Kissing the Billionaire's Sister (Blue

Ridge Mountain Billionaires Book 4)

Elizabeth Lynx
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 Kissing the Billionaire's Sister

Copyright © 2022 by Elizabeth Lynx

All rights reserved.
No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the
publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
 Kissing the Billionaire's Sister

Copyright © 2022 by Elizabeth Lynx

All rights reserved.
No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the
publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
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 Get Your Free Book

When you sign up for my newsletter, I will gift you a FREE copy of Ruining The Billionaire's
Wedding. Read all about Rock and Laura in this hilarious and sexy romantic comedy prequel to the
Blue Ridge Mountain Billionaires series.
 Contents

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8

Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20
Chapter 21

Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Blue Ridge Mountain Billionaires Series Order
Follow Elizabeth Lynx
Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20
Chapter 21

Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Blue Ridge Mountain Billionaires Series Order
Follow Elizabeth Lynx
 Chapter 1

enner
J If there was one thing I was good at, it was keeping secrets. Hell, I got paid well to keep my
big mouth shut.
I was a lawyer, and I was good at my job.
But there was one secret I had kept for almost ten years. It had nothing and everything to do with
me being able to keep paying my bills.
And if that one secret—let’s call it Phil—ever got out, I’d be fucked.
I kept Phil well-hidden. Just a tiny scrap of paper no one would ever see.
“Guess who’s staying at The Blue Spot?” Hamish leaned back in the small wooden chair as he
lifted the paper cup filled with coffee to his lips.
Hamish Blackwell was a big client of mine. And by big, I meant he was a billionaire. If a
billionaire called me, I knew to drop everything and do what he asked.
Hamish wanted to meet at the Hard Grind, a coffee shop in the small mountain town of Castle
Ridge. It was quaint, with everything wood and brown, and the coffee-scented aroma filled the air.
I stared into his gray eyes that seemed to dance with amusement. If there was one thing I knew
about Hamish, it was that he made mistakes—lots of mistakes—but he could afford to. And when he
got that sparkle in his gaze, I knew I had a lot of work to do. Because at the end of whatever job he
threw my way, I’d be paid handsomely. But that didn’t stop my shoulders from tensing, my heart from
quickening its pace, and that ulcer in my stomach to increase in size.
Despite all that, Hamish was my friend, and I’d come even if it didn’t involve a job.
“Please don’t tell me Dick escaped and showed back up at The Blue Spot.”
Dick was Hamish’s asshole cousin. I made sure Dick paid for his dickish behavior to Hamish a
 few months ago.
Hamish shook his head. “No, not him. Eric. Eric Hudson.” His brow rose as if it was the juiciest
secret in the world.
“I know. He’s my friend. He’s on his honeymoon.” I lifted my paper cup and sipped the piping-hot
coffee.
Hamish’s brow rose. “I thought he married years ago?”
“No. He got divorced last year. It was all over the internet. Remember, she caught him with the
nanny.”
“Nanny? Wait. He has a kid?”
I snorted. “No. It was his ex-wife’s sister’s nanny.”
“What number?” Hamish asked.
“Number?”
my
“Marriage. It’s his third, right?”
“No, fifth.”
Hamish made a face that I understood immediately.
th
Eric was born into a very poor family, and his father became rich by being a ruthless jerk. I hated
to speak ill of the dead, but, yeah, that guy sucked the big one. My dad worked for his dad, and that
was where my family’s problems began.
From what Eric told me, he was just as terrible to him and his sister as he was to every human
he
being he ever met. Eric could never be a kid; his father forced him to work for him instead of
attending school.
a
It surprised me that his father was never arrested, just on his kid’s truancy alone. My guess was he
paid many a cop off to look past Eric’s lack of school attendance.
le
Once Eric became an adult, he decided it was time to act out and be the kid he never was. He was
a nice guy and the most loyal friend I ever had, but the guy was one big man-child. And when it came
w
to finance, he was very much a child. Luckily, his father left him with lots and lots of money.
he
“How old is he?”
he
“Twenty-nine.”
m
Hamish shook his head and sighed. “What does his sister think of all this?”
My eyes widened, like they always did whenever Lola Hudson was discussed. I sucked in a breath
and turned my head. “I do not know. No one’s heard from her for the past year.”

a
 Hamish sat up, causing the chair to scrape against the hardwood floor. “That’s right. His brother
estwas trying to arrange her marriage to that oil tycoon’s son, uh... Jackson; no, that’s not right. Jacob—”
“Julius Harold Lexcore the Third.”
ot Hamish threw his head back and laughed, but I did not join.
After some wheezing, he sat up. “Oh my god, I remember that guy. He was like a super creepy
version of Dick, if that’s even possible. No wonder she ran.”
he Good. There should be a law where it was illegal to marry or come within one hundred miles of
Julius Harold Lexcore the Third.
“Yeah.”
Hamish’s laughter faded as he stared at me. “You’re not laughing, Jenner.”
I shrugged. “Just not in the mood today. Didn’t get a good night’s sleep,” I lied.
Sighing, Hamish leaned forward, resting his elbows on the small square table, causing it to
wobble. “I remember Lola; she was incredibly sweet. I kept thinking, how could someone with a
father like hers end up so kind?”
Something in my heart cracked.
ed “Yup, nice.” I nodded but kept my gaze focused on the large window that overlooked Fitzlee Street
hatas the people clutched their coats against the bitter cold and falling snow.
“What aren’t you telling me?”
an Surprised, I blinked and turned my gaze back to Hamish. “Huh?”
of My heart thumped loudly in my chest. He didn’t know; no one knew my secret. That wasn’t true.
There was only one other person who knew, and she had more to lose than I did if it got out, so there
hewas no reason for her to ever breathe a word of it.
“You’re usually the one with all the gossip. Telling me everything you know about someone in the
aslatest scandal. What’s going on in their life; if they’re a jerk, etc. But I mention Lola, and it’s a ‘yup,
mekind,’ and that’s it. What aren’t you telling me?”
Hamish may have made many poor decisions in life, but unfortunately for me at the moment, he was
no dummy.
I slapped on the most awkward smile I could muster and shook my head while I told the biggest lie
of all. “There’s nothing to tell. Sure, she’s pretty and kind, like you said, but she’s just one of those
thpeople who never really made an impression on me. Like, if she was in the room, I wouldn’t even
notice her.”
 er Hamish focused on me for quite a while, and I felt the suffocating heat from his stare, but I refused
—” to let him see me wipe the sweat from my brow.
“I never said she was pretty.”
Fuck.
py “Really? I must have misheard you,” I lied again.
Ugh, that wasn’t like me. Sure, as a lawyer, I twisted things to make my clients appear to be
ofupstanding pillars of the community, but I never flat-out lied.
I knew what lies did—they destroyed lives. I had witnessed it too often with my clients and their
spouses, their jobs, or their personal lives in general.
It was all the talk of Lola. There were things about her that drew you in, like a magician about to
put you in a trance. It was exciting. She was exciting. But then, once you woke up from the spell,
toyou’d be left with a cold emptiness that made you regret ever meeting the magician to begin with.
a Lola was beautiful, but it was her sweetness that was the true spell. When she disappeared, I
thought it was the worst thing to happen in my life. But now I realized she did me a favor by
performing her vanishing act—it was the only way to get me to wake up from her spell.
et Hamish sighed. “Look, I will not pry into whatever happened between you and Lola. But if
something happened, you better hope her brother Eric never finds out. He may be a hot mess, but he’s
a scary hot mess.”
I swallowed. Hamish was right.
ue. “Then let’s move on to the reason I’m here, since I’m sure you don’t want to know what might make
reEric’s hot mess turn in your direction.”
Hamish winced.
he Now it was my turn to lean forward and glare at him. “What are you avoiding telling me?”
p, He cleared his throat. “The thing is... Eric is here.”
My eyes widened, and I nervously scanned the coffee shop. Just the usual morning rush with people
asstanding in line to order at the dark wooden counter with a happy-looking brunette taking their orders.
No large, menacing billionaire lurking about.
ie “I don’t see him.” The muscles in my shoulders relaxed, but it took a little longer for my heart to
sereturn to normal.
en “He’s not on his honeymoon, Jenner. He’s at The Blue Spot.”
“But that’s what he texted me last week. He was going to the Galapagos with his new wife, who
studies birds or something. Anyway, did he get back early?”
ed Yes, Eric was a friend and a client, but he was one of those friends you enjoyed having on your
side during tough times. He grew up rough because of what his dad did to him, and that was how he
learned to deal with problems.
We grew close because I could relate to having a crappy father, though mine never hit me. He
wasn’t the type of friend you hung out with on Saturday nights, drinking at a bar. Because it would
bealways end badly. I even took him to lunch once, and he wound up punching the server.
“He didn’t mention any of that, so I don’t know. But what I do know is he wants to fix up Hudson
eirEstate, the one near here, and turn it into some luxury bed-and-breakfast. He talked to me about it to
see if I wanted to invest... not that he needs the money, but you know Eric.”
to I nodded. “Yeah, always worried about losing money. It’s like, no matter how much he has, he
ll,thinks the next project he works on will wipe it all away.”
“That’s why I’m here.”
I I shook my head. “I still don’t understand. I’m not the type of lawyer he would require to turn his
byresidence into a commercial property.”
Hamish gnashed his teeth and mumbled something I couldn’t understand.
if “What was that?”
’s “I can’t believe Eric tricked me into asking you to do this.” Hamish rubbed the back of his neck.
“The whole Hudson family seems to be silver-tongued,” I mumbled.
Hamish’s brows rose. “What? No, never mind. It doesn’t matter. The thing is, that property wasn’t
keleft to him in his dad’s will... It was left to Lola.”
“Okay,” I said slowly. “But how does that involve me?”
“No one can find Lola. I told Eric to get her claimed as legally dead, but he said—”
“No.” I sat up in my chair and spoke loud enough for all eyes in the café to turn to me.
Hamish pointed at me. “That’s exactly how Eric reacted. But how can he turn the property into a
lebed-and-breakfast if he can’t get the owner to sign off on it?”
rs. I suddenly understood what Eric asked Hamish to do. I reached in my jacket pocket and nervously
ran my fingers over my good luck charm—my mom’s wedding ring.
to “He wants me to find a way for him to legally turn the property into a bed-and-breakfast.” I took a
breath and was lifting the coffee to my lips as I continued, “I hate to say it, but there’s really no way
to—”
ho “He wants you to track down Lola.”
 Yes, Eric was a friend and a client, but he was one of those friends you enjoyed having on your
side during tough times. He grew up rough because of what his dad did to him, and that was how he
learned to deal with problems.
We grew close because I could relate to having a crappy father, though mine never hit me. He
wasn’t the type of friend you hung out with on Saturday nights, drinking at a bar. Because it would
always end badly. I even took him to lunch once, and he wound up punching the server.
“He didn’t mention any of that, so I don’t know. But what I do know is he wants to fix up Hudson
Estate, the one near here, and turn it into some luxury bed-and-breakfast. He talked to me about it to
see if I wanted to invest... not that he needs the money, but you know Eric.”
I nodded. “Yeah, always worried about losing money. It’s like, no matter how much he has, he
thinks the next project he works on will wipe it all away.”
“That’s why I’m here.”
I shook my head. “I still don’t understand. I’m not the type of lawyer he would require to turn his
residence into a commercial property.”
Hamish gnashed his teeth and mumbled something I couldn’t understand.
“What was that?”
“I can’t believe Eric tricked me into asking you to do this.” Hamish rubbed the back of his neck.
“The whole Hudson family seems to be silver-tongued,” I mumbled.
Hamish’s brows rose. “What? No, never mind. It doesn’t matter. The thing is, that property wasn’t
left to him in his dad’s will... It was left to Lola.”
“Okay,” I said slowly. “But how does that involve me?”
“No one can find Lola. I told Eric to get her claimed as legally dead, but he said—”
“No.” I sat up in my chair and spoke loud enough for all eyes in the café to turn to me.
Hamish pointed at me. “That’s exactly how Eric reacted. But how can he turn the property into a
bed-and-breakfast if he can’t get the owner to sign off on it?”
I suddenly understood what Eric asked Hamish to do. I reached in my jacket pocket and nervously
ran my fingers over my good luck charm—my mom’s wedding ring.
“He wants me to find a way for him to legally turn the property into a bed-and-breakfast.” I took a
breath and was lifting the coffee to my lips as I continued, “I hate to say it, but there’s really no way
to—”
“He wants you to track down Lola.”
 Chapter 2

