“Why now?”
“A lot of people moved to Colorado after they legalized weed. Not all had the means to stay, but they did anyway. I helped start a program with the department to help homeless kids—and their families, if they had them—connect with some services.”
He turned and looked at her. “That’s amazing.”
She shrugged. “That’s George and Cynthia’s influence.”
Alex watched the scenery fly by for a minute before asking his next question. “How’d he find you?”
That brought on a big smile. “I’d wander around Denver during the day, keeping it on the move, staying ahead of the predators, until about three o’clock and then I’d head for the library. I tried to blend in as just another after-school kid doing her homework. I liked the library. It was clean and quiet, and it felt safe. Itwassafe. The librarians kept an eye out.”
She passed a car, then continued. “I was careful to only show up after three, and then one day I screwed up. I’d lost track of days and thought it was Saturday, so I came in early. One of the librarians quietly called the police for a wellness check on me and George showed up. He was Denver PD before he got the job up here. You know the rest.”
Sylvie turned left onto the road leading to Watchdog. Trees shaded the road and dappled sunlight played on the Mustang’s shiny hood. They passed through the main gate and Alex flashed his ID for the guard since Sylvie’s car didn’t have a windshield sticker that would automatically scan and raise the gate. Then they drove farther up the road until she pulled into the kennel’s parking lot.
When they got out, Alex rounded the car and had the trunk open before Sylvie could. Besides the two tote bags, he saw the blanket she’d mentioned and an old backpack that looked full.
“Hey. I got it,” Sylvie said.
“Nope.” Alex lifted out the totes and she quickly closed the trunk like she had a body stashed in it.What’s that about?
They went inside and Alex waved to Jodie the receptionist as Sylvie picked up the pace ahead of him.Of course, she’s just eager to see Chewie.
“Where’s my baby? There he is!” Chewie was already pawing at his kennel door, eager to be with his human. Sylvie opened Chewie’s kennel and the dog raced out and into her arms. “Mama’s so sorry and wishes she could bring you home.”
Alex loved watching the two interact. He’d been by earlier to feed and exercise everyone, making extra-sure that Chewie was okay. The dog was fine, but lacked some of his enthusiasm. He’d looked around for Sylvie, which made Alex even angrier at her HOA.
He opened Mac’s kennel and greeted his partner.
“Looks like I didn’t have to leave you here for long after all.” Mac licked his face in response. Champ’s kennel was empty, telling Alex that the puppy was in the yard for his morning training.
On the way back out, Alex went behind the receptionist’s desk. Jodie wasn’t there and he figured she was taking her break and walking around the grounds. He opened a desk drawer, pulled out a sticker and checked its number, then typed his name and the number into a security program on Jodie’s computer.
“Here you go.” He handed Sylvie a key and the security sticker. “The sticker goes on the top left-hand corner of your windshield.”
“What’s this for?”
“Since you’re boarding Chewie here until you find a new place, this’ll make it easier to get in and out, especially after-hours when you have a late shift.”
She turned the key over in her hands, studying it. “I…thank you.” She looked up at him. “Do you have authorization to give me this?”
He grinned. “My kennel, my rules, remember? Some of Arden’s regular patients who see her up at the ranch, and the people boarding their horses with her, have gate passes. I’m sure Kyle won’t have a problem with an upstanding officer of the law having one, too.”
She studied his face, then swiftly moved in and pecked his cheek. Red crept into her cheeks. Alex was tempted to wrap his arm around her, press his hand to the small of her back, and bring her in for a real kiss. But the camera in the top corner of the reception area stopped him.
“Let’s get a move on,” he said instead, hating the sudden doubt on her face. He’d clear that up as soon as they were in the car. Alex pushed the door open and they headed for the Mustang. Sylvie took out the blanket and spread it over the back seat and the dogs happily settled in.
As soon as they were both in the car, Sylvie turned to Alex. “Sorry about the kiss, it was inapp—”
She couldn’t finish with Alex’s lips pressed against hers. He twined his fingers in her thick hair and played with the nape of her neck while he tasted her lips—so sweet. He teased them with the tip of his tongue, seeing if she was responsive. When her mouth opened, he plunged his tongue in and met hers. The way she played, gliding her tongue against his, pressing to enter his mouth, stirred his cock with thoughts of other things he’d love her to do to him. Her fingers had found the nape of his neck and her nails tickled the short hairs there.
When he finally pulled his head back he looked into her half-lidded eyes and said, “That’swhat I think of your inappropriate kiss.”
She rewarded him with quiet laughter as she snuggled into his neck and laid a soft kiss just below his ear, a maneuver that made him shiver and growl, “Sylvie. If you keep doing that, we’re going to end up making out in your car right here.”
“I can think of worse ways to spend a day,” she murmured into his ear. Then she quickly pulled back, making him miss her warmth and touch acutely. “Though, I guess I could do without the audience.” She laughed as she looked back over her shoulder at two utterly bored Malinois. “Hi, buddies!”
Before she started the car, she put the sticker on her windshield. It worked like a charm as she drove back down the hill and the gates opened on their own. “And we’re off. I know the perfect spot where we can hike with the dogs.”
