She headed for the stairs, but Ethan stopped her before she started up with a touch on her arm. She turned and almost bumped into him. Neither one of them moved. “Try and sleep in tomorrow if you can. Mom and Aunt Jo said they wanted time with the kids, so consider yourself off duty.”
She gave him a pointed look when what she really wanted to do was wrap her arms around him. “I’ve been off duty for a week. I will see you in the morning.” Before she gave in to her craving to feel his solid chest pressed against her and soak in the comfort she knew his touch would give her, she turned back to the stairs and headed for her room.
****
Ethan brought a very subdued Kayla home after her second therapy appointment. Seeing her in so much pain made his heart squeeze with pain. “How about we go get us some ice cream?” he suggested.
She shook her head, and Ethan’s chest tightened even more. He headed home and the minute the car was stopped, she jumped out and raced inside. By the time he got inside she was in the den flipping on the television.
“Want to talk about it?” he asked from the doorway. She shook her head. He walked over and sat beside her, not sure what to do. Part of him was relieved that she didn’t want to talk, and that made him feel like he deserved the award for worst dad ever. “You sure? I’m in your corner you know.”
She tucked her legs up under her. “Can I watch TV?”
“Sure, but I thought we might go up to the dude ranch. Hank rescued a puppy that was hiding in the barn. I figured you might like to go check it out.”
Kayla’s headed swiveled toward him. Her mouth flew open, and her eyes practically popped out of her head. “What color is it? Is it fluffy? Is it big?” she asked all in one breath as she clung to his arm.
“Black and brown and white. Pretty fluffy. Not very big. Want to see a picture?”
Kayla squealed and tugged his arm. “Yes!”
He pulled out his phone just as Haley walked in with Ryan. “What are you so excited about, Kayla?” Haley asked with a smile.
“A puppy! Daddy has a picture of a puppy!” She tugged his arm toward her. “Let me see.”
Ethan held the phone out and Kayla all but melted. She clapped her hands. “He’s so cute. I want him, I want him.”
Ryan clamored down from Haley’s arms and pulled at Ethan’s hand. He jabbed at the picture with his index finger. “Puppy.”
“My puppy,” Kayla declared. Ryan scowled and tried to hit Kayla.
“No hitting, little buddy.” Ethan reached for Ryan and settled him onto his lap. “Kayla will share. She might even need your help. There’s a lot that needs done with a puppy. You have to feed it and take it outside to go to the bathroom, and brush it, and give it lots of love.”
“I can do all of that,” Kayla declared. “Can he sleep in bed with me? Please. Please,” she begged, her hands in front of her as if she were praying.
Ethan shook his head even though he couldn’t keep the grin off his face. “Not sure about the bed thing. He might fall off. Or poop in your bed.”
“Yuck.”
Ethan nodded, pleased with himself for squelching the idea of a dog sleeping in her bed. “Let’s just take it one day at a time. See how you two get along and how he does here.”
“I thought Hank said the puppy was a female,” Haley said.
Kayla clutched her dad’s arm. “I don’t care what it is. It’s soooo cute. Let’s go now. Can we?”
“Sure. Go grab a quick snack and we’ll head out.”
Kayla scrambled off the couch and in her haste all but knocked Ryan off her dad’s lap.
“Kayla, be careful,” Ethan admonished.
“Sorry, Ryan.” She gave him a quick hug and raced to the kitchen.
“I’d say that was a big hit.” Haley sat down and Ryan crawled into her lap, then pulled at Ethan’s arm, staring at the picture and planting a finger on the dog’s face.
“Puppy. Woof, woof.”
With a smile, Ethan ruffled Ryan’s hair. “This certainly perked Kayla up. I know it didn’t really solve anything, but I think it’s at least a start.” He stuck his phone back in his front pocket. Ryan reached for it, and Ethan grabbed the toddler’s hand and pretended to eat it. Ryan jerked his hand back and tucked it into his lap. Ethan laughed. “I promise to do my share of cleaning up after the puppy, Haley. I don’t want this new addition to make your job harder.”
She shrugged. “It’s definitely going to add to my job, but seeing Kayla excited makes it worthwhile.”
