Best of My Love (Fool's Gold)

by Susan Mallery

  Change was possible, he thought with satisfaction, and getting a dog was the next step for him.

  “You ready?” she asked.

  He nodded. “The lady I talked to said not to focus on finding a dog my very first visit. She said that it’s better to wait and get it right than to rush into a decision.”

  “So we’re window-shopping?”

  “Something like that. When I see the right dog, I’ll know it.”

  Her lips twitched. “Like your souls will touch?”

  “Very funny. I was thinking more of a disturbance in the Force.”

  She laughed. The soft, sweet sound filled the cab of the truck. He wanted to pull her close and kiss her. Not even to start on a path to something more, but because kissing Shelby felt like the right thing to do. But he knew better so he pocketed his truck key and opened the driver’s side door.

  “Come on,” he said. “Let’s go find my soul mate.”

  They walked into the animal shelter. A middle-aged lady named Carol took the paperwork he’d downloaded and filled out at home. She started a file, then talked to him about the shelter policies.

  “We give you a two-week trial,” she said. “You can take one of our pets home for a few days and see how it goes. If it turns out you’re not a good match, you can return the pet and get your adoption fees back.”

  Aidan was less concerned about the money he would be paying than finding the right companion.

  Carol, petite, with short dark hair, set the paperwork on the counter. “Do you know what you’re looking for?”

  “A dog,” he said. “Something big.”

  Carol didn’t look surprised. “A larger dog needs plenty of exercise. Do you have a yard and are you prepared to walk him at least twice a day?”

  Aidan nodded. “The yard has a six-foot fence. I can walk the dog and I’ll be taking him to work with me. I own a tour company.”

  Carol glanced back at the paperwork. “Mitchell Adventure Tours. Of course. I worked for your mom when I was in high school.” She smiled. “So someone you can take hiking and camping, right?”

  “Uh-huh. Maybe a couple of years old. I don’t think I could handle a puppy.”

  Responsibility was one thing, but potty training was asking too much.

  “He’d prefer a boy dog,” Shelby added with a wicked smile. “You know, so they could bond over manly things.”

  Aidan narrowed his gaze. “I think a male dog would be easier for me. But I’m open to a girl.”

  Shelby linked arms with him. “You’re lying, but it’s nice of you to pretend.”

  Carol laughed. “Let’s go meet some dogs. We have several larger dogs in right now. Some are more active than others. There’s a border collie mix who might be perfect.”

  Five minutes later, Aidan and Shelby were in a large, well-lit room furnished like a typical living room. There was a sofa, an area rug and a box of dog toys. Carol walked in with a black-and-white dog on a leash.

  “This is Jasper,” she said. “He’s two years old. He’s very active. Border collies need to be doing something. They’re working dogs and if you don’t keep them busy, they can get into mischief.”

  Aidan stayed seated, as Carol had instructed, and let her bring the dog to him. Jasper sniffed his hand before turning to Shelby.

  “He’s beautiful,” she said. “Can I pet him?”

  “Sure.”

  Shelby gently stroked his side. “Hi, big guy. How are you?”

  Jasper’s tail wagged. Then he walked over to the toy box and chose a bone. He settled on the rug and began to chew.

  Aidan got up and approached. Jasper put both paws on the plastic bone, stared Aidan in the eye and growled. The message of “back off” couldn’t have been more clear.

  Carol picked up the leash and drew Jasper away from the bone. They approached Aidan again. Jasper’s gaze was sharp and just a little threatening. Aidan didn’t know a whole lot about dogs, but he was pretty sure this one didn’t like him.

  “He’s not the one,” Shelby said. “There’s no chemistry.”

  “I agree.” Carol walked toward the door. “Let me bring in someone else.”

  A Lab mix, a midsized pit bull and a Great Dane later, Aidan was thinking he wasn’t cut out to be a dog owner. The pit bull had been too hyper, the Lab barely moved and the Great Dane was still a puppy and more interested in chasing its tail than paying attention to him.

  “I didn’t think it would be this hard,” Shelby admitted when Carol had taken the Great Dane away. “There’s more involved than I’d realized. You have to know you’re getting the right dog. You could have him for years.”

  “I guess I’ll come back in a few weeks,” Aidan said as he stood. “Carol said they get new dogs in all the time.”

  The door opened and the volunteer walked in with a small white dog.

  “I know, I know,” she said with a slight shrug. “He’s nothing like you described. But I couldn’t help thinking maybe he was the one. This is Charlie.”

  “He’s adorable!” Shelby dropped to her knees. “Hi, Charlie.”

  The little dog, stocky, with kind of short legs and a white curly coat, trotted over to her. He sniffed her fingers, then licked them before heading to Aidan.

