"Good afternoon, I'm Dr Forbes - Oh hello there!" She crouched down to pet the grey and white husky puppy that bounced over as soon as she walked in.
Her last patient of the day. Thank god this little pup was curious and playful instead of terrified. It didn't matter how many times it happened, getting bitten hurt!
She looked up at the chuckle from the man seated in the corner of the room and froze, dammit he was hot.
"I'm sorry, I find the reckless abandon and excitement cute. Though I will deny that." He smiled.
God. That accent plus those dimples and the sinful smirk.
Trouble.
He gave The puppy, who had started bouncing again when her hand stilled, an exasperated look.
"He does have manners. Kol, sit!"
The dog whipped his head toward his master and plunked his bottom on the ground so fast she almost missed it.
The man tossed the pup a piece of kibble. "Good boy."
She watched with a small smile as Kol easily caught the treat and his tail wagged across her floor, obviously there was a very strong bond in the two already.
"My name is Klaus, this is Kol," He gestured to the pup, "We're here for his shots."
She looked between the man and pup and took a breath, pasting on her perfect pageant smile.
"Right. Okay so I'll need him on the table please."
He patted the table and looked at the dog, "Kol Up."
She watched as the puppy adopted a determined look, took a step back, and leaped onto the examination table. He sat and leaned into Klaus as he rubbed the pup's neck, looking very pleased with himself.
She gave herself a mental shake as she drew up the vaccinations.
Pull yourself together Caroline. it's just a hot guy with an adorable dog, No need to get flustered.
"Okay. So I give the injections right in the back of his neck here," she pinched the excess skin on Kol's neck, "you don't need to hold him, but if you could try to keep him calm that would be great."
Klaus met her eyes with a small smile. He nodded and began petting Kol in slow strokes, speaking to him in low, soothing tones.
Kol yelped as she injected the first needle, trying to pull away from her grip.
"It's okay. Stay nice and still for the pretty doctor and when we're done we'll get you new ball okay?"
She tried really hard to ignore his comment, though she felt a blush creep up her neck.
After that, Kol stayed perfectly still, except for wagging his tail, which only paused when she inserted the second needle.
"Alrighty," She dropped the needles in the sharps container and ruffled the fur on Kol's head, "we're all done! Aaannnd, since you were such a good boy..."
She pulled a green rubber ball from the cupboard under the examination table and gave it a small toss, so Kol could catch it out of the air. He did so easily before looking to Klaus, who gave a nod, and jumping off the table.
"Thank you, for seeing us so late this evening, I do appreciate it." Klaus clipped a leash to Kol's collar "and for the ball, saves me a trip on the way home."
Caroline smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I have a whole bucket under there, dogs don't really respond to stickers like kids do."
They both laughed and Caroline tried really hard not to be too flirty about it, sort of.
"Yes, well we won't keep you from your evening any longer Dr. Forbes. Though, and I hope I'm not being to forward, but I think we'd both enjoy your company in a less...professional capacity. I'm planning to take Kol to the dog park off Main Street tomorrow around noon if you would like to join us."
Klaus smiled and slipped through the door. Caroline leaned against it when it closed.
She wondered if she should bring Kol another ball.