Matt joined her, settling a respectful distance from the dog. “I think Luna might feel better in a quieter spot,” he suggested to Joey. “There’s a small office at the back of the barn where she can relax.”
“I didn’t mean to upset her,” Joey said miserably.
“You haven’t done anything wrong,” Lynda assured him. “Some dogs, especially rescues, get overwhelmed in noisy, crowded places. It’s part of their adjustment process.”
Luna had stopped barking entirely now. Her attention was fixed on Lynda. Cautiously, the dog took a step toward her, then another.
“That’s it,” she encouraged softly. “No one’s going to hurt you.”
Matt watched as Luna gradually approached Lynda, sniffing tentatively at her outstretched hand. When Luna seemed comfortable, Lynda offered the treat on her open palm. The dog took it, then pressed against her side, seeking comfort.
“There we go,” Lynda murmured as she stroked Luna’s head. “You’re okay.”
A small crowd had gathered to watch them work, including Carol, Brenda, and several of the shelter’s volunteers. Matt caught Joey’s eye. “Let’s walk Luna to the quiet room while she’s calm.”
Together, they escorted the dog through the barn, Lynda keeping a gentle hand on Luna’s back, Matt leading the way and making sure no one approached too suddenly. By the time they reached the small office, Luna had stopped trembling.
“That was amazing,” Joey said once they’d settled Luna on a blanket in the corner. “How did you know what to do?”
“Experience,” Matt and Lynda said simultaneously, then exchanged surprised glances.
Joey sat beside his dog. “I’ll stay with Luna. My brother said he’d take me home early if we want to leave.”
“That might be a good idea,” Lynda said. “The music might get a little noisy for Luna.”
Matt looked at Joey. “Do you want me to find your brother?”
“That’d be great, Dr. Reynolds.”
Lynda stood beside Matt. “I’ll help look for your brother, too. We won’t be long.”
As they stepped out of the office, Joey sat closer to Luna.
Matt stood beside Lynda in the narrow hallway. The sounds of the fundraiser seemed distant here, the music and chatter muffled.
“We make a good team,” he said quietly.
Lynda met his eyes, something unreadable in her expression. “We do, don’t we?”
For a moment, Matt thought about reaching for her hand, about giving voice to the thoughts that had been circling in his mind for weeks now. But before he could gather his courage, Carol appeared at the end of the hallway.
“There you are!” she called. “They’re about to announce the first round of silent auction winners, and they need Matt’s help.”
Matt sighed. “Duty calls. Remember to save me a dance.”
Lynda nodded, the silver earrings catching the light. “I will.”
As Matt followed Carol back into the bustling main area of the barn, he realized he was looking forward to that dance more than he cared to admit. Because working with Lynda to calm Luna had confirmed what he’d been suspecting for weeks—they weren’t just good colleagues or casual friends.
They were something else entirely, something with potential that both thrilled and terrified him. And for the first time in fifteen years, he was ready to find out exactly what that something might be.
CHAPTER 8
Matt stood by the refreshment table, sipping his punch and scanning the barn. The fairy lights that Lynda had hung created a magical atmosphere, casting a warm glow over the crowded dance floor. Thankfully, the fundraiser was a resounding success. The weather hadn’t deterred anyone, and the first five auction items had sold for far more than they were worth.
He spotted Lynda across the room, talking with Isabel and Frank.
Carol appeared beside him. “You should ask her to dance.”
