Ripley watched the proceedings with keen interest, occasionally bumping Sabrina’s leg as if reminding her that all of this was really happening.
“Do I want to know how much this is going to cost?” she asked as the pile grew.
“Consider it an investment in your future.” He tossed in a rope toy that made Ripley’s tail wag so hard, she nearly fell over. “Besides, wait until you see the bill for her first vet visit.”
“Are you trying to scare me off?”
“Never.” His hand brushed the small of her back as they rounded the corner to another aisle. “Just being honest about what you’re getting into. A SAR dog is a serious commitment.”
That was a word she didn’t throw around very often.
“Good thing I don’t scare easy.” She meant it to sound confident, but her voice wavered slightly as she internalized that this was in fact one of the scariest things she’d done.
And she wasn’t pushing back.
Noah’s gaze met hers unflinchingly. “That’s one of the things I like best about you.”
* * *
An hour later, they stood in Sabrina’s living room surrounded by shopping bags. Her credit card might be smoking slightly, but Ripley’s obvious excitement made it hard to regret a single purchase.
“Where should we start?” Sabrina surveyed the pile of supplies, thinking how her normal MO would be to google the answers.
But she didn’t have to with Sexy SAR Expert in the house. They’d spent hours together over the last few days. Shouldn’t she be ready for him to go? She wasn’t though. Not by a long shot.
“Food and water station first.” Noah held up the stainless-steel bowls they’d chosen. “Kitchen?”
She nodded, leading the way. Her house suddenly felt different with Noah in it. Smaller. More intimate. And not just because of his height—his presence filled the space, which of course made her realize how empty it normally was.
That rode shotgun in her chest, with far more weight than the dent in her credit card.
“This corner would work.” He indicated a spot near her breakfast bar. “Easy to clean if she splashes.”
“When,” Sabrina corrected as Ripley wriggled across her carpet, familiarizing herself with every inch. “Pretty sure it’ll bewhenshe splashes.”
Noah’s laugh curled her toes. “Fair point. We’ll get you a mat too.”
“Add it to my tab.” She crouched to help him arrange the bowls, very aware of his proximity. “I had no idea dogs needed so much stuff.”
“Just wait until we start training.” He bumped her shoulder playfully. “The equipment list for SAR work is twice as long.”
“You’re really going to help me with all of this?”
His hands stilled on the water bowl. “Of course. For as long as you want.”
Their eyes met and that spark flared again, the one that had been present from moment one. Noah was close enough to kiss, his gaze on her lips making it clear he was thinking about it too.
Ripley chose that moment to wedge herself between them, almost knocking Sabrina off-balance. Noah’s hand shot out to steady her, warm against her waist.
“Thanks.” She caught her breath, trying to ignore the flutters taking flight inside at his touch. “We should probably finish setting up before it gets too late.”
“Right.” But he didn’t move away immediately, clearly enjoying being close to her too. “Where do you want her bed?”
They worked together to arrange Ripley’s space, Noah explaining the importance of establishing routines early. The dog followed them from room to room, investigating each new addition to the house with enthusiasm.
Noah moved through her space like he belonged there, rearranging her carefully maintained independence to make room for Ripley. For himself. The strangest part? She wanted him to stay, to keep filling up her empty corners with his presence.
Everything was upside down.