ola
L “Are you sure you’ve done this before?” I asked my neighbor Lydia.
She lifted the fake, miniscule plastic glasses to her eyes and puffed out her cheeks.
“Did you hear me, Lydia?”
“Excuse me, Jenni, but your mom is asking me a question I’ve already answered ten times in the
last twenty minutes. But she’s nervous, having never had a job in her life, and realizing she now has to
leave you for the first time.” Lydia put the glasses back on the potato-shaped toy and stood, pulling
back her red hair that had fallen in her face.
“I’m sorry. I know I’m being a nuisance, but you’re right. It’s nerves.” I twisted the bangle on my
wrist, not knowing what to do with my hands.
Lydia opened her arms. “Come here. It’s hug time.”
I let her pull me into an embrace, and it worked—I felt all my worry melt away. Damn, she was a
miracle worker.
I moved into this home two years ago, which was the only one on the block that was a rental. It was
also the smallest house in the neighborhood. All the floors were covered in a cream-colored
carpeting, and most of the furniture was secondhand, as I couldn’t afford new anymore.
I only met Lydia six months ago. When I moved here, it was her grandmother who lived next door,
but she passed away last year, and Lydia moved in. She’s been my very first girlfriend. I never was
allowed to interact with anyone but my brother and occasionally his friend. Lydia was the first female
in my life I could open up to or hang out with on a Saturday night.
She had other friends I had met, and one was even dating a hockey player. But since her
grandmother grew sick and passed, I think hanging out with someone who knew her grandma helped
 her. I liked that I could be there for her, and she could be there for me.
“Thanks. I needed that.” My eyes grew wide. “What if they fire me? It’s only my first day.” I gazed
down at the love of my life, Jenni, and my heart pounded wildly in my chest.
“I doubt that’s going to happen. I watched you work your butt off to get your GED. There’s no one I
know who works harder than you. They would be crazy to fire you.”
I had never had to worry about money or where to live—things were just provided for me. My
brother told me how that wasn’t always the case. My dad worked a lot, especially after Mom died
when I was only a year old. It was all he did; so much so that he became a millionaire. But even then,
he didn’t stop or slow down. He worked even harder until he was a billionaire.
My brother Eric was my hero. Dad wasn’t around much, and I didn’t grow up with friends, as I
wasn’t allowed to go to school. The various babysitters and nannies I had were usually fired shortly
after they started—not because they weren’t good at watching my brother and me, but because once
they mentioned to my dad that we needed to go to school, he let them go.
My dad hated the idea of anyone else telling us what to think. We had the occasional tutor to learn
basic math and reading, but that was it.
he
It was bad, but my brother had it the worst. He took the brunt of my father’s anger to protect me
to
from it, which was why he was my hero. I always did whatever Eric told me; he acted more like my
ng
father than my actual dad.
But when he told me to marry someone I didn’t love, I said no to him for the first time. Then I ran
my
as far away as I could. I grabbed enough money to last me two years, thinking I’d easily get a job, but
without even a high school diploma, no one wanted me.
Then I gave birth to little Jenni, who was the reason I stayed hidden. I knew my brother, and I loved
a
him, but in some ways, he was like my father. He could get angry too. And I feared how he would
react to Jenni. I focused on earning my GED so I could get a job, as the money I had taken with me
as
was almost out.
ed
I sniffed the air. “Jenni, did you go poo-poo in your diaper?”
Jenni covered her mouth and giggled.
or,
I groaned. “I’ve been thinking about potty training her. You think it’s too early, since she’s only
as
one?”
le
“I don’t know much about kids, but she just started walking last month, so maybe it’s a little early.”
I bent over to pick her up when Lydia stopped me. “Let me. Since I promised to watch her while
er
you’re at work, I can begin my babysitting gig now.” She winked and pulled Jenni into her arms as if
ed
 she weighed nothing.
ed I didn’t stop her, as my back was thankful for the break.
As Lydia and Jenni headed off to her room, I marched over to the list I made for Lydia, which I left
e Ion the kitchen counter. Nibbling on my thumbnail, I reexamined the items I had jotted down when
someone from long ago popped into my head. My breath caught in surprise.
My Jenner Cartwright.
ed He was the last person who put a smile on my face until I had Jenni. That time in between Jenner
n,and Jenni was some of the worst moments of my life, and I had never felt so alone.
I shook my head, pushing back my shoulders. I had no one to blame for my empty life but me. I was
s Ithe one who ran, hoping never to be found, I reminded myself.
ly But then I moved here and met Lydia’s sweet grandmother. And after that, I gave birth to the silliest,
cebut absolutely most wonderful little girl on the planet. And when Lydia showed up, I realized how full
my life became. I went from being surrounded by males to being embraced by females—and it really
rnfelt like the most incredible embrace.
“I think it’s time,” Lydia announced as she held Jenni in her arms.
me Jenni was her usual joyful self. That girl could discover happiness in the sourest of places.
my “Dee!” Jenni raised her arms before clapping her hands. That was Jenni’s name for Lydia.
“Yes, you and Lydia are taking me to work.” My voice wobbled as the realization hit that I would
anspend the whole day away from my baby girl.
ut “Come on, Lola. It will be fine.” Lydia turned her attention to Jenni in her arms. “And maybe
around lunchtime, Jenni and Dee can head on over to see Mommy at her new job. Because I’m
edguessing by that time, I will very much need a good, strong cup of coffee.” She chuckled.
ld “Yes.” My voice was louder than I had planned.
me Lydia grabbed the keys off the tall wooden table by my front door and headed out with Jenni still in
her arms. Taking a fortifying breath, I swallowed my fear and followed her.
One thing I bought when I left was a car. Like my furniture, it too was secondhand. Despite being
ten years old, it ran well and rarely had problems. It was an old blue Honda Civic, and from what
lyLydia had told me, the old Hondas were workhorses.
The car ride ran smoothly, with no complaints, except for my growing worry as we got closer to
” the center of Castle Ridge, a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. I was like
lesomething out of one of those Hallmark movies I used to binge-watch back when I could get any
ifchannel I wanted.
 I thought it was the perfect place to raise Jenni, even though I knew my family had property nearby
but rarely visited. With it close, if ever my brother visited, I might glimpse him.
eft That may sound silly, but I missed him... even if he was the reason I was hiding.
en “Here we are. Your new employer, Hard Grind. My mouth is watering just thinking about their
coffee. It really is the best coffee in the world.”
I double-checked my purse to make sure I had everything I needed. “Really? Never had it before.”
er “What? You mean you’re going to work for a coffee shop and have never tasted their coffee
before?”
as “It’s not like I can afford to eat out. So, no, I haven’t ordered coffee at a coffee shop since moving
here.”
st, “I hope you didn’t tell them that when you interviewed for the job.”
ull I thought about it for a moment. “The question never came up.”
ly “I’m sure you will have time to try it today. Say goodbye to Mommy, Jenni. We’ll visit her for
lunch.”
I glanced back from the passenger seat to my little girl safely tucked into her car seat and felt my
eyes burn with unshed tears. Damn, it was harder than I thought to work as a mom. I hoped it would
get better, because I had the strongest urge to take my daughter out of her car seat and hold her, never
ldletting go.
She lifted her little hand and made a fist a few times, her version of waving.
be “I love you, Jenni. You be helpful to Lydia.” I gave a nod and turned in my seat, afraid I’d cry if I
mkept looking at my baby girl.
Right as I was about to open the car door, I glanced up and noticed two men leaving Hard Grind. I
gasped and found I couldn’t move.
in One guy was a blond, and the other was a brunette. They were both tall, seemed well-built, and
wore expensive suits—something unusual to see in a rural mountain town. But that wasn’t what
ngcaused me to break out into a cold sweat.
hat It was the brunette. He chuckled at something the other guy said, and that tear I had fought back just
moments ago fell.
to It was him. The only man I ever trusted. The only man I gave my heart to.
ke It was Jenni’s father. Jenner Cartwright.
ny
 I thought it was the perfect place to raise Jenni, even though I knew my family had property nearby
but rarely visited. With it close, if ever my brother visited, I might glimpse him.
That may sound silly, but I missed him... even if he was the reason I was hiding.
“Here we are. Your new employer, Hard Grind. My mouth is watering just thinking about their
coffee. It really is the best coffee in the world.”
I double-checked my purse to make sure I had everything I needed. “Really? Never had it before.”
“What? You mean you’re going to work for a coffee shop and have never tasted their coffee
before?”
“It’s not like I can afford to eat out. So, no, I haven’t ordered coffee at a coffee shop since moving
here.”
“I hope you didn’t tell them that when you interviewed for the job.”
I thought about it for a moment. “The question never came up.”
“I’m sure you will have time to try it today. Say goodbye to Mommy, Jenni. We’ll visit her for
lunch.”
I glanced back from the passenger seat to my little girl safely tucked into her car seat and felt my
eyes burn with unshed tears. Damn, it was harder than I thought to work as a mom. I hoped it would
get better, because I had the strongest urge to take my daughter out of her car seat and hold her, never
letting go.
She lifted her little hand and made a fist a few times, her version of waving.
“I love you, Jenni. You be helpful to Lydia.” I gave a nod and turned in my seat, afraid I’d cry if I
kept looking at my baby girl.
Right as I was about to open the car door, I glanced up and noticed two men leaving Hard Grind. I
gasped and found I couldn’t move.
One guy was a blond, and the other was a brunette. They were both tall, seemed well-built, and
wore expensive suits—something unusual to see in a rural mountain town. But that wasn’t what
caused me to break out into a cold sweat.
It was the brunette. He chuckled at something the other guy said, and that tear I had fought back just
moments ago fell.
It was him. The only man I ever trusted. The only man I gave my heart to.
It was Jenni’s father. Jenner Cartwright.
 Chapter 3

