“Which one of those clowns named her something so absurd?” Victoria demanded. “Please don’t tell me Leo did it. I’ll have to listen to Ivan whine again about getting glasses and how Leo set him up by asking him to meet Cole.”
“Cole said no one ever named her,” Hannah added. “She’s so sweet and soft and deserves a better one.”
“Cole seems dedicated to you, Hannah. How can anyone get past his startling blue eyes?” Victoria said, pulling into the facility’s parking lot.
“He’s my friend,” she said firmly. “Brody’s the best and Nine’s still a puppy. Brody will teach her all she needs to know.”
The women smiled at each other, seeing Hannah fiercely stick up for her new friends.
“I texted Ivan. He knows we’re here. Cole insisted on greeting Hannah and bringing her in. He’s a bit hot about her coming. He thinks we pressured her,” Victoria told the group. “I hope the pup learned his lesson last time he crossed me.”
“You hurt Brody?” Hannah exclaimed.
“I’d never hurt a poor defenseless animal.” Victoria scowled indignantly. “I only kicked Cole in the nuts.”
Kassie groaned. “You’re not helping the situation, Victoria.”
“I merely answered her question. It seems your new friend has an impulsive nature. Oh, look, here he comes now.”
The woman watched a red-faced Cole cross the pavement. Hannah’s eyes widened at the sight of him stalking toward the vehicle. Brody seemed to sense his master’s anger and went into battle mode. His gait changed as he watched Cole’s six.
When he approached the vehicle, his gaze swept it in search of the woman he came to rescue.
Kassie immediately jumped out and circled the van. Cole yanked the door open, and his steely eyes landed on Sparky.
“I trusted you. Hannah only started speaking yesterday and I assured her we’d do this at her speed,” he ground out.
“And she decided she wanted to try. Let her breathe in the fresh air and get your head out of your ass. Don’t spoil this moment for her,” Sparky demanded.
His eyes searched Hannah’s. “You don’t have to do this,” he reminded her.
Claire sat between them, still holding Hannah’s hand. She squeezed it and motioned for her to exit.
“They gave me a choice. I want to watch you train the dogs. Small steps lead to big ones. They came to support me. Please don’t yell at them. I’m not entirely sure about this, but I’m here,” she babbled.
Claire slipped out of her seat and the other women took their cue.
Cole placed his hands on the roof and leaned inside. “Are you all right?” he asked quietly as the women stayed within Hannah’s sight.
“I don’t know. You seem mad. Did I do something wrong?” she asked.
Cole sighed. He wanted to lean forward and pull her into his arms, assuring her of her safety.
“You absolutely did not,” he said. “I don’t train here. It’s down the road a ways. Do you want to come inside? Ty brought lunch, and more importantly, he has sides,” he teased, attempting to calm the mood between them.
“Will you and Brody stay close to me?” she whispered.
“You don’t even have to ask,” he assured her. “By the way, I’m damn proud of you.”
Hannah grinned as he held out his hand. She unbuckled her seatbelt and placed her hand in his. Brody flanked her opposite side as the women walked around them, ensuring she still felt the security they promised.
Leo met them at the entrance and allowed them inside. He kissed Catherine as she stepped into his arms.
When Cole brought Hannah forward, Leo smiled. “Hello, Hannah. I’m Leo.”
She nodded politely as Cole’s hand slipped to her back, letting her feel his support. Brody moved closer to her thigh as they followed everyone to the kitchen.
When she saw the big, bulky men sitting around the kitchen table, she stopped. Cole heard her sharp intake of breath.