“You might not feel that way in a week or so.”
Haley gave him the eye roll. “If I feel that way, then you will too.”
He scowled and Haley laughed. It was good to hear her laughing. Seemed lately she was doing that a lot more often. He scooted down and leaned his head back on the couch. “Kids and dogs go together. I should have done this before now.”
“I have a feeling you waited on a sucker like me to show up and help you clean up messes.” She patted his arm. “Always so thoughtful, aren’t you?”
“And don’t you forget it.” He shoved to his feet and offered his hand. She took it and he helped both her and Ryan to their feet.
“Just remember, Ethan. You’ll be up in the middle of the night if I am.” She batted her eyelashes at him.
Laughing, he took her hand and kissed it. She sucked in a quick breath, and his heart skipped a beat. He couldn’t think when she was this close. Hell, he could barely breathe. Haley pulled her hand free, breaking the spell, and started for the stairs. He followed, enjoying the view and not able to keep his mind off of all the things he’d like to do to this woman.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Hank held the squirming bundle of fur to his chest. “Sit down, Kayla. You too, Ryan. Can’t have anyone stepping on her.”
“She’s sooooo adorable.”
Smiling at Kayla’s enthusiasm, Haley sat with the kids and crossed her legs. Hank set the puppy down and she bounced up to Haley and jumped into her lap, wiggling and licking Haley’s hands. Haley grinned as she petted the soft fur. “What kind is she?”
“What kind?” Hank grinned and shook his head. “You mean what breed?”
Haley nodded and felt her cheeks heat up. “My folks wouldn’t let me have a pet, so I haven’t had much experience with dogs.”
“You’ll pick it up.” Hank leaned down and ran a hand over the puppy’s back. “She an Australian Shepherd, and she’s about three months old. I can’t figure out why she was out here, but I’d guess her to come from a pretty good bloodline.”
Ethan winced. “Someone must have lost her.” He glanced at Haley and could tell she knew what he was thinking. Kayla couldn’t take another loss.
“Could be someone dumped her,” Hank said, “but why anyone would do that? I ran an ad in the paper for several weeks. No response. Don’t worry Ethan. I pulled the ad, and if anyone ever calls, I’ll take care of it.” Hank grabbed an empty bucket, turned it over and sat on it.
Ethan couldn’t help but worry. No way could he set Kayla up for a huge disappointment.
“Seriously,” Hank said. “I’ll tell them I found her a good home, but no one is going to step in to claim her at this late date. She’s been here well over a week, and I’ve had signs posted all over the place in addition to the ad.”
Ethan nodded and watched the kids and dog.
“Ohhhhh, look, Daddy,” Kayla gushed as the puppy bounced over to her, wiggled for all she was worth and then gnawed on her finger. “Ouch.”
“Flip her on the nose,” Hank instructed. “Not hard, but enough to get her attention, and say, ‘No bite.’”
Ethan leaned against a stall and crossed his legs. “I doubt the kids will remember that, especially Ryan.”
Hank tipped Kayla’s chin up so she was looking him straight in the eye “You’re a smart girl. You won’t forget, will you?” She shook her head, her face solemn. “I’m counting on that.” Hank nodded and leaned over and scratched the pup’s back.
“Ryan will have to be watched like a hawk until she’s bigger. Once she grows some, she’ll probably want to herd him around.”
Haley laughed. “She’s hired.”
Ethan leaned down and petted the wiggling fur ball, scratching her belly when she rolled over. “She sure is a pretty thing. You wanna come live with us, girl?”
“She’s my puppy,” Kayla declared, picking her up and laughing when the puppy licked her face.
“Yes, she is, but you’re going to share her, right?” Ethan waited for Kayla’s response.
She kissed the puppy on the nose. “Yes,” she finally said, and then giggled when the puppy licked her some more.
“Don’t let her bite you.” Hank turned to Ethan. “She’s had her booster shots. I’ll give them again in a month and then her rabies a few weeks after that.”
Kayla hugged the puppy closer. Ryan petted her wet nose, and she licked his fingers. He giggled and stuck more fingers out.
“You have a crate?” Hank asked.
“Nope, but I’ll get one on the way home.”
