He barked twice, then turned and sat forward like he was ready to go. The little bastard was getting his way. If I kicked him out, he’d just follow me home like Lassie.
I shifted into drive and pulled out of the ranch. Before I headed to work, I had to stop by the bank and deposit my check. I couldn’t remember the last time I actually had a checking account. I usually dealt in cash, but now, I was acting like a normal person, with income to report and everything.
I waited in line behind two other cars, but going inside wasn’t an option. The last time I did that, the women all gaped at me, needling me for information on where I was from, who my family was, and if I was single.
That last question got asked way too much.
At least in the drive-thru, only one woman could harass me. And just my luck, it was the oldest broad at the bank who was happily married, if the gossip around town was true.
“Mr. Hunt!” she greeted me cheerily.
“Afternoon, Ruth. Just a deposit today.”
She beamed at me, leaning in close to the microphone. “I see you have a friend with you today.”
“He’s not a friend. More of a stowaway.”
“Just let me get this deposited and I’ll grab a little treat for him.”
As if the dog knew she was talking about him, he barked excitedly.
“That’s really not necessary. He’s not my?—”
But she had already walked away.
“See what you’ve done?” I asked the dog accusingly. “I need to get to work, and you’re delaying me.”
He barked again. The little mutt was causing all kinds of trouble.
“You shouldn’t even be in my truck. I have a no dogs policy, and you’re ruining that.”
“JR, would you like any cash back?”
“No, thanks, Ruth.”
She smiled at me again. “You know, I have a granddaughter in town. Her name is Ada, and she’s the sweetest thing. Has her own daughter as well, Rose. She’s so smart and such a sweet little girl. Oh, what am I talking about? She’s nearly a teenager now. Her father, well, we won’t discuss him?—”
“Mrs. Preston, I really have to go.”
“Right, just let me find those dog treats. I know I have them somewhere.”
“Really, it’s not?—”
She pushed her glasses on her face and beamed. “There they are.” Sticking one in the automated tray, she pressed the button. “What’s his name?”
Sighing, I gave her the only name Josie ever called him. “Milo.”
“Milo! What a sweet dog. I’ll see you next time, Milo, with plenty more treats.”
I took the damn dog biscuit and tossed it at him, grumbling the whole way to the bar. I couldn’t believe anyone would feel the need to give a dog biscuits. It was absolutely ridiculous.
When I got out, I motioned for the dog to follow and pointed to the ground. “Stay.”
Lizzy was already rushing around by the time I walked inside. And she was doing shit she didn’t need to be doing. If Liam caught her, she’d be getting a lecture from him.
“Here, let me take those,” I said, snatching the crate of glasses.
“Thanks. I just have so much to get done.”