enner
J “This isn’t a good idea.” I rubbed the back of my neck as we knocked on the resort room door.
“It will be fine. Eric will probably move on to some other idea in a few weeks, like he always
does, and you’ll be in the clear.” Hamish shrugged. “And if it all goes bad, we can always sic your
sister on him.”
My brows popped up. “Jocelyn? Under no circumstances is she to ever be contacted. That would
be like releasing a swarm of killer bees inside a car. No one would be spared.”
“It was just a joke. I wouldn’t actually contact your sister.”
I let out a sigh. Just hearing Jocelyn’s name caused my stomach to churn. She was the one person in
my family everyone avoided. But staying away from Jocelyn was easy as she didn’t live near me, but,
as I just found out, Eric did.
I couldn’t believe I let Hamish drive me from the Hard Grind to The Blue Spot to meet with Eric.
My heart was thundering so loudly in my chest, I worried he’d hear. There was no way I would
agree to tracking down Lola. I glanced around the perfectly appointed hallway with expensive
paintings that hung on the walls and wondered if I could just run. Would Hamish come after me?
Probably. And that man was fast.
Hamish lifted his hand once again to knock on the navy-blue door, but I grabbed it before he could.
“I don’t think Eric’s here. We should just go.”
He turned to face me. “Jenner, I don’t know why this is such a big deal for you. I suspect it has
something to do with his sister, but since you won’t tell me, then I can only assume tracking her down
won’t be a big deal for you.”
I stood there, refusing to say anything as he glared at me.
 After a minute of intense staring from Hamish, I gave in. “I’ll knock.” I lifted my hand as it shook
and gave one quick, yet firm rap on the door.
Five. Four. Three. Two. One.
“Well, he doesn’t seem to be home. We should turn around and—”
The door flew open, and the man who stood in the doorway smiled. And when he grinned, two
perfect dimples indented his cheeks. Eric.
The guy was as tall as Hamish, but that was where the similarities ended. Hamish wore nothing but
suits, whereas Eric liked sweatshirts and jeans or T-shirts and jeans in the summer months. Most
people who walked by Eric Hudson would never suspect he was a billionaire—he didn’t act like one
or dress like one, and he spoke like he grew up in the country, just like the people of this town.
“Oh, damn, Jenner.” He reached for my hand, grabbed it, and pulled me into a one-armed hug,
slapping my back hard. “It’s been so long.” He let go, and I quickly stepped back.
r.
All these qualities were the reasons I became friends with Eric. He was the most down-to-earth
ys
guy I knew. It surprised me he had a room at The Blue Spot since he usually stayed in motels or inns.
ur
“Eric, how are you?” I asked before clearing my throat.
“How are you?” Eric made a face and moved his arms wildly in an obvious attempt to make fun of
ld
me. “Dude, you’re so stiff. Loosen up.”
He swung at me, and, for a moment, I believed he was going to punch me in the nose—that,
somehow, he knew about my secret. But he wasn’t aiming for my face; it was my arm that took the
in
brunt of his friendly blow.
ut,
I winced and swallowed the cry of pain, as I knew what would happen if I showed any sign of
discomfort. He’d laugh and then the taunts would begin.
Those were the qualities I didn’t like about Eric, namely his rough, overly masculine demeanor.
ld
He thought it was what guys did to each other—the intense physicality and the joking. I wasn’t like
ve
that. I preferred a simple handshake or just the one-armed hug without the excruciating slap on the
e?
back.
Yeah, Eric was a little much, but he always meant well. And when it came down to it, he’d do
d.
anything for his friends. It was fun being his friend until his caveman mentality demanded too much
from his sister.
as
“Come on in.” He waved us through.
wn
We stepped onto the lush blue carpeting and into a room that was unusually small, given how The
Blue Spot was known to be luxurious. I had been in a few other rooms at the resort, and they were
okmuch bigger.
I suspected Eric was trying to save money. For a billionaire, he liked to penny-pinch where he
could.
“You guys want a beer?” Eric made his way over the small kitchenette area of the room and opened
wothe wood-paneled refrigerator.
“Uh, it’s ten in the morning, Eric,” Hamish said.
ut “Really? Huh, I thought for sure it was noon. I’m hungry, and I always get hungry at noon. My body
osttalks to me, and I always listen.” He closed the appliance door and leaned against the marble counter.
ne Listened to his body? That was new. The man never listened to anyone, least of all his own senses.
I shrugged it off and decided I needed to get this meeting over with.
ug, “Hamish tells me you wish to discuss something with me?”
Eric narrowed his eyes and jerked up his chin. He had a lot of tells, and the expressions he gave
thtold me what he was thinking. This one said he was ready to discuss something serious. And when
Eric got serious, it was time for you to listen because he never joked about business.
“I miss my sister.”
of My heart cracked just a little upon hearing him. I missed her too, more than Eric realized. But she
was his flesh and blood, and I knew it devastated him when she disappeared. He hurt, and it showed.
at, “Of course. We all do,” I said, unable to look him in the eye.
he “That’s why I wanted to talk to you, Jenner.” Eric pushed off the counter and came at me with an
intensity in his eyes.
of My heart rate quickened, and once again, I worried he was about to hurt me. Whether with a punch
to the gut or slap across the face, the man had a gaze that meant destruction.
I tensed as he reached over and grabbed me by my shoulders. This was it... I wouldn’t put it past
keEric to have a knife stashed up his sleeve so he could pull it out when I wasn’t expecting it.
he My eyes flickered to Hamish with a desperate plea, but Hamish just stared with a frown, as if he
was taken by surprise too. He didn’t know what to do. I helped Hamish get cleared for murder. He
doowed me, but he stood there like a scared child ready to run instead of lifting a finger to help.
ch I was alone in this fight, so I had to decide. Either puff out my chest and fight like a man, or cry like
a baby as the man I thought was my friend murdered me for kissing his sister.
I went with the latter.
he A high-pitched yelp escaped my lips, and I fell. Using the dead-weight technique, I crumpled to the
refloor as Eric’s eyes widened and he stepped back.
 Ha! It worked. He wasn’t expecting that. Now was my chance to run and save myself.
he “What the hell, Jenner? Are you having a stroke?” Eric dropped to his knees and looked deep into
my eyes.
ed It was almost as if he wasn’t about to stab me, but kiss me.
“I’m not having a stroke.” The closer he moved his face to mine, the further I leaned my head back
to avoid whatever he was planning to do. Until I leaned it so far back, my head hit the wall.
dy “Can you stand?”
r. “Yes.” I got up, and Eric reached out, trying to help me.
es. “I’m fine, it’s just…” I realized I didn’t want him to know why I cried like a wounded seagull and
collapsed.
“What?” He tilted his head while resting his hand on my shoulder.
ve There was something different about Eric. It was like he mellowed in the year since I had last seen
enhim. Sure, I talked to him on the phone, but we hadn’t hung out in a long time. And in that time, it felt
like he had changed. I had only been in the room with him for five minutes, but something was
different.
he “I just haven’t talked about Lola in a long time, and I guess I freaked out about it.” I frowned.
“Dude.” He pulled me into a full hug and didn’t let go. “You cared for her too. You were a good
friend to her. To me.” He stepped back, letting me go, yet the sense of suffocation persisted.
an Since when did Eric become a hugger?
“The one thing we never had growing up was someone to trust—not even our dad. But you... I
chknew I could trust you.” He pushed his finger into my chest, and it felt like a knife ready to cut. “I just
knew I could trust you with my sister. All those greedy men I did business with, I understood what
astthey wanted with her—to get her money and use her. But not you; you were her friend, and I trusted
you didn’t look at her like that. You were protective and cared, and you would never do that to her.”
he I felt like I was about to throw up.
He I nodded because no words would come out of my mouth.
“That’s why, when I thought about who would go to the ends of the Earth to find Lola, you popped
keinto my head. You’re smart and know people, Jenner. I trust you to find her and bring her back so I can
hug her once again.”
Blood flooded my ears, racing there to drown out the sound of Eric. I had broken his trust long ago
hewhen I gave my heart to Lola. At the time, I knew what we were doing was wrong, but I really
believed, over time, her brother would accept me in her life.
 I had a plan to slowly get him used to me being in Lola’s life. But I guess he mistook it as me being
toa good, protective friend.
Which I was... but also so much more.
And when he announced she’d be marrying that jerk, I realized my mistake. I went to explain
ckeverything to Lola, but it was too late. She had already left by then.
I failed her. Even her brother thought I could protect her from men who only wanted to use her, but I
couldn’t do that. Lola was smart enough to realize that, so she ran.
I was angry at her for a long time, but time made me realize it was all my fault. I was a coward.
nd Hell, I even cried and shrank away from her brother just a few minutes ago. Even if I found Lola, I
knew I didn’t deserve her. I just hoped wherever she was, she was happy and protected.
I swallowed and nodded. “Yes. I’ll find your sister.”
en
elt
as

