“Yes,” she agreed, reaching for his hand. They entered the facility and he introduced her to the new dogs. She spent extratime with the one who still seemed frail, encouraging him to eat his food and praising him. Brody sat at her feet and brooded, making Cole chuckle.How does it feel, big boy?
When he let Nine out of her crate, the puppy went insane, further proving she needed extra help with his manners. She ran around the training area at warp speed and jumped on Hannah, barking.
“Down,” Cole commanded, yet the puppy ignored him as she gave loves to Hannah and chased her tail. “I hope no one witnesses her. They’ll think I’m a poor excuse for a trainer.”
“She’s happy to see us,” she exclaimed. “She’ll calm down.”
“She’s thrilled to see you. Nine has never greeted me this way. Even Brody appears smitten with you. Look, he’s pouting,” Cole said, making her twist to see Brody with his head to the floor, watching her play with the puppy.
“Oh, Brody. You’ll always have my heart from the first day you put a pinecone in my hand. Come here, boy,” she said, holding her arm out to him. Brody jumped up, and his tail wagged nonstop while she kissed his head. Why did he feel jealous of his own dog?
Hannah moved to the sitting area while Cole and Archer worked with the other dogs. He showed Archer how to use the clicker, what commands to use, and how to say everything in German. Eventually, he’d teach him the hand signals, too. He glanced up to see Hannah absorbed in watching him with Nine taking up her entire lap and Brody glued to her side.
Cole whistled and signaled for Brody while Archer put the last dog in his kennel. Brody bounded down to the area, and Cole practiced with him, giving him treats. As soon as they finished, he sent Brody and the puppy outside for a potty break.
“Wow, Cole. I’m impressed,” Hannah said, coming down to meet him.
“I hoped you might be,” he said, winking at her.
“Brody knows his commands. Will the other dogs learn the same exact ones? How do you choose which dog goes with who?” she asked, interested in learning more.
“Leo hired a new guy who’s worked with canines before. Liam will pair with Apollo. He needs someone who won’t bend the rules,” he explained.
“Like hamburgers?” she asked mischievously.
“I knew I’d regret telling you,” he said, laughing. “Leo wants us to stop by the facility. Patch, Knight, Sparky, and he are the only ones there. Do you mind?”
“No. I’m with you and Brody. He’ll watch my six while you’re gabbing. It’ll be nice to see Scarlett.”
“Actually, when we’re on the job, she’s Sparky,” he reminded her.
“Oh, yeah. I forgot,” she said, as she watched him gather items for Nine. “How long will you keep her?”
“Until she learns her manners,” he said, attaching the leash. Brody waited for Cole to release him before running to Hannah’s side, leaving him to carry everything.
Hannah reached over, taking the dog bed and the bag full of treats and toys. “I’ll take these while you carry the food.”
“I can handle it,” he assured her as he picked up the big bag.
“Call it my third win for the day,” she said cheekily as she held the door open for him to pass. Nine tried to pull and tug him, but Cole remained firm.
“Will I be able to pet her at home?”
“Yes, but no giving her people food, or baby talk. I’ll teach you the commands and you can help me train her.”
They got into the truck and drove to the facility. Scarlett met her at the entrance. “Hey, Hannah. How’s it going?” she asked, hugging her.
“I went to Bryanna’s and ate pancakes today. Then, I watched Cole train with the dogs. We walked the trail,” she informed her proudly.
Scarlett listened to ensure Cole didn’t hear her. When she heard him talking to Knight, she asked, “How did last night go? I wish you’d change your mind and stay with me.”
“It went fine,” Hannah said, grinning from ear to ear.
Scarlett narrowed her eyes. “Your voice sounded different. There’s a story there. I’m off tomorrow. Do you want to do something?”
“Can we have lunch at Ty’s? I want to try your husband’s restaurant,” she admitted.
“How about you experience his cooking at my home? Then we can have time for girl talk. Cole’s taking the dogs to the outdoor play area. Leo asked me to bring you to his office. Then, we have a meeting. He’s got his panties in a bunch about something,” Scarlett said, leading her to the office. “I’ll ask Cole to drop you off tomorrow. See ya then.”
