“Dogs are experts at loving unconditionally.”
“Could we take the long way to church?” She pointed to the backseat where Roxie had her nose smushed against the window. “She loves riding around and hasn’t had much chance to other than the vet, which let’s face it, wasn’t much fun for her.”
“Sure. We can detour and take the bypass around town, then come back through on the county roads.”
“That’s perfect. Can you put her window down, just enough that she can stick her head out?”
He tapped the button to lower the glass. “Is that good?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“I can’t wait until it cools enough to ride with all the windows down. There’s nothing like the wind against you as you drive along.”
She pulled half her hair to the back of her head and secured it with a barrette from her purse. “You could always get a motorcycle.”
“You wouldn’t mind?”
Her features contorted. “I didn’t say that.”
“Don’t worry. I’m a claims adjuster, remember?” He shuddered. “I started out on automotive claims. Those two years were enough to make me steer clear of bikes. Too many inattentive drivers out there.”
“That’s a relief. If you really wanted one, I wouldn’t try and stop you, but I’m glad I won’t have to be secretly mad at you.”
He chuckled. “Please don’t ever do that. If I make you mad, tell me. I’m a guy and bound to stick my foot in my mouth or do something dumb without thinking.”
“Oh, I will. I’m not too good at hiding my emotions.” She wetted her lips. “As if you haven’t realized that already.”
“This is one of those times, when it’s best to keep my mouth shut, isn’t it?”
Her arm flew outward and in front of him. “Stop the car!”
“What? Why?” His heart lurched forward and he searched out the windows for the reason.
“Turn around.” Full of anxiousness, her voice rose to a high-pitched squeal. “There was a dog tied to that stop sign on the side road.”
“What in the world?” He pulled off a three-point turn in two moves. Anger mounted, sending a burning sensation through his chest. “That better just be a dog who got into something and had an unfortunate accident.”
“Either way, we have to help.” She jumped out of the car as soon as he shifted into park, and she ran to the mutt. “Come see this.”
He hurried out and closed his door, and Rachel’s that she’d left open. Roxie probably wasn’t capable of getting into the front seat and jumping out on her own yet, but he wasn’t taking chances.
Rachel called to him again. Her words came strangled, and he went to see what upset her. She handed him a piece of cardboard.
He read the writing out loud. “Please take me. My owner doesn’t want me but wants me to have a good home. My name is Bandit.”
Half a bag of dog food leaned against the metal signpost, and a bucket of water was knocked over. A large puddle pooled around it, which gave him a little comfort knowing the dog hadn’t been out here too long. In this heat, the water would have dried up in no time.
“What are we going to do?” Rachel’s eyes flashed with fury. “Who could do this?”
“I wish I knew.” He held out his hand, gave the dog room to approach him. “Come here, Bandit.”
Bandit didn’t move. His ears stood in fear, and he whimpered.
Rachel stood by him. “He’s a handsome dog.”
He agreed. The best guess he could make on breed was a mix of cattle dog and shepherd. It’s ribs and spine showed through its skin, and its brindle coat lacked luster and shine, but even in his neglected state, Bandit was a good-looking dog.
Treading carefully, he inched forward. Bandit wouldn’t come to him, but neither did he back away. When Aaron was close enough, he touched the dog lightly, testing for a reaction. Bandit didn’t respond, and Aaron moved his hand, patting the dog’s head. With a little work, Bandit came around and leaned into his touch.
