Luke said after he finished testing his flashes. I think we’re ready to get started. Did you have particular animals you wanted me to photograph?

I thought we’d let you choose, Dr. Campbell told him. Since you’re the professional.

Fair enough. Luke looked directly at Jenna, who had just come back into the front lobby. Want to show me the potential models?

Her eyes flared for a moment and a delightful pink mixed with the freckles on her cheeks. Sure, they’re all back here. Follow me. She turned and walked toward the kennels without waiting for him.

Luke took a moment to appreciate her swinging ponytail and perfect backside before following suit. There were so many things he wanted to do to her, most of which involved her perky ass in some way.

Jenna cleared her throat sharply, drawing his attention from the triple X-rated scene he’d been enjoying in his mind to one of the kennels.

He hadn’t even known they had stopped moving. Sorry, he said at her frown. Lost in thought.

She eyed him as if she knew better but chose not to engage. This little lady is Snowball. She opened the door to a pure white three-legged Pomeranian. Her face absolutely lit up as she greeted the pup. What she lacks in legs, she makes up for in personality.

Jenna’s smile was contagious. Well, we’ll definitely want her in the calendar. Luke reached out to scratch the pup’s head. She’s perfect. Show me the others.

Nodding, Jenna closed Snowball’s caged and walked along the wall of kennels, introducing him to the animals as if they were humans and giggling when they licked her fingers. Luke wished he’d had his camera to capture the pure joy of the moment. Even without it, he knew it would stay with him.

Once the models were carefully selected, he returned to the front to do one last light check.

All ready? asked Kay with her ever-present legal pad. She took notes of everything while Luke worked, and though it had irritated him in the beginning, it had turned out to be a lifesaver more than once.

I believe so. Luke tweaked the lighting one more time.

Who are we starting with? Dr. Campbell leaned against the front counter, watching everything with interest.

Snowball, Luke answered as Jenna appeared with the little pup in her arms.

Ah, good, she’s perfect. Doc nodded approvingly.

Luke watched as Jenna placed Snowball on the small table they had positioned in front of the backdrop, when he was struck again by the sinfulness of her mouth. The things he wanted to do with it ... the things he wanted her to want to do with it ...

He shook his head to clear it. He needed to be professional so, with a deep breath, he pushed her out of his mind and set to work.

In what seemed like no time, they had photographed several animals, ending with a black, geriatric cat named Doozer that Kay went bonkers for. She’d held onto the poor thing as if he were a ragdoll—Luke wished he’d have snapped a picture of the cat’s distaste.

In all, it took about four hours to get the work done. Luke loved it. He loved that his success had afforded him the opportunity to do charity work whenever he wanted to. It was what really mattered, not the over-dramatic, glossy photos he did for magazines, but the photos that could change lives and help save animals.

Plus, having Jenna Howard near him all afternoon was turning out to be a delightful bonus.

After the shoot wrapped and the equipment was packed up, Luke went to find her in the kennels again.

Hey. He leaned against the doorframe so as not to crowd her. I just wanted to thank you for all your help before I leave. And maybe see if I can’t get under those scrubs.

Oh, Jenna answered awkwardly, twisting her fingers together. She was half-facing him, as if she was afraid to take the full-frontal assault of his charms. "You’re welcome. Thank you for doing this; it’s such a big deal to us."

He grinned. It’s really my pleasure. He eased off the doorframe, crossing his arms in a way that highlighted his biceps. Besides, he went on, I think Kay might have killed me in my sleep had I said no.

Jenna let out a laugh that hit him in the gut. Kay is an amazing woman, she agreed, pulling nervously at her ponytail. But I wouldn’t cross her.

Luke chuckled. So I’ve learned. Anyway, I’ll have the proofs edited and back to you within two weeks, and then we can work together to decide details, layout, and such. Kay has offered to do all the actual calendar work. She’s great with that stuff.

That’s great. Jenna finally turned toward him. Her face was full of genuine gratitude that pulled at his stomach. Really, I can’t thank you enough.

Luke’s grin turned dangerous. Well ... He lowered his voice to a pitch that made Jenna’s eyes flare. "You could thank me properly by letting me take you out for a drink tonight."

Jenna froze, reddened fully, and right when he thought she was going to say yes, she laughed in his face. So loudly it echoed around the kennels.

Luke stiffened for a moment at the sound. Women didn’t normally turn him down, and they certainly didn’t laugh at him. Surprisingly, however, he found he liked it. So much that his cock was waking up.

I’m so sorry, Jenna gushed, slapping her hand over her mouth. "I don’t mean to be rude. I just have zero time. She started talking as fast as she could, as if to cover her embarrassment. I’m still in school, I’ve got homework every night for hours, and when I’m not doing that, I’m here." She threw her arms out as if to indicate she had no choice but to say no.

He watched her as she talked, amused by her panic, and burning with the need to conquer her.

I’m sure you understand, Jenna went on when Luke still hadn’t answered. I’m sure you’re busy with your photography and your business ...

Of course. Luke finally gained full control over himself. I can appreciate that, he added. It’s hard to find time to enjoy yourself.

Jenna pursed her lips as if she wasn’t sure whether she agreed with the last part but thought better about arguing. But thank you for asking, she offered, her voice going up at the end like a question. And thanks again for doing this.

You bet. Luke gave her a wink. Look out for those proofs, and I’ll be in touch.

I will.

Have a good evening, he told her.

You too.

And with that, Luke turned and walked out of the kennel, flush with new purpose. Women didn’t normally challenge him. At least, it had been a very long time since. He was buzzing with anticipation.

All done? Kay asked him when he got back to the front. She had been chatting with Dr. Campbell.

All done, Luke told her. As usual, I couldn’t have done it without you.

Well now, of course you couldn’t, she answered, making him laugh.

Thank you so much for doing this. Dr. Campbell reached out to shake his hand. It means so much.

You are very welcome. Thank Kay here; she really championed this place for you.

As usual, Kay, Dr. Campbell told her. You are a doll.

It was my pleasure. Now, come on, we’ve been in the way far too long as it is. She started shooing Luke toward the door.

He loaded his shoulders with equipment, said his farewells, and made his way to his car with Kay in tow. She was helping by carrying one bag and bubbling about this and that and how wonderful Dr. Campbell and Jenna were and how cute Doozer was.

All he could think about was Jenna’s mouth ... about how he was going to find a way to taste it.

Luke, Kay said loudly, stopping their walk.

What? He hadn’t been listening to her for at least two blocks.

Did you hear me? Kay was flushed and irritated with him.

Sorry. Luke flashed her a sheepish grin that never worked on her. I was preoccupied.

You have the attention span of a flea, I swear, she huffed past him.

Kay, Luke called and ran after her. "I’m sorry.