od

I
ust
hat
ed

ed
an

go
ly
 I had a plan to slowly get him used to me being in Lola’s life. But I guess he mistook it as me being
a good, protective friend.
Which I was... but also so much more.
And when he announced she’d be marrying that jerk, I realized my mistake. I went to explain
everything to Lola, but it was too late. She had already left by then.
I failed her. Even her brother thought I could protect her from men who only wanted to use her, but I
couldn’t do that. Lola was smart enough to realize that, so she ran.
I was angry at her for a long time, but time made me realize it was all my fault. I was a coward.
Hell, I even cried and shrank away from her brother just a few minutes ago. Even if I found Lola, I
knew I didn’t deserve her. I just hoped wherever she was, she was happy and protected.
I swallowed and nodded. “Yes. I’ll find your sister.”
 Chapter 4

ola
L “I thought I was learning the cash register today?” I asked Marika, the owner of Hard Grind,
as she pulled up in front of The Blue Spot.
It was my second day on the job, and I’d learned I had nothing to be worried about on my first day.
Marika and the other barista, Susannah, were so helpful and kind—not to mention Susannah was
extremely funny.
As for me, missing Jenni couldn’t be helped. Thankfully, I was busy at work and rarely had extra
time to think about my little girl.
“Today is a special day. We’re meeting the vendor. He and his wife are here from Maine to go over
orders for the next year. I let you come with me so you can see behind the scenes, so to speak.” She
smiled as she pushed her red hair behind her ear before opening the car door.
I hopped out of the passenger side and took my notepad with me. There were a lot of little things to
learn, and I found it best to write them down in case I needed to refer to something.
I had driven past the road that led to The Blue Spot a few times but never saw it up close. It was a
gorgeous, old turn-of-the-twentieth-century building. Something left over from the end of the Gilded
Age. Set on the side of the mountain and surrounded by trees and wildlife, it was ornate and over-the-
top, but beautiful in its seclusion.
I was so distracted looking at all the surrounding beauty that I ran straight into someone. I shook my
head and blurted out, “Sorry.”
“It’s alright.” His smooth voice sent a shiver down my back.
I blinked and realized who I had walked into. It was that tall man Jenner was with yesterday, who I
saw walking out of Hard Grind. I shrank back, lowering my head, trying to hide my face.
 “Not a problem.” When the light hit his teeth, I swear they twinkled.
I glanced up just in time to get the look I dreaded... that hint of recognition.
“Hey, you look familiar. Do I know you?”
“Hamish.” Marika came walking up behind me.
Thankfully, that distracted him as he turned toward my boss. I took that moment to slip away. I
moved as silently as I could up the steps to the large wrap-around porch and straight through the
entrance to The Blue Spot lobby. I let out a breath when I got inside.
But my relief was short-lived. As I was moving away from the door, still keeping an eye out to see
if Hamish was following me, I ran into someone else.
Geez, I was having the worst time walking today.
“Excuse me, I just—” The words evaporated on my tongue as I stared straight into the chocolate
eyes I had dreamed about for two years.
d,
“Lola.” Jenner’s voice was a whisper.
“Jenner. I, uh... I didn’t expect to see you here.”
ay.
Which was stupid of me to say. The people who frequented this resort had money, and lots of it.
as
While Jenner wasn’t a billionaire like my brother, he wasn’t struggling for money, either. He was a
lawyer, and his clients were wealthy, so he could easily afford a room here.
ra
“I was here, um...” He glanced around with fear in his eyes and grabbed my elbow.
Electricity shot up my arm, and warmth flooded me in places it shouldn’t—at least, not out in
er
public.
he
He guided me toward the corner of the lobby where there was a tall plant, and he situated us
behind it. I wore my warm woolen coat with a thick green scarf and matching hat today because of the
to
freezing temperatures outside, but right now, all I wanted to do was rip everything off for fear I’d
faint from the heat consuming my body as I stood close to Jenner.
a
I felt his breath flutter across my cheeks, and as hard as I tried, I couldn’t stop myself from shaking.
ed
It had been so long since I inhaled his scent—the one that always reminded me of being surrounded
e-
by a dense forest. When I would take Jenni out for walks on the mountain trail, I’d always be
reminded of Jenner.
my
“I’ve been looking for you.”
Those were the words I had longed to hear. I never wanted to leave Jenner, but I knew his position
on having kids. He never wanted them. Not only that, but I feared my brother would discover where I
oI
 was because of him. Not that Jenner would have told him; I wouldn’t have given him my heart if I
thought Jenner wouldn’t protect me.
But if I knew my brother, then he would have had Jenner followed. At least for a while, just to see
if Jenner knew where I was.
. I And I couldn’t risk that.
he I pulled my knitted hat from my head and held it to my chest, crumpling it in hand. “I wanted to—”
“Your brother is making me look for you.”
ee “What?”
Jenner straightened and narrowed his eyes. He suddenly seemed cold, as if I were just another
client he was having a conversation with.
te “He wants you found. The Hudson property near Castle Ridge is in your name, and he needs you to
sign it over to him.”
My heart felt like it was being shredded by a knife. I was just another client to him.
I blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall. Did he forget what we had? I guess if enough
it.time passed, a guy would forget about you, or maybe that was just Jenner.
a “Oh.” I turned my head as my voice caught in my throat.
Jenner stood there, glaring at me. What did he want? For me to smile and happily let him take me to
my brother? That would not happen.
in “I have a place to live. I—” I stopped myself from revealing too much.
I pursed my lips, trying to hold back the anger that was welling up inside me. I had missed Jenner
usand Eric so much. There wasn’t a day that went by where I hadn’t second-guessed my decision to run.
heWhen I looked into my baby’s striking brown eyes, it hurt knowing she had never met her family.
’d Now, standing in front of the only man I ever willingly gave my heart to, I realized that running was
the best decision I ever made.
ng. “I’m glad, but you should know that your brother—”
ed “There you are.”
be I turned to discover Marika standing behind me with a quizzical look on her face, her eyes darting
between Jenner and me.
“I’m sorry for leaving, but I ran into an old friend.” I waved a hand toward Jenner and gave a stiff
onsmile.
e I “Hello, I’m Marika, Lola’s boss.”
f I He reached out his hand, shaking hers. “I’m Jenner. Did you say you’re her boss?” Jenner tilted his
head. “Why would you have a job, Lola? You’ve got plenty of money—”
ee “Oh, look at the time.” I raised my voice, hoping Marika wouldn’t hear Jenner. “I think we’re
running late for that meeting you talked about.”
Marika took her phone out of her pocket and nodded. “You’re right. We’ve got to go.”
I cleared my throat and lifted my eyes to Jenner. “It was nice to see you again, Jenner. But I have
responsibilities now. If you see my brother, just, uh... just tell him I’ll contact him.”
His jaw tightened, but he nodded. He was obviously angry that I would not follow him like a
erpuppy.
That was the old Lola, the one who naively fell for the guy who protected her. Since living on my
toown and becoming a mom, I had to learn to protect myself and take care of a little girl. I couldn’t be
his guileless girlfriend, even if I wanted to.
I realized now he never protected me from those greedy men. He was keeping them away so he
ghcould have me, so he could take advantage of me.
I walked away and desperately wanted to glance back but refused. Jenner needed to know that I
was stronger and wiser now. I didn’t need him anymore.
to

er
un.

as

ng

iff
 He reached out his hand, shaking hers. “I’m Jenner. Did you say you’re her boss?” Jenner tilted his
head. “Why would you have a job, Lola? You’ve got plenty of money—”
“Oh, look at the time.” I raised my voice, hoping Marika wouldn’t hear Jenner. “I think we’re
running late for that meeting you talked about.”
Marika took her phone out of her pocket and nodded. “You’re right. We’ve got to go.”
I cleared my throat and lifted my eyes to Jenner. “It was nice to see you again, Jenner. But I have
responsibilities now. If you see my brother, just, uh... just tell him I’ll contact him.”
His jaw tightened, but he nodded. He was obviously angry that I would not follow him like a
puppy.
That was the old Lola, the one who naively fell for the guy who protected her. Since living on my
own and becoming a mom, I had to learn to protect myself and take care of a little girl. I couldn’t be
his guileless girlfriend, even if I wanted to.
I realized now he never protected me from those greedy men. He was keeping them away so he
could have me, so he could take advantage of me.
I walked away and desperately wanted to glance back but refused. Jenner needed to know that I
was stronger and wiser now. I didn’t need him anymore.
 Chapter 5