“Good. I’ve already started crating her.” He scratched the back of his head. “Well, kinda.”
“What exactly does that mean?” Ethan eyed his friend and Hank looked sheepish. Ethan groaned. “Please don’t tell me she sleeps with you. I’m not sharing my bed with a dog, and neither is Kayla.”
“You’ve always been such a stickler about things, Boss. You need to forget what your mama taught you. Cleanliness is not next to godliness. I keep telling you dirt is good for you. Keeps you strong and healthy.”
“I guess that explains a few things about you,” Ethan said with an eye roll. “You won’t even sleep in the house.”
Hank grinned. “Why don’t you guys stay over tonight so I can teach you a few things about puppies before you head out?”
“Sorry. We need to head back. I know how to take care of a pup,” Ethan insisted, “but she’s still not sleeping with me.” Hank scowled, and Ethan crossed his arms in front of his chest and eyed him. “I’ve let you rile me up again, haven’t I?”
Chuckling, Hank bent down and snapped his fingers. The puppy bounded over to him.
“Someday I’m going to fool you. Not let you get to me,” Ethan declared.
“Sure you are.” Hank grinned at Kayla. “Let me show you what I’ve already taught her.” He held up a finger and the puppy stared at him, not moving a muscle. “Maggie, sit.” The puppy plopped her bottom down. Her entire rear end wiggled, but she stayed sitting. Hank petted her. “Good girl.” He pointed to the barn floor. “Down.” The puppy lay down, her eyes, once again, never leaving Hank’s face. He smiled and glanced at Kayla, who stared open-mouthed at the puppy. “She’s real smart, Kayla. You think you’re smart enough to be her boss?”
Kayla nodded eagerly. “How did you teach her that?”
“Hank’s always had a way with females,” Ethan teased. “But he refuses to give away any of his trade secrets.”
“Not true. I keep volunteering to give you lessons,” Hank drawled straight-faced, “but you never take me up on it. Haley laughed, thinking Ethan didn’t need lessons.
Hank squatted down and petted and praised the puppy. “Okay,” he said with a clap of his hands. The puppy shot up. “Be slow and easy with her, Kayla, and give her lots of attention. I’ll help you teach her more stuff.”
Kayla’s face lit up. “That would be great.” Hank nodded, and Kayla buried her face in the pup’s soft fur.
Ethan clapped Hank on the back. “Slow and easy and lots of attention, huh?”
Hank chuckled as he ambled toward the outside door. “I got work to do. Be sure and bring her back in four weeks for shots, and if she gets on the furniture, the command is off, not down.” With that, he grabbed a lead rope and stepped outside
“He’s a character, isn’t he?” Haley pulled her gaze away from Hank’s retreating back. “I’m never quite sure how to take him.”
“Try not to think about it. It’ll keep you awake all night trying to figure that man out. He’s been through a lot, but he’s as good as they get.”
Haley stood and moved close to Ethan. “Sounds like you two have some things in common,” she said softly.
Ethan twirled a piece of her hair around a finger, then let the strand fall back to her shoulders, his dark eyes soft and beckoning. He cleared his throat. “You’re right. We do.”
She smiled and sucked in a long breath to clear her head. Something about this man drew her in no matter how much she tried to keep some distance. She pulled her gaze off of him and watched the kids and puppy. “You’ve made Kayla one happy little girl. She’ll never want to let that dog out of her sight.”
Ethan leaned down to her ear. “She’d better. That dog’s not sleeping in a human bed. Not Kayla’s or mine or yours. But you can sleep in my bed,” he added in a whisper, his warm breath fanning across her ear and giving her goose bumps.
She turned her head and their noses almost touched. Her breath hitched. “Now there’s a thought that will definitely keep me awake at night,” she murmured.
He arched his brows. She took a step back and willed her runaway heart to slow down before she and Ethan were in a situation that neither one of them were ready for.
****
Ethan woke to a very quiet house, stumbled out of bed and headed for the bathroom. After splashing cold water on his face and brushing his teeth, he pulled on his running shorts and a t-shirt, grabbed his shoes and socks and headed down the hall. When he passed Kayla’s room, he couldn’t resist peeking in. If he woke the puppy, he’d let her outside to do her business.
