“You sound like my sister,” he mutters before we both hear a shriek coming from outside.
“Mabel!” A female voice scolds. “Do not jump on Hunter’s head, bad dog!”
Zane swipes a hand over his face. “That’s my sister and the Yorkies.”
She comes barreling into the office. “Oh, my god! I’m sorry I’m so late! Mabel was being a pill, and Hunter wouldn’t stop trying to hump all the equipment in the playground, he has a thing for the see-saw. You must be Sadie!”
I smile, liking her instantly. “Hello, yes, Isabelle?”
“You can call me Izzy, or Iz, or whatever you’d like.” She shakes my hand while trying to juggle the two little yappers at our feet.
One little brown-and-gray-colored dog has a pink ribbon tying her bangs out of her eyes, and the other has a blue bow. “Meet Mabel and Hunter.”
They both look up at me, turning their heads to the side, then the one named Hunter barks at Zane in rapid succession. I smile at that. Sucker.
“Yap all you want, little guy,” Zane says. “You’re half a foot tall, I’m not afraid of you.”
“Sorry, Z,” Isabelle says, flinging her beanie off as snow flies off onto the desk. “They’re missing their owner, and I’m trying my best, but even the bark box they were given each wasn’t enough to stop the little devils from terrorizing Alpine Falls.”
Hunter is wary, but Mable sniffs my boots, then strolls over to Zane. Astonishingly, she jumps up and sits on his knee.
“Hey!” Isabelle scolds. “What am I, chopped liver?”
Zane pets her head, clearly an animal lover. “I have a way with dogs.”
“You mean you have a way with wild animals,” Isabelle snorts. She turns her attention to me. “I’m so sorry if Zane… wait, are you okay? Your nose is a little red, and your eyes are glassy... and you’re holding balled up tissues… Zane!”
“I’m fine,” I say quickly, avoiding Zane’s gaze. “I thought I had a little cold coming on, but it’s probably just the altitude.”
Isabelle narrows her eyes like she doesn’t believe me.
“These two are gorgeous,” I say for distraction. “I have a cat at home, but dogs are just as awesome.”
That perks Isabelle up. “Yorkies are known to be confident, bold and intelligent. They’re courageous little warriors. I’m studying to be a vet. Somehow I’ve been roped back into the family fold until my internship starts next year.”
“How fantastic.” I beam.
Hunter continues to sniff around as Isabelle lets go of his leash.
“Aw, would you look at that? Mabel likes my brother, that makes one person, the world makes sense again,” Isabelle laughs.
Zane gives her a withering look, and I want to burst out laughing. Somehow I get the impression he’s better with animals than people. “I told you, I’ve always had a way with animals,” Zane says. “Sue me.”
She scoffs. “Right, but Mabel is the boss around here, right, sweetie pie?”
“Is that right?” Zane challenges just as Mable flops onto her back in his arms, demanding more tickles. It really is cute. “You were sayin’?”
Isabelle rolls her eyes. “She doesn’t know any better, clearly.”
“Dogs are good judges of character, or so you’re always telling me.”
“Getting back to Sadie,” Isabelle says, giving her brother daggers. “Since she hasn’t run away already, I’m assuming you two got acquainted?”
I don’t know where to look because Zane Lawless is intense. Why I keep having visions of him shirtless while he’s giving me a lecture on all his rules is clearly a defense mechanism.
“Yep,” I say, not meaning to pop the ‘p.’ “Your Mom, too. She’s the one who gave me the sweater. And I met your grandma.”
“Perfect!” Isabelle says. “Well, I’m going to go and pop these two next door for a few while I take you around the property.”