enner
J “What just happened?” I muttered to myself as I watched Lola saunter off with her boss.
She looked stunning; there was no other word for it. Even with her coat on, I couldn’t help but
notice her curves. She had always been curvy, but I swear, they were more pronounced now.
Even her smile seemed bigger, more radiant.
But as I was talking to her, I remembered her note, and the anger welled up in me. She knew what I
was thinking—that was why she couldn’t look at me. Too ashamed that she toyed with my heart, only
to run off in the end without a genuine explanation. Just a simple “I will miss you.”
That was it. That was the note. Not even an “I love you,” which was devastating because I loved
her. And a part of me hated that I still loved her. Seeing her today in that cute green hat, all I wanted
was to pull her into my arms and kiss her.
I didn’t even care if Eric came down and saw us. My heart beat for Lola.
But the more I spoke to her—even when I confessed I had been looking for her—the more
uncomfortable she appeared. As if I was the last person she ever wanted to see.
She even said she hadn’t expected to see me at The Blue Spot. Which wasn’t surprising since The
Blue Spot didn’t exist when we had last been together.
She was a city girl. She only ever drove through small towns and occasionally stopped if she
needed to use a restroom. I wondered if she lived nearby.
“What happened to you? It looks like you’ve seen a ghost,” Hamish said, strolling up to me. I
hadn’t moved from behind the plant, staring at where Lola had vanished just moments ago.
“Sort of.”
Hamish’s brows shot up. “Really?” He glanced around. “You know, when I had to stay in the
 sealed-off part of The Blue Spot that hadn’t been updated, I swear there was a ghost.”
I sighed and moved out from behind the plant. “No, I didn’t see an actual ghost. Just someone from
my past; someone I have been dreaming of running into.”
His grin widened. “Is she hot?”
I jerked my head back as we made our way out of The Blue Spot toward the valet. Hamish gave the
valet the ticket and then looked at me expectantly.
I rubbed the back of my neck. “What makes you think it was a woman?”
“Someone you have been dreaming of seeing...? Come on. What guy have you longed to see?”
“My father.” I clenched my teeth as I let out the breath I was holding.
Hamish’s black car pulled up, and we got in after he tipped the valet. “Sorry, I know how you feel
about your dad.”
Hamish understood I didn’t like my dad, just like he had issues with his parents. Whereas he dealt
with his feelings by spending lavishly because he could, I dealt with things differently. More like how
ut
Eric dealt with things... with fists.
Unlike Eric, I was much more reserved with my anger. Since the only person I took issue with was
my dad, and he was nowhere to be found, I never got a chance to punch him. But if he showed up, I’d
tI
most likely be arrested and wouldn’t even care because it would be so worth it.
ly
“You don’t know everything,” I grumbled as I stared out the window.
Hamish groaned. “What has gotten into you? You’re the cool, collected, and somewhat cowardly
ed
friend. But for the past two days—ever since I mentioned Eric—you’ve been nothing but a grump.”
ed
“I haven’t been getting much sleep.” I shrugged.
“That’s not it. Jenner, I’m your friend; you can talk to me. I know I’m usually the one with the
drama, but this friendship goes both ways. Now it’s my turn to be there for you.”
re
I contemplated telling him. Hamish gave me a comforting smile, which was nice. Until I grew
uneasy because he wouldn’t look back at the road. I pointed just in time for him to narrowly miss a
he
car coming from the other direction.
“I’m only telling you this because I know you won’t let it go.”
he
“That’s what I’m talking about.” Hamish smiled smugly. “I knew if I pestered you enough, you’d
give in. It worked with Jami.”
I
Jami was his wife.
“Speaking of women that men fell for, I lost my heart to Lola a while ago... long before she
disappeared.”
he
 “I knew it had to do with Eric’s sister.” Hamish fist-pumped the air.
m I glared at him. “Anyway, I had been working with Eric on expanding his late father’s business
when a beautiful young woman came into his office one spring day. It was Lola. I swear, I couldn’t
take my eyes off her. But even with how I felt, I knew she was off-limits.”
he I wasn’t about to let Hamish know I had met Lola once, years before that time. No one needed to
know about that moment.
“You got that right.” Hamish chuckled, and when he noticed my frown, he mumbled, “Sorry.”
“Despite being wealthy and gorgeous, she was lonely. Then Eric explained how his dad treated
both of them. I had met his dad right at the beginning of my career as a lawyer, and thankfully, I never
elhad to work with him directly. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t immune to his father’s assholery. I know
first-hand that Eric wasn’t lying about his father.”
alt Hamish shook his head. “That guy was a tyrant.”
w “I had planned to keep my distance from Lola, but we both got stuck in one of the rooms on Hudson
Estates. It was summer, and, apparently, the old doors expanded in the humidity. Well, it wouldn’t
asopen. I called out, but no one answered. Then I phoned Eric, but he didn’t pick up. I was too
’dembarrassed to call the police. So, we both sat there for a time, waiting for someone to let us out.
That’s when I got to know Lola.” Warmth bloomed in my chest at the memory.
“Hamish, she was the most kindhearted, amazing woman. I knew she didn’t have friends, so I
lyvowed to be her friend.”
“And?”
I sighed. Even Hamish knew there was more than friendship between Lola and me.
he “Stupidly, I kissed her. Spending so much time with her, it was inevitable something would happen.
I kept telling myself she wasn’t interested, but then one day, we were back in the room we had
woriginally been stuck in, and she reminded me not to close the door. All the memories of being with
aher that day, of getting to know her, came flooding back. I kissed her, and after that, there was no
going back.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at how naïve I was, thinking something wouldn’t happen between us.
’d“We kept it a secret from Eric, but it was difficult. He knew something was different about his sister
and worried a guy was taking advantage of her—and that guy was me. Knowing she had money, Eric
thought any man interested in Lola only wanted her wealth. But I had no interest in Lola’s money. By
hethat point, I had enough money. I may not be a billionaire like her and her brother, but I was more than
comfortable.”
 “I know you’re a good guy and would never use someone like that.” Hamish tapped my shoulder
ssbefore putting his hand back on the steering wheel.
n’t “But Eric didn’t even consider that I might want his sister. He trusted me; so much so, he told me to
monitor her.”
to “Oh man, that’s rough. But I think Eric would be happy knowing you would be with his sister, not
some gold-digger.”
I shook my head. “Eric told me something one day. He was acting strangely, so I asked what was
edwrong. He explained how he wanted to pick out his sister’s husband. He knew it sounded old-
erfashioned, but he knew what was best for her. I tried to explain that she was a woman and could make
wher own decisions, especially with something as big as marriage. Eric just shrugged it off and told me
he wanted to believe that, but she was so inexperienced in life, and he worried she would marry
someone terrible. It was a month later that he came up with the arranged marriage, and then she
ondisappeared.”
n’t “It seemed Eric had been thinking about that for a while. It wasn’t just a whim that he arranged her
oomarriage. He’s such an impulsive guy. I thought for sure it was one of his bad ideas.” Hamish shook
ut.his head.
“On one hand, I am breaking my friend’s trust. But on the other hand, I had never been so happy
Iwith anyone in my life. We kept it a secret, hoping to tell Eric one day, but that day never came.
Because she left.”
“But she had to leave. Eric wanted to force her to marry. I’d think you’d at least be happy about
that. She wouldn’t be marrying that creep.”
n. “But I would’ve protected her. I’d never have let the marriage happen. She didn’t trust me, and she
adnever even said goodbye. It was a wake-up call in a way. It wasn’t just the marriage she was running
thfrom... it was me, too. I thought she loved me, but I guess she was just having some fun.”
no “Jenner, you can’t believe that.”
“It’s been two years. She never tried to reach out to me, not even a text.”
us. It had been a long drive to the Hudson Estate, but Hamish finally turned into the driveway, which
erwas also a drive itself.
ic Hamish was silent for a moment as he stopped the car. We both sat in the heated beige leather seats,
Bylost in our own thoughts.
an “Is that who you saw at The Blue Spot? The one you’ve been dreaming about?”
 er I closed my eyes and let my head fall back until it hit the headrest. “Yes. Even though I didn’t think
it was possible, she’s more beautiful than I remembered.”
to “You have to find her, Jenner. Find out why she didn’t reach out to you.”
I wanted to. My heart screamed for answers. I longed to pull her into my arms and not let go until
otshe confessed everything. Why did she leave? Did she even think of me once during the past two
years? Did I ever matter to her?
as “No. She never wanted to be found.” I shrugged. “And I care for her enough to give her what she
d-wants.”
ke
me
ry
he

er
ok

py
me.

ut

he
ng

ch

ts,
 I closed my eyes and let my head fall back until it hit the headrest. “Yes. Even though I didn’t think
it was possible, she’s more beautiful than I remembered.”
“You have to find her, Jenner. Find out why she didn’t reach out to you.”
I wanted to. My heart screamed for answers. I longed to pull her into my arms and not let go until
she confessed everything. Why did she leave? Did she even think of me once during the past two
years? Did I ever matter to her?
“No. She never wanted to be found.” I shrugged. “And I care for her enough to give her what she
wants.”
 Chapter 6

