“Yeah, sometimes dogs just come out of nowhere and become a part of a household,” Nick said with a grimace. Harlow stifled a chuckle. Nick had been an unwilling dog parent, but she believed he truly loved Zeus.
“Don’t encourage him,” Mimi urged in a loud whisper. In response, Nick held up his hands and focused his attention on Bear. Nick crouched down and began to enthusiastically rub the dog’s belly.
“Why don’t I take him to the clinic now? I’ll be in touch to give you an update if you like,” Harlow suggested. She looked down at Bear, who was enjoying the fact that Nick was lavishing him with attention. The two of them were getting along so well. She was a huge believer in taking stock of the way a man treated animals. If Bear loved him, that was surely a good sign. Not that she needed her dog’s approval, but it cemented what she already knew.
Nick was one in a million.
“Why don’t I take Bear to my house?” Nick suggested. “He can have a doggy play date with Zeus while you deal with the mystery poodle. They’ll love it.”
Had she heard him right? No one except Malcolm had ever offered to watch Bear for her. “Are you sure? He’s really well behaved, but I don’t want you to get bogged down in double dog duty.”
“It’ll be fine. Miles will love it,” Nick said as he reached for Bear’s leash. “I think Bear will too.” Nick’s grin was contagious. Harlow felt as if a brilliant sun was shining down on her. “How about it?”
“Y-yes. Of course. I appreciate it,” Harlow said, fumbling with her words. “I can swing by right after work to get him.”
“Sure thing. You might as well stay for dinner. We’re having shrimp and grits with cheesy biscuits,” Nick said, turning as he led Bear away with him. She hadn’t even had time to respond to his dinner invitation. Saying anything other than yes wasn’t even a possibility. Spending time with Nick was one of her favorite ways to unwind.
Harlow couldn’t ignore Mimi’s curious gaze. “He’s something else, isn’t he?” the older woman asked as Harlow turned toward her. “Fine as wine and an amazing chef to boot.”
“Yes,” Harlow acknowledged with a nod. “He sure is.”
“Some might say he’s a keeper,” Mimi added with a wink. She turned toward Jimmy and said, “Say goodbye to Doc Harlow. We’ve got to head home.”
Harlow said her goodbyes and quickly crossed the road so she could load the poodle in the front passenger seat beside her. That way she could keep a close eye on her patient during the ride to Paws. By now the pup’s cries had died down a bit and she’d curled herself up in Harlow’s cozy sweater for comfort. A wave of protectiveness washed over her as she gazed at the poodle. She hadn’t asked to be injured and abandoned. All dogs really wanted was to love and be loved.
Her heart was pumping wildly at Nick’s heartfelt gesture. Taking Bear off her hands for the afternoon was boyfriend stuff. Even though her intention from the get-go had been to keep things casual with Nick, it just so happened that she’d stumbled into a relationship. A full-fledged, honest-to-goodness relationship. She agreed wholeheartedly with Mimi. Nick Keegan was a keeper, and she had no idea what to do about it.
Chapter Seventeen
Nick knew he must be wild about Harlow to offer himself up as a host for a doggy playdate. It wasn’t in his wheelhouse at all, but he was glad he’d made the offer. The two dogs had run him ragged by late afternoon, when Miles had taken over and given him a well-deserved break from the mayhem.
He wasn’t actually a dog person. But Zeus had grown on him at such a rapid rate that it was hard for him to remember a time when he hadn’t considered him as the pet of his heart. Bear was an incredible dog who listened to commands and emitted a very relaxed vibe. However, putting the two canines together in their fenced-in yard had led to wild dog energy and utter pandemonium. Miles had been on cloud nine, running around the backyard and playing games with the dogs.
Once he came inside, Miles dropped a bombshell on him.
“Maybe we should get another dog, Dad. Zeus needs the company.” Miles had looked up at him with big brown eyes full of manipulation.
Another dog?Did Miles have any idea how close he’d been to not having a dog at all? His son’s suggestion was so ludicrous that Nick nearly laughed in his face. He quickly realized his son was serious. How could he let him down gently?
“Read my lips. Absolutely not!” Nick tried not to roll his eyes at Miles. Adopting Zeus had been a miracle. His son really shouldn’t push it. Two dogs would be beyond his abilities. He was still trying to wrap his head around how he’d become a dog owner in the first place.
“If you’re so into dogs, I’m sure Harlow would let you help out over at Paws from time to time,” Nick suggested. “Maybe you could fill water bowls or hand out treats.”
“I’m only nine, Dad,” Miles said with an eye roll. “They don’t let kids my age do anything.”
When the doorbell, rang Nick quickly made his way to the front door to welcome Harlow. She was standing on his doorstep with a box of baked goods in her hands. Dressed in a red turtleneck dress and black low-heeled boots, she looked amazing. She’d ditched her veterinarian’s jacket for something far more fashionable. He felt flattered that she’d taken the time to look nice for him.
“Wicked Eats? Again?” he asked, eyeing the pink-and-white box. “You sure know how to make an entrance.”
“What can I say? I’m addicted to the place. Trying that bakery out may be the best advice I’ve ever gotten in my life. I’m now their biggest fan,” Harlow explained.
He rubbed his hands together. “I can’t wait to see what’s inside.”
“You’ll have to wait for dessert,” Harlow said, stepping inside. “No peeking.”
“You’re going to earn major cool points with Miles. He loves anything sweet.”
He led Harlow to the living room, where she immediately greeted Miles with a huge grin. “Hey there. How’s it going, Miles?”
