“Oh, for God’s sake, you are a pain in the ass.” Kyle tore a bag from the roll, turning it inside out around his hand.
Laina held back a smile. It wasn’t proof, but she was more confident than ever Kyle was human. When he was done, he tied off the bag, looking positively disgusted.
“Happy?” he asked.
She nodded. “Just leave it here. We’ll pick it up on the way back to the house after one more time around the yard. You’re doing really well.”
He dropped it and wiped his perfectly clean hands on his pants. “What happened between last night and today, Laina?”
“Anna.”
“There’s no one out here but us.”
She sighed, walking quickly to keep up with Kyle and Milo’s pace. “I think the scotch went to my head.”
“Are you saying you didn’t want to kiss me?”
Even then, with Milo between them and in the bright light of day, her desire for him felt like a neon badge she wore on her chest. How could he not see it on her? Lying would be futile.
“I did. I do,” she murmured.
“So why the icy attitude this morning? I thought we had something. Are you angry that I had to leave to handle that situation at the club?”
“No. I just think, with everything going on in your life and mine, the only responsible thing to do is keep a professional distance.”
“What about our date?”
“I think it’s a bad idea.”
They arrived back where they’d started, and Kyle picked up the baggy without saying a word. He led the way back toward the house, tossing it in the garbage can near the pool. The tight set of his jaw told her he was more than a little confused and frustrated.
“We should feed Milo,” Laina said, then thought to offer an olive branch. “Would you like to have breakfast together?”
He shook his head. “I have a board meeting at ten. Another time.”
Her heart constricted at his emotionless tone and flat smile. He nodded, handing her the leash once they were inside the door. “Thanks for the lesson.” He scooped three cups of kibble into Milo’s bowl. “Milo, sit,” he said firmly. This time, the dog obeyed. Laina could feel why the mastiff had a change of heart; the energy coming off Kyle sizzled against her skin. He dropped the bowl and turned to leave.
“He’ll need another walk and to be fed tonight,” she said. The note of hope beneath the words was less about Milo and more about wanting to see him again. She hated herself for it, but she was already looking forward to their next training session.
He nodded once and headed for his room.
* * *
“You have to let me help,”Laina told Gerty, picking up a rag and loading it with wood polish.
“You’re Kyle’s guest— hired to train the dog, not to clean. It’s not your job.”
“Milo is sleeping, and I’m bored. I need something to do.”
“Why not explore the library?”
Laina shook her head. Not only did she feel useless sitting around, she wanted the company.
“If you help me, what will I do when I finish early?” Gerty quirked a brow.
Laina smiled at the old woman. “You’ll sit down in a chair and drink a glass of lemonade with me.”
Gerty made a noise deep in her throat and waved her hand in the air. Without hesitation, Laina started in on the woodwork in the dining room. “How long have you worked for Kyle?” she asked, desperate for the distraction of conversation.