ola
L “You’re unusually quiet today,” Lydia said as she lifted the pizza slice to her mouth.
I ripped up some of the pizza slice into tiny pieces for Jenni to eat. She loved it.
According to Lydia, Pizza Joe’s was the best pizza place around. She told me how her friend’s
boyfriend wouldn’t shut up about it. When I ate a slice a few months ago, I discovered why they raved
about the place. I had eaten a lot of good pizza since I grew up in New York City, but Pizza Joe’s was
the best.
“I guess I’m trying to get used to working so much. And realizing what a privileged life I led
before.”
Which was true, but that wasn’t why I wasn’t talking. It was running into Jenner five days ago. I
had been so flustered that I went into the meeting with the owner of the coffee that was delivered to
Hard Grind, and I kept calling him Mr. Love instead of Mr. Angrov. His girlfriend’s last name was
Love, and she was there too. I couldn’t stop thinking about my heart breaking all over again as I
realized Jenner didn’t love me anymore.
“I guess.” Lydia gave me one of her suspicious glares.
The thing about her glares... they were like truth serum to me. I tried to keep my eyes off her, staring
at the gray-tiled floor in the pizza place instead of at my friend.
It didn’t work.
“Stop berating me with your eyes,” I cried out, causing Joe to glance over from behind the tall
counter.
“I’m pretty sure my eyes can’t talk.” She smirked, placing her elbows on the small red table.
She had me cornered, and she knew it. Lydia would make a great interrogator.
 “If you must know, I ran into a guy I hadn’t seen in two years.”
“A guy?” Her smirk turned even smirkier.
“We had a thing, but he’s close to my brother, so I had to stay away from him.”
“A thing...?” Now she just appeared ridiculous, like a cartoon version of herself. She lifted the
corner of her mouth so high, I feared her face might tear in half.
My eyes flickered to my daughter, who looked like something out of a horror scene as she happily
smeared pizza sauce on her face. I grabbed a paper napkin from the dispenser on the table and
fruitlessly attempted to clean her up. Only for her to smear even more sauce on her face seconds later.
“It’s no big deal. I just lost my virginity to him. That’s all.”
“That’s all? Was he bad? Is that why you don’t want to talk about it? Because I understand. I slept
with a guy once who was so bad, he asked me where to put it.”
“Put it?” I paused, cleaning up my daughter, and tilted my head to Lydia.
“His penis.” She nodded at me. “The guy didn’t realize how sex worked. I asked if he was a virgin,
and he told me he wasn’t. Yet, he didn’t realize that his sausage goes in my oven... if you know what I
’s
mean.”
ed
I frowned. That was the least sexy analogy I had ever heard.
as
“No, Jenner wasn’t bad at it.”
“Jenner? That’s his name?”
ed
I nodded as I grabbed more napkins. Some time had passed, and I noticed Lydia wasn’t talking. She
was normally as talkative as me, if not more.
.I
“You okay?” I asked as I used some napkins to wipe up my hands, which were now covered in
to
sauce.
as
“Jenner, huh?” She stared at Jenni and narrowed her eyes.
I
My palms started to sweat, which just made getting the sauce off worse. I wondered if my fingers
would be permanently orange from staining.
I casually nodded and focused on scrubbing my hand with the disintegrating napkin.
ng
“Lola? Who’s Jenni’s father? You never really talked about him; you only told me he wasn’t in the
picture.”
“You don’t know him. It’s not important.”
all
“Is he a mob boss?”
That caused me to stop scrubbing my hands with the few remaining shreds of a napkin.
“The mob? Why would you think he’s in the mob?”
 Lydia sat back and folded her arms. “It’s just that you told me you were running from your brother.
That he expected you to marry someone you didn’t want to marry. I asked if it was a religious thing,
and you said no. So, I can only assume this is some mob thing.”
he “No one in my family is in the mob. They are just very controlling.”
“Does your brother know about Jenni?”
ly Crap. I knew it would get out someday. I hoped Jenni would be in college, or I’d be on my
nddeathbed before that confession came out. Sometime long in the future, where I didn’t have to deal
r. with it now.
“No.” I took a fortifying breath. “No one can know about Jenni. It’s for the best.”
pt Lydia frowned. “I’m so sorry, Lola. You should be able to have your family and the father of your
child around you.”
What was I doing? Sure, I needed to keep myself hidden from Eric and Jenner, but Lydia didn’t
n,know them. Who would she tell?
t I “I’ll explain what happened, but please, don’t tell anyone.”
Her eyes widened, and she quickly scooted her simple wooden chair closer, ready for me to start.
“I grew up wealthy.”
“Really? Did your family lose the money or something? Is that why you had never worked before in
your life?”
he “Yes and no... No, my father never lost our money. If anything, it grew and grew with him until we
were billionaires.”
in Lydia gasped, which turned into an intense cough. She sat up straight, trying to catch her breath.
“Oh god... I just... can’t even.” She gulped some air and then took a sip of her water in the red plastic
cup. “There, that’s better. Did you say billionaire, with a B?”
rs “Yes. I know what you’re thinking. Why did I leave all that money behind?”
“Yes, but the way you described your brother, I can see why you left. Was there no way you could
get some of your money without him finding you?”
he I shrugged. “I took a lot with me, believing it would last longer. But Jenni is a little more expensive
than I thought.” I leaned over and kissed the top of my daughter’s head.
“But what about now? You should have access to something.”
I did, and it was the exact reason my brother wanted to see me—and the only reason Jenner wanted
anything to do with me. He was only at The Blue Spot, looking for me, to make my brother happy.
er. Now I wondered if he became friends with me all those years ago because my brother told him to.
ng,If every word, every touch from him was all a lie to make his client’s sister happy.
“I do, but if I go there, my brother will find out.”
“Go there? As in a building?”
“A house. Well, it’s more like a sprawling estate. There are gardens, a pool, tennis court, a pool
myhouse that’s bigger than the size of the home I rent. There’s stuff too, but I’m sure you don’t want to
alhear about that—”
I lifted my head to discover Lydia staring at me with her mouth wide open.
“It’s not as great as it sounds.”
ur She tilted her head. “Even I know that’s not true. Any estate that has all those things and more is
already the gold standard for housing. Where is it?”
n’t I rolled my lips over my teeth, worrying how she would react when she found out where the estate
was located.
“Lola, where is this fairy-tale home?” Her tone shifted deeper.
“It’s just outside of Castle Ridge. About a thirty-minute drive into the mountains.”
Lydia slapped her hand over her mouth and let out a loud groan. I believed she was trying to cover
inup a scream. Glancing around, I saw some heads turn our way.
“Holy macaroni! I just can’t right now.” She grabbed the corners of the table as if holding on for
wefear of falling over. “You’re telling me you could live in a fabulous estate and can afford nannies and
chefs and hiring me as your landscaper... but you choose to live in your small home with your old car
th.and work in a coffee shop?”
ic I nodded, though I couldn’t help but smile as she threw in her landscaping company. Lydia was
amazing with gardens and anything that needed to be done outside. She had her own business and
worked her butt off for it. Though the past few months, after her grandmother died, she took some time
ldoff.
“Yes, but then my brother would know. And the thing about Eric is he has a temper. He never hurt
veme—not like my dad hurt him—but his anger... I worry about how he’ll react to Jenni. I can’t risk
that.”
She reached forward and placed her hand on mine. “I understand. Let’s head back home and have
edsome ice cream. That always helps me when I’m feeling down.”
I nodded. “But first can we swing by Hard Grind? I think I left my purse there.”
“So that’s why you made me pay.” She smiled and helped me get Jenni ready to leave.
o. It was a short drive to the coffee shop, and when we walked inside, Marika and Susannah were
preparing to close.
“Did I leave my purse in the back?” I asked as I tried to look past the plastic curtain to the back
area.
ol “Yes. Let me get it for you.” Susannah smiled before turning to go into the back room.
to “I’m actually glad you stopped by. I needed to discuss something with you,” Marika said.
My heart began pounding in my chest. That was it... I was about to be fired. I screwed up too many
times. It had only been a week, but I bet calling the owner of the coffee company the wrong name
multiple times was the nail in my employee coffin.
is “Look, Marika, I just need to say that I really am sorry for messing up Mr. Angrov’s name. I was
having a rough morning and—”
te “That was no big deal. I think he kind of liked it, actually. Anyway, I know you have off tomorrow,
but when you come in on Monday, you and I will head out to meet a new client. There’s a bed-and-
breakfast opening in a few months, and the owner wants us to supply the coffee.” Marika bounced on
her toes with a huge smile on her face.
er “Okay. Sounds like fun.”
“I’m so excited. Usually, these places turn to The Blue Spot to get their coffee, but they want us. I
orworked out a deal with Mr. Angrov where I can offer the potential new client his coffee and get a cut
ndof the profits. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity this good for so long, and this might be the thing
arthat really helps us grow. I’ve even been thinking of roasting my coffee to use here at the shop.”
“Wow. That’s wonderful.”
as “And with your experience negotiating with executives, I knew you were the perfect person to
ndbring with me. If I’m being honest, the meeting earlier this week with Mr. Angrov was a test to see
mehow you would do. And you did great. While the name mix-up was a little odd, I suspected you were
just nervous. It’s your first week, after all.”
urt I may have exaggerated a little on my resume, but Lydia told me everyone did it. So, back when I
sklived with my brother and he met with his wealthy friends, I used that as my negotiating experience. It
impressed Marika, so she hired me. I never expected to actually have to use that skill at Hard Grind.
ve Marika would see my lackluster performance at negotiating on Monday, and then screwing up Mr.
Angrov’s name would seem like nothing.
“Where is it so I know where to go, or do you want me to come here first?”
 re Marika shook her head. “Meeting there is a good idea. I’ll be arriving at ten in the morning at the
Hudson Estate.” When my eyes widened, she asked, “Are you okay?”
ck But before I could answer, Lydia gasped and started coughing uncontrollably again. She must have
figured out that was my family estate I told her about at Pizza Joe’s.
I stared helplessly at Lydia, unable to move. Why at the estate? I couldn’t go there. What if
someone recognized me? My brain quickly switched to excuse mode.
ny Fake an illness. Wait, no, I couldn’t do that. Marika was right in front of me. She would know I was
melying. But by Monday, I could be sick, especially since she wouldn’t see me tomorrow.
I sighed. This was my very first job, and I knew I couldn’t call out of work during my second week.
asI was better than that.
“Here’s your purse.” Susannah came out from the back.
w, In a daze, I grabbed my bag, ready to run out of Hard Grind and go hide under my bed when I got
d-home, as if the estate was the boogie man.
on “Hey, before you go.” Marika reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a business card.
“Here’s the information on the guy we’re to meet at the estate.”
With a shaking arm, I plucked the card from her fingers. Please don’t be anyone I know. Please
. Idon’t be anyone I know. Please don’t be anyone I know. I repeated it over and over in my head until I
utturned the card over.
ng That was when my heart slammed into the hardwood floor. I pushed the card into my pocket,
turning and wordlessly leaving the coffee shop.
I heard Marika and Susannah say their goodbyes, but it sounded more like an echo in a long tunnel.
toThe blood swished in my ears, and the cold air helped snap me out of my daze as I made my way onto
eethe sidewalk. I blinked up at the white twinkling lights strung between the lampposts.
re “Hey,” Lydia said, and I turned to see her concerned expression as she held Jenni in her arms.
Jenni. I had forgotten about my daughter. A wave of shock and heartbreak consumed me. I reached
n Ifor my baby girl, taking her from Lydia’s arms.
It A tear fell down my cheek as I whispered in her ear, “I won’t let them hurt you. I promise.”
“Lola, honey, who was on that card? Was it your brother?”
Mr. I shook my head. With a deep breath, I swallowed down my cry.
“No. It was Jenner Cartwright. Jenni’s father.”
 Marika shook her head. “Meeting there is a good idea. I’ll be arriving at ten in the morning at the
Hudson Estate.” When my eyes widened, she asked, “Are you okay?”
But before I could answer, Lydia gasped and started coughing uncontrollably again. She must have
figured out that was my family estate I told her about at Pizza Joe’s.
I stared helplessly at Lydia, unable to move. Why at the estate? I couldn’t go there. What if
someone recognized me? My brain quickly switched to excuse mode.
Fake an illness. Wait, no, I couldn’t do that. Marika was right in front of me. She would know I was
lying. But by Monday, I could be sick, especially since she wouldn’t see me tomorrow.
I sighed. This was my very first job, and I knew I couldn’t call out of work during my second week.
I was better than that.
“Here’s your purse.” Susannah came out from the back.
In a daze, I grabbed my bag, ready to run out of Hard Grind and go hide under my bed when I got
home, as if the estate was the boogie man.
“Hey, before you go.” Marika reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a business card.
“Here’s the information on the guy we’re to meet at the estate.”
With a shaking arm, I plucked the card from her fingers. Please don’t be anyone I know. Please
don’t be anyone I know. Please don’t be anyone I know. I repeated it over and over in my head until I
turned the card over.
That was when my heart slammed into the hardwood floor. I pushed the card into my pocket,
turning and wordlessly leaving the coffee shop.
I heard Marika and Susannah say their goodbyes, but it sounded more like an echo in a long tunnel.
The blood swished in my ears, and the cold air helped snap me out of my daze as I made my way onto
the sidewalk. I blinked up at the white twinkling lights strung between the lampposts.
“Hey,” Lydia said, and I turned to see her concerned expression as she held Jenni in her arms.
Jenni. I had forgotten about my daughter. A wave of shock and heartbreak consumed me. I reached
for my baby girl, taking her from Lydia’s arms.
A tear fell down my cheek as I whispered in her ear, “I won’t let them hurt you. I promise.”
“Lola, honey, who was on that card? Was it your brother?”
I shook my head. With a deep breath, I swallowed down my cry.
“No. It was Jenner Cartwright. Jenni’s father.”
 Chapter 7

