The group cleared the doors and made a beeline to the grooming center.

Three small reception desks were set up, and the three people ahead of Josie were immediately registered for their freebies. She had to wait patiently. When it was her turn, a young blond girl waved her and Genghis over, then promptly left her station. Josie was pissed! If that girl didnt hurry up and get back, numbers five through eleven would get the coveted spots, and she hadnt been waiting outside for thirteen hours for nothing!

The skinhead was being served ahead of Josie. Same for the guy who was behind him!

In her mind she began to compose a letter to the Celestial Pet corporate offices. /The slipshod organization of your grand opening robbed me of my hard-earned years worth of free dog groomings…/ Looks like we have a winner. May I get your name?

The blond girl had been replaced by… /him./ The cheap blue vest looked ridiculous on the man. He was well over six feet, solidly built.

Somewhere in his mid-thirties. Sandy brown hair cut in short waves. Eyes so green and luminous it was like staring up into an enchanted forest.

His smile was deadlywhite teeth and full lips that promised a kiss of cosmic magnitude. If it werent for the elaborate tattoo peeking out of the left side of his shirt collar, the guy could have been a male model.

Or the man on her list.

Josie cursed herself for looking like a shopping cart lady on what was obviously going to be one of the biggest days of her life. Then the most extraordinary thing happened.

Josie couldnt move. She couldnt speak. All she could do was stare at him. And a strange, heated energy began flowing through her body, looping to the gorgeous dog groomer and back to her, gaining power with each pass. She felt as if she were on fire inside, a liquid molten fire that left her tingling everywhere.