The crate was empty and Kayla sat on the floor holding Maggie, her face buried in her fur. “Do you miss your mommy?” she asked the puppy. “My mommy’s gone, too, but she’s going to come see me sometime soon.”
The pup licked her face and whined. “Don’t worry, Maggie. I will never leave you, not even if you do something really bad, like poop on my bed.” She buried her face in the puppy’s fur. I must have made my mommy really mad because she left, but don’t you worry. I’ll never do that to you.” Kayla’s voice broke and she buried her face deeper in Maggie’s soft fur and cried.
Ethan’s throat clogged with emotion and his heart felt as if it might break. He rubbed his chest, took a few deep breaths and blinked hard to clear his blurry vision before stepping into the room. “I see you two have bonded. I imagine she’s got to go potty pretty bad.”
Kayla sniffed and glanced up at him, her eyes red and puffy. “Haley already took her out and then went back to bed.”
Ethan bent down and rubbed Kayla’s back, wishing he could snap his fingers and make her hurt go away, but at least she now had Maggie. Thank God he had gotten this puppy for her, because she obviously needed this little pup’s companionship. “Did the puppy cry very much last night?”
Kayla looked at him like he’d grown horns. “Are you deaf, Daddy? She kept us up for hours.”
Oops, Ethan thought. “Ah, Maybe I am deaf. I never heard a thing,” he added. “Did she keep Ryan up too?”
Kayla nodded. “He went back to bed with his mom.”
Ethan knelt down and tugged Kayla close. “Would you like to come back to bed with me and have some snuggle time?”
She nodded. “And Maggie too?”
Oh hell. Now what was he going to do? “Maybe just this once,” he added with a wince, knowing this was not a smart move, but he was willing to do just about anything to help Kayla feel better.
“Yippee.” She jumped up and kissed him on the cheek. He held her close for a long time, and she finally wiggled free, her tears replaced with a smile.
“Wait here a minute. I’m going to go check on Haley.” With one last look at Kayla and the puppy, Ethan stood and walked down the hall to peek into Haley’s room. She was sound asleep with Ryan’s head on her shoulder and an arm lying over her stomach. He smiled just as Haley stirred and opened her eyes.
He back away, hoping
she didn’t see him.
“Oh, no you don’t.” Haley eased Ryan off of her and shoved to a sitting position. “So much for helping us out last night,” she said, crossing her arms in front of her.
“I swear I never heard a thing. I just came from Kayla’s room.”
Kayla raced past him and into the room. “Daddy and I want snuggle time. Want to join us?” She jumped up on the bed and scooted under the covers. “Come on, Daddy. We can all snuggle together.”
“Your father is staying up,” Haley announced. “And fixing us a big breakfast, because we’re going to need all the protein we can shove in our mouths in order to make it through the day.”
“I swear, Haley, I never hear a peep.”
Maggie barked and Ryan woke with a start. Maggie put her front feet on the mattress and cried like she was the most neglected dog in the world. “Come on, Daddy,” Kayla begged.
Haley flung her covers off and started to get out of bed, her long legs drawing his attention because even though she wore an over-sized t-shirt, it left a whole lotta leg exposed.
“Daddy?” Kayla begged. Ethan snapped out of his fog and against his better judgement joined Kayla in the bed. “Come on, Haley,” he said, patting the mattress. “Be a sport. Crawl back in here for a few minutes of snuggle time.” He leaned over the kids and whispered conspiratorially. “Kayla wants us all to snuggle, and I think it’s a fine idea.”
Haley glared at him and then crawled back into bed, pulling the covers over every bit of leg. Ethan cursed under his breath as Haley scooted down beside the kids.
Maggie’s whines filled the room. “Lift her up here, Daddy.”
“Not gonna happen.”
“But she feels left out, and she misses me,” Kayla said with a pout.
Ethan glanced at Haley who lay on her side, rubbing Kayla’s back. Love warmed his heart. Hiring Haley was the best move he’d made in a long time. “Okay, Kayla, but just this once, and she’s staying outside the covers.”
A Home for Haley Page 18