enner
J “I don’t think this is a good idea, Eric.” I walked with him around the outside of the Hudson
Estate. The gravel was frozen to the ground under our feet, making for a hard and somewhat slippery
surface to navigate.
“It’s fine.” Eric waved me off as he glanced up at the building. “Do you think the roof needs re-
tiling?”
“How should I know? I can’t see up there.” I rubbed at the throbbing pain behind my eyes that was
growing more intense by the second.
“I don’t think you understand. This isn’t your property; it’s in Lola’s name. She hasn’t signed it
over to you, nor given you permission to use it for a bed-and-breakfast. Now you’re meeting with
contractors, as if you’re opening the bed-and-breakfast with or without her approval.”
Eric stopped abruptly and turned. “Now you get it.”
My brows went up. “Get it? You’re actually doing that? As your lawyer, I have to advise against
this. And as your friend, I really don’t think this is a good idea, either. And why a bed-and-breakfast?
A hotel or a resort like The Blue Spot would be more profitable.”
“All in due time...”
What was with Eric lately? He was talking about listening to his body, and now he’s speaking like
he’s a wise old mystic with a little magic in his pocket. He had changed a lot in the last two years.
It was a pleasant change—at least, I believed it to be. I had seen nothing bad yet. He wasn’t so
quick-tempered, and he hadn’t once asked if I wanted to go to the bar with him. He was a mean drunk
all those years ago.
“Have you been recruited into a cult?”
 Cults would love him—a handsome guy with lots of money, who was easily swayed to believe
nonsense if it sounded like it made sense. One time we were hanging out, and a commercial for
baking soda came on. It simply stated how it was used for so many things, like cleaning, baking, and
odor control. He got so excited and made me go to the grocery store with him, where he bought out all
the baking soda.
The man didn’t clean or bake, and he didn’t even realize most people put the baking soda in the
refrigerator for odor control. He just opened all the boxes and placed them on the coffee table,
expecting magic to happen. Thankfully, his housekeeper removed them and put them to use elsewhere
in the house.
And his reaction to my question wasn’t what I expected at all. He didn’t get angry or call the
question weird; Eric just laughed. He threw his head back and let out a loud chuckle that caused some
birds to fly off into the distance.
on
But what came next surprised me most of all.
ry
Placing his hands on his hips, he nodded. “I can see why you would think that, Jenner. I never had
time to apologize for my behavior since we first met five years ago. If I’m being honest, I’m surprised
e-
you put up with me, and I want to make amends. Not just to you, but to everyone I affected.”
As he raised his arms, he threw them open and smiled at me. I did what anyone who knew Eric
as
would have done: I panicked. He wanted a hug, and not a brotherly side-hug, but a full-on squeeze.
Now, I was not one of those people who feared hugs. I understood some people were sensitive to
it
touch, but I wasn’t one of those people. But what Eric was doing wasn’t normal. He never even gave
th
a full embrace to his sister, let alone a friend.
I glanced around the property, expecting a camera. Perhaps he was putting on a performance for a
documentary or a VidTube channel he was starting. Or, even worse, maybe this was a setup. Some
nst
evil plan he cooked up to lure me in before he did something terrible.
t?
It wouldn’t work. I refused to be a sucker.
“I’m not a hugger,” I blurted out.
His arms fell slightly but still hung in the air, hoping I would give in.
ke
“Really? Is that why you acted strange last week at The Blue Spot? I’m sorry, dude, I really did not
know. I respect your wishes.”
so
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. I threw up my hands and backed away. Respect my
nk
wishes? What messed-up crap was that?
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
The Project Gutenberg eBook of Text book of
veterinary medicine, Volume 2 (of 5)
 This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United
States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with
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laws of the country where you are located before using this
eBook.

Title: Text book of veterinary medicine, Volume 2 (of 5)

Author: James Law

Release date: October 13, 2023 [eBook #71874]

Language: English

Original publication: Ithaca: Published by the author, 1902

Credits: Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed

Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file
was produced from images generously made available
by The Internet Archive)

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TEXT BOOK

OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, VOLUME 2 (OF 5) ***
Transcriber’s Note:
New original cover art included with this eBook is
granted to the public domain.
 TEXT BOOK

OF

VETERINARY MEDICINE

BY

JAMES LAW, F.R.C.V.S.

Director of the New York State Veterinary College Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y.

VOL. II

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS—LIVER—

PANCREAS—AND SPLEEN

ITHACA
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR
1900
Copyright by
JAMES LAW
1900

PRESS OF
ANDRUS & CHURCH
ITHACA, N. Y.
 VETERINARY MEDICINE.

DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS.

Second in importance to pulmonary complaints in solipeds; equal in ruminants.

Extent of digestive organs and character of food, in carnivora, herbivora, and
omnivora. Ruminant’s stomachs. Gastric fermentation. Foreign bodies. Torpor.
Unwholesome fodder.

In the horse these maladies are only second in importance to those

of the respiratory organs, while in ruminants they are equally
frequent and important. The varying susceptibility of the digestive
organs to disease in different families and the special proclivity of
different parts of these organs may be, in great part, explained by the
great variation in the food, by the relative extent of the gastro-
intestinal surface, and by the amount of work devolving on the
respective viscera.
In carnivora the entire gastro-intestinal surface is little more
than half the area of the skin, for their rich animal food does not
require a prolonged retention and an elaborate series of intricate
processes to insure digestion and absorption. This system of organs
is accordingly less liable to disorder in carnivora than in herbivora
and omnivora. Add to this that the carnivorous stomach is very
capacious relatively to the intestine, that the digestion of the great
bulk of the food (nitrogenous elements) is nearly completed in this
viscus, and that the contents of this organ are easily and completely
discharged by vomiting whenever they prove irritating, and we have
ample explanation of the comparative immunity of these animals
from digestive disorders.
The herbivora stand at the opposite extreme, the gastro-
intestinal surface being over double the area of the skin in the horse,
and nearly three times that extent in the ox. The hard, fibrous and
comparatively innutritious vegetable food of these animals
necessitates its prolonged retention in the alimentary canal in order
to the completion of digestion and the absorption of the nutritive
constituents. Hence the great liability of the herbivora to diseases of
the digestive organs.
Omnivora occupy a place intermediate between these two
classes, as regards both the nature of the food and the extent of
surface of the alimentary canal, and they are in similar ratio little
liable to digestive disorders. They have besides in common with
carnivora a great facility in the rejection of irritant matters by
vomiting, and in thus protecting themselves against gastric and
intestinal disorders.
A fair idea of the area of the intestinal surface may be given by
stating the length of the canal relatively to that of the body:—in the
dog : : 6 : 1, in the rabbit : : 10 : 1, in the ass and mule : : 11 : 1, in the
horse : : 12 : 1, in swine : : 14 : 1, in the ox :: 20 : 1, and in the sheep : :
27 : 1. The calibre of the intestine varies however and with it the
capacity. Thus in the relatively shorter intestine of the horse, the
capacity is much greater in ratio with the size of the animal than is
the relatively much longer intestine of the pig. The ox’s intestine
though twice the length of that of the horse has little more than half
the capacity.
Among herbivora the monogastric (horse, ass, mule), and
polygastric (ruminants) animals manifest varying pathological
susceptibility according to the relative development of the different
digestive viscera and the habitual character of their food. The horse
and other large solipeds have small stomachs (16 qts.) and capacious
intestines (196 qts.). Digestion is restricted in the stomach and
largely carried on in the spacious bowels. The small stomach requires
to be frequently replenished in moderate amount, but, if this is
secured, its liability to disease is slight while that of the intestines is
very considerable. In the ox the stomachs have a total capacity of 252
qts., while that of the intestines averages 103 qts. In this animal the
capacious and hard working stomach is a frequent seat of disorder,
while the comparatively small intestines are to a large extent exempt.
The small stomach of the horse is easily overloaded and disordered
or paralyzed by an unusually full feed of grain when hungry, or one
of some specially appetizing fodder, and the case is serious, as relief
can rarely be obtained by vomiting. For the same reason
fermentation of the gastric contents with evolution of gas and
tympany usually proves fatal to the horse since relief by eructation is
too often impossible. Cattle are fitted to live in damp localities where
the cloven foot prevents sinking and getting bogged, and where they
may draw in with the tongue a full mouthful of coarse herbage which
they swallow with little mastication or admixture with saliva. This
lodges in the first two stomachs, and if, from any cause, rumination
is impaired, or suspended, it finds itself in conditions especially
favorable to fermentation. The food too, as in the case of frosted
roots, wet clover or partially ripened grain, etc., is often charged with
ferments (bacteria) in a state of great vital activity, and hence the
frequent tympanies of the ox. The ruminant is no less liable than the
soliped to overload the stomach, and though the return of food from
the first two stomachs to the mouth is a normal process, this is
promptly arrested by the supervention of paresis in the overloaded
and overdistended organs. This overdistension further tensely
stretches and closes the lips of the œsophagean opening. The rapid
swallowing of the food, with only one or two strokes of the teeth for
each morsel, renders the large ruminant more liable to take in
poisons, pins, nails and other injurious bodies, especially when
hunger and the blunting of the sense of smell have been brought on
by traveling on dusty roads. Again the large ruminants, and
especially cows are wont to while away the tedious hours by chewing
and unwittingly swallowing pieces of leather, cloth, bones, iron, etc.
Once more the third stomach in which the food is compressed and
triturated between the multiple folds, is normally comparatively dry,
and is liable under dry, fibrous, heating or stimulating aliment, or in
case of fever, to dry up in part or in whole, and to derange the whole
process of digestion.
All herbivora are liable to disease from unwholesome fodder and
the resulting affection may prove epizootic in connection with
unfavorable seasons, or more local, from faulty cultivation.
 The symptoms vary so much in connection with the seat and
nature of the disease that it would be impolitic to attempt to
generalize them.
 DISEASES OF THE MOUTH.

