It had been his first time naked with a man after Brian. The first taste of a passion so explosive, Jake still awoke with the phantom weight of Shea’s arms around him and the taste of Shea’s kisses on his lips. The attraction between them blazed so bright and quick, Jake thought he’d feel guilty as hell, but he didn’t. It felt as natural as his heartbeat.
Jake shook his head at his foolishness. He had no time to waste on long-distance dreams. The interest Stacey had shown in the pictures and stories he’d brought back from the ranch had encouraged him further that they should get a pet, and after discussing it with her therapist, today after work, he, Stacey, and Terry were going to the animal rescue to get Stacey an emotional-support dog.
Since leaving school for the summer vacation, Terry and Stacey visited the zoo twice a week so Stacey could play with the animals in the petting area. Jake had also enrolled Stacey in therapeutic horseback riding lessons, all highly encouraged by her doctors.
He recalled Dr. Aggarwal, Stacey’s psychologist, explaining,“Animals have a unique ability people don’t. They give unconditional love. Whatever trauma Stacey suffered, being surrounded by animals who offer her comfort might make it easier for her to face it. Many children feel they can whisper their secrets to their pet, rather than tell their parents.”
“What secrets could she have?”It tore Jake apart, thinking she was suffering and he didn’t know why.
“That’s what we have to find out, Jake.”
In a situation where he had no control, that bit of information gave Jake something to hold on to.
“Hey, Jake.” Oliver stuck his head inside his office. “What’re you doing this weekend? Melissa and I are having a barbecue. Why don’t you and Stacey come?”
“I don’t know…” He glanced at their picture, taken in happier times, when her smile beamed as bright as summer sunshine.
“Come on. It’ll be good for her to spend time with other people. Melissa is dying to see you all, and Sean and Carli will be fine with Stacey. She’s our goddaughter. Let us spoil her.”
“Can I bring the dog? Assuming we get one today.”
“Dude, does a fish swim? The kids have been nagging us for a puppy. I’m all for it, but Melissa isn’t so sure. This will be a good test.” Oliver came into the office and closed the door behind him. “As for Stacey? You can’t shield her forever. Sooner or later you’ll get back the little girl she once was, but in the meantime, hiding her away isn’t helping her.” Oliver’s brows pulled together. “Or you.”
Jake scowled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means that ever since the retreat, you’ve been more withdrawn than ever. You used to at least sometimes come to lunch with us. We’ve given up trying to get you to come out during the week.”
“You know I can’t do that.”
“You have to dosomething. You’re sitting here or at home, withering away. The only time I saw you a little bit like your old self was at the ranch. Specifically, with that cowboy.” Settling in against the door, Oliver crossed his arms. “You two were pretty friendly from what I remember.”
There was little he enjoyed less than talking about his personal life. “Don’t get so comfortable. I have terminations scheduled for this afternoon, starting in ten minutes.”
“I could never understand why you don’t let your staff handle that.” Oliver pushed off and opened the door. “I’d hate to have to do it.”
“Because it’s the worst part of the job. And frankly, they shouldn’t have to deal with it. There’s a reason I make the money I do, and I figure if I have to take the heat for being the ‘axeman,’ so to speak, then so be it. I don’t care what other people think of me, especially strangers. Never have.”
“Okay. Getting back to Sunday, please say you’ll come. Bring anyone. The babysitter too, if you want.”
“No, Terry gets the weekends off. I guess…if you’re sure. Okay. Maybe Stacey will like the change of scenery. She used to love going to your house and swimming.” They’d put cute pink floaties on her, and she’d laugh and splash in the shallow end of the pool while he and Brian would paddle around her, sipping cocktails. Those early days when they were all a family had faded to nothing more than a memory. One he didn’t care to think about.
“Bring your bathing suits. It’s supposed to be hot as hell.”
“Okay. Right now it’s a go, unless something comes up with her.”
“Jake. I know. All I’m asking you to do is try.”
Oliver left, and Jake dropped his head in his hands. He’d been trying so hard, but it seemed like he was running on a hamster wheel, spinning endlessly and getting nowhere. Maybe getting this dog for Stacey would be the catalyst to jumpstart her back to the bright and lively little girl she once was.
Because Jake didn’t know how much longer he could live like this, seeing the pale shadow she’d become.
* * *
When they arrived at the Labrador retriever rescue and he explained what they wanted, the director gave them a reassuring smile.
“You’ve come to the right place.” Jim Barnes was a big man with a smile to match and twinkling brown eyes behind tortoiseshell glasses. The overhead light shone on his thick silver hair. “Labs make great family pets, love children, and are great service animals. Many people come here looking for the same thing you are.” His gaze shifted to Stacey, who sat staring at the floor, holding a stuffed dog. “The dog is for your daughter?”
“Yes. I wrote out a list of requirements.”
