“What’s wrong?” she asks before I can speak. “Is he not the right dog?” Concern wrinkles the corners of her eyes.
I glance down at Walter, who is still rubbing against me like a cat, claiming me in every way. “No, he’s perfect.” And I have a goddamned lump in my throat.
I swallow hard. “I can’t take him. You were right. I’m not in any position to bring a dog home. I was listening to Norah talk about his previous family and all they couldn’t give him, and it made me realize I’m no better. I might have the space for him, but it’s not fair to bring him home and pawn him off on Cassidy or Sasha. He’s had enough upheaval in his short life.”
Tara glances at Norah, then hooks her arm into mine and leads me out of the dog pen, down the hall, and out into the main room. “I’m sorry,” she murmurs.
I shake my head. “You tried to tell me.” It hurts like hell to walk away from Walter. I want to pull the dog into my arms and give him the home he deserves.
“Let’s get out of here.” I glance at Norah. “Sorry to have wasted your time.”
She treats me to an understanding smile. “I’d prefer you realize now rather than later and have him go through yet another home before being returned here.”
“Thanks, Norah. I’ll see you on my regular day.” Tara waves, and we walk out into the muggy air.
We stop by the car, and she taps my arm. “I’m sorry,” she says again.
I don’t have any words for what I’m feeling.
“Do you want to come back to my place and meet Dakota? Or is it the wrong time?” she asks.
I might be in a shit mood, but I won’t turn down spending time with Tara or meeting her dog. Myget a pet planmight have imploded, but mywin over Taraagenda hasn’t changed.
***
Tara
I sense Axel’smood and remain quiet on the drive to my house. Despite knowing he’s done the right thing, my heart hurts because he so obviously bonded with Walter. Axel parks in my driveway, and I slip my hand into his as we walk to my front door.
“Hang on.” I open my purse and sort through my stuff, finding my key.
No sooner do I open the door than Dakota comes barreling toward us, a white ball of fur jumping on Axel with her front paws.
“Dakota, off,” I say as I shut the door behind us.
The well-trained dog immediately places all four paws on the floor. I haven’t been able to train the greeting out of her, but she listens once she says hello.
I kick off my shoes by the door, then glance at Axel, wondering if he’ll care that he now has white fur on his black clothes. But he is already kneeling on the floor, giving my baby a huge greeting that will only make the hair situation worse. Question answered, I muse.
Though Dakota greets everyone warmly, she is good at getting a sense of people and turning her back if she doesn’t like how she is treated. No worries here. If her paws on his shoulders are anything to go by, she and Axel are now best buds.
Amused, I lean against the wall, watching them for a minute before I’m ready to move things along. “Let’s relax in another room, or she’s going to think you’re her new playmate.”
Axel’s gaze meets mine, and laughter dances in his eyes. “Jealous that another girl is paying attention to me?”
I roll my eyes. “Are you seriously asking me if I’m jealous of my dog?”
He rises to his feet and walks toward me. I take one step back and come up against the wall, aware of his large body so close to mine.
“I’m sorry about Walter,” I say softly.
He nods. “I should have listened to you. You know what you’re talking about, and you know what? Maybe a part of me did want the dog to get your approval, at least at first.”
It impresses me that he admits the truth. “Until you met him,” I murmur, lifting my hand and cupping his cheek. “Pets have a way of burrowing into our hearts.”
He touches his forehead to mine. “Not just pets.”
We remain like that, our breaths mingling, so many words between us unsaid.