Relative susceptibility to disease of the mouth: Food; irritants; bits; ropes;

speculum; sharp metallic bodies; micro-organisms; functional; nervous.

These are met with in all domestic animals, but are above all
common in horses, oxen and pigs, partly because of special
susceptibilities and of the nature of the food, but largely by reason of
the exposure of this part to mechanical injuries, especially in horses
and cattle. Hard bits and the harder hands of cruel and ruthless
drivers, nooses of rope tied over the lower jaw and tongue, iron
stirrup, clevis, or balling iron used without cover to force the jaws
apart, a large drenching horn employed as a lever for the same
purpose, an extemporized Yankee bridle rudely applied or used in
breaking a colt, the method of curing a balking or jibbing horse by
tying a rope to his lower jaw and to a bar extending forward from the
pole, pins, needles, thorns and other sharp bodies, and irritants in
food or medicine are among the causes of such disorders. Then there
are the many irritating microörganismal ferments in food, water,
mucus, etc., and irritant and hot medicines and food to account for
local inflammations.
 FUNCTIONAL DISORDERS.
Among these are the convulsive closure of the jaws in tetanus, the
flaccid state of the lips, cheek, and tongue in paralysis, and the
pendent state of the lower jaw in paralytic canine madness. See
these different subjects.
 STRUCTURAL DISEASES.
INFLAMMATION OF THE LIPS, CHEILITIS.

Causes of Cheilitis: Local injuries; poisoned; envenomed; secondary disease.

Symptoms: swelling; salivation; difficult prehension; cracks; blisters; ulcers;
indurations. Treatment: obviate causes; astringents; antiseptics; derivatives;
gravitation; for venoms antacid; antiseptic, Iodine.

Causes. Blows, pricks, wounds and bruises with bits or twitch, and
other mechanical and chemical irritants, irritant vegetables, bites of
leeches or snakes, stings of insects, etc. It may be a skin disease
dependent on disorder of some remote organ, or a local engorgement
due to a constitutional state. (See, Urticaria Surfeit, Purpura
hæmorrhagica, Variola, Strangles).
Symptoms. Swelling, stiffness, heat and tenderness of the lips,
with or without local abrasion, or incised or punctured wound. Food
may be entirely refused from inability to take it in with the rigid
tender lips, and saliva drivels from the mouth because of their
imperfect apposition. Cracks, blisters and raw sores or ulcers may or
may not supervene. In old standing cases the lips become indurated
and comparatively immobile.
Treatment. Remove the cause whether irritants in food, or drugs,
sharp pointed bodies lodged in the tissues, injuries by bit, twitch or
otherwise. Local applications have comparatively little effect, being
promptly removed by the tongue, yet a lotion of vinegar and honey;—
of borax 10 grains and honey or glycerine 1 oz.;—or of alum in a
similar medium will often prove useful. A dose of laxative medicine
will favor resolution, and if there is great tumefaction, feeding thick
gruels from high manger, and tying to a high rack so as to prevent
drooping of the head, will favor recovery. In snake bites and stings
the local application of aqua ammonia and its administration
internally (horse and cow 1 oz., sheep 2 dr. in 20 times its volume of
water) should be practiced; or permanganate of potash may be used.
When the heat and tenderness subside, leaving much thickening
and induration it may be repeatedly painted with a lotion of one part
of tincture of iodine in three parts of glycerine.
 CANCROID OF THE LIPS. EPITHELIOMA.

Epithelioma: Animals susceptible; accessory causes; symptoms; lesions.

Treatment: Warts and polypi. Actinomycosis: Wounds; abrasions; infection atria.
Symptoms; treatment. Trombidiosis: infected regions; not compulsory parasite;
European and American trombidia; distinct from chigoe. Symptoms. Treatment.

This has been observed in the cat and the horse, commencing at
the angle of the mouth and doubtless partially determined in the
latter animal by the irritation of the bit.
It is characterized by thickening of the tissues of the lips, in the
form of small irregularly rounded masses, and tending to the
formation of a spreading ulcer. The thickened tissues are invaded,
pushed aside and infiltrated by epithelial or epithelioid cells, which,
no longer confined to the surface as in the natural state, grow in the
interior of the tissues and destroy them.
Treatment. The disease has little tendency to cause secondary
deposits in other organs and may often be arrested by local
measures. In its earliest stages it may be arrested by the thorough
removal of the diseased structures with the knife, the resulting
deformity being obviated by bringing the raw edges together by
suture, so as to secure their adhesion, or the actual cautery may be
used. The tendency to irritation from putrefaction products escaping
from the mouth may be counteracted by occasional sponging with a
weak lotion of carbolic acid (1 part to 50 of water) or an ointment of
one part of very finely powdered boracic acid to two parts of simple
ointment.
Leblanc has repeatedly succeeded in these cases by the use of
chlorate of potash, locally and generally. The local application may
be a solution of two drachms in four ounces of water, while the dose
of the powder for the horse is 2 to 4 drachms daily.
 Warts and Polypi. These are common on the outer and even the
inner side of the lips, especially in dogs. They are easily removed by
the scissors, after which their roots should be thoroughly cauterized
with a pointed stick of lunar caustic or chloride of zinc.
 ACTINOMYCOSIS OF THE LIPS.

In the rich river bottom lands of northern Germany and Russia

where actinomyces abound actinomycosis is common in the form of
papillæ of greater or lesser size on the lips and nose of horse and ox.
The abrasion of these parts by thorns, thistles, stubble, dry fibrous
fodders and other irritants, appears to produce a raw surface for the
colonization of the germ, which is not slow to avail of the
opportunity. The resulting lesions take the appearance of warty
looking elevations, more or less indurated, which on section show
the sulphur yellow actinomyces tufts of club-shaped cells converging
to a central mycelial mass.
Treatment is simple as the disease is at first essentially local, and
is easily checked by the local application of iodine. The wartlike
elevations may be shaved off with a razor or cut off with sharp
scissors and the surface painted once or twice daily with tincture of
iodine. If there is suspicion of distant or deepseated actinomycosis
the internal treatment with potassium iodide will be in order.
 TROMBIDIOSIS OF THE NOSE AND LIPS.
HARVEST ITCH.
In different parts of Europe and America, and especially in the
warmer regions, or in sheltered gardens, shrubberies, and pastures,
different species of the trombidium abound, and the young hexapod
larvæ attack man and beast, burrowing under the cuticle and giving
rise to extreme itching and persistent and irritating rubbing of the
affected part. These parasites belong to the family of acari or mites,
so that the condition they produce is one of acariasis or mange, only
the offender is not a compulsory parasite, but appears to survive in
certain soils and in the vegetation independently of animal hosts.
Their parasitism is therefore accidental and non-essential to their
survival.
The trombidian parasite usually found in Europe is the
Trombidium Holosericeum or silky trombidium, so small (in its
larval state) that it is just visible to the naked eye as a bright scarlet
point when moving on a dark background. It was formerly called
Leptus Autumnalis and is familiarly known as the red beast, bete
rouge, harvest bug, etc. The common American species is of a dull
brick red, so that it is less easily detected even on a dark background.
It is familiarly known as the jigger, though quite distinct from the
chigoe or burrowing flea of the West Indies.
The domestic herbivora get these parasites on the nose and lips
while browsing on the pastures and contract an intolerable itching
which may lead to violent rubbing, abrasions and scabby exudations.
The skin becomes thickened, scabby and rigid, and as new accessions
are constantly received the malady continues until cold weather sets
in. The affection is not in any sense dangerous, and the attacks may
be warded off by a daily application of one of the common
parasiticides—decoction of tobacco, tar water, solution of creolin,
naphthalin, etc. The mere seclusion of the infested animal indoors,
without green food, will cure, as the larvæ pass through their
parasitic stage in a few days and drop off.