  “He’s really small,” Aidan said doubtfully. “I don’t want a puppy.”

  “Charlie’s nearly five,” Carol said. “He’s full-grown. He’s a bichon frise. They’re friendly, happy dogs. Their history is as entertainers. A lot of bichons worked in circuses.”

  Shelby giggled and Aidan winced. “I don’t really want that kind of pet.”

  Carol pulled a small dog treat out of her pocket and handed it to Aidan. “Give him this. Have him sit first.”

  Aidan took the piece of dried meat and held it in his hand. Charlie immediately sat.

  “Good boy,” Aidan said. “Can he do any other tricks?”

  Charlie raised both paws and waved them. When Aidan didn’t give him the treat, he waved them faster as if asking, “What else do you want from me?”

  Aidan grinned and handed over the bit of food. Charlie took it politely and swallowed it, then jumped on the sofa, next to Aidan.

  Man and dog looked at each other. Aidan let him sniff his fingers before petting him. Charlie’s coat was soft and his body was solid. His eyes were dark brown and he had a happy, doggy grin.

  Shelby hugged him and got a quick kiss in return. “He’s really friendly. That’s good for when you take him into your office. I’d be worried that a dog like Jasper would scare customers, but Charlie would totally charm them.”

  Aidan had to admit the little dog was cute enough and seemed pleasant to be around, but he was so small...and kind of girly.

  “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I was thinking of something more...”

  “Macho?” Shelby asked, raising her eyebrows. “You are such a guy.” She turned to Carol. “Can we take him for a walk?”

  “Sure. Let me get his coat.”

  Aidan held in a groan. “He wears a coat?”

  “He’s small and short. The snow would cover him. It’s fifteen degrees outside. Of course he needs a coat.”

  Carol returned with a blue cape thing with Velcro straps. She showed them both how to put it on Charlie. The dog stood perfectly still, except for his wagging tail. When he was covered, he jumped down and led the way to the door.

  Once they were outside, Charlie took charge and followed what must be a familiar path. He sniffed a lot, stopped to pee a couple of times, then marched on purposefully.

  “I couldn’t take him skiing,” Aidan said.

  “You couldn’t take any dog skiing.”

  “Okay, but what about snowshoeing? He’d disappear in the first snowdrift.”

  �
��Put him on a sled and pull him.”

  Aidan frowned at the mental image that suggestion planted in his brain. “I thought dogs were supposed to pull people—not the other way around.”

  “When life gives you lemons, or in this case, small dogs, compromises must be made. He’d be fun camping. He wouldn’t take up much room. He could sleep in your sleeping bag or next to it in summer.” Her expression brightened. “Cleanup would be easier. Small dog, small poop.”

  “There’s a selling point.”

  Charlie barked at a couple of birds. They walked on for a few more minutes, then Aidan called to him. Charlie immediately stopped and turned. Aidan picked him up. The little dog’s paws were damp and nearly frozen and Charlie was shivering.

  “Hey, why didn’t you say something?” he asked. “You’re freezing.”

  He unzipped his jacket and tucked Charlie inside against his chest. Shelby helped him zip the jacket closed around the dog. Aidan supported his butt with one hand. Charlie shivered for a couple more minutes, then snuggled close and closed his eyes.

  “He would have just kept going,” Aidan admitted. “I can’t decide if that’s crazy or brave.”

  “Maybe it’s that he would be up for an adventure.”

  “Carol said he comes from a line of circus dogs.”

  “No one has to know.”

  “Now you’re making fun of me.”

  “Not only now,” she teased. Her smile faded. “What do you think?”

  Aidan wasn’t sure. Charlie wasn’t anything he’d been looking for. He’d thought he would end up with a Lab or maybe a German shepherd.

  “He’s kind of ridiculous,” he said. “But I think I like him.”

  They got back to the shelter. After Aidan took off the dog’s coat, Charlie dropped to the ground and rolled on his back, as if scratching an itch. The pure joy of the moment—all four paws waving in the air, his stocky little body writhing in pleasure—pretty much sealed the deal.

  Carol said they could take as much time as they wanted with Charlie. Aidan led him back into the faux living room. Charlie ran around and sniffed the toys, then drank some water. When Aidan and Shelby returned to the sofa, Charlie jumped up next to them before settling on the back of the sofa. He gazed at Aidan as if he knew what was being decided.

  “Well, hell,” Aidan muttered. He stroked the side of Charlie’s face. The dog licked his hand, then put his head on his paws and closed his eyes.

  He was a good little guy, he thought. Friendly, eager and easygoing.

  “I suppose a trial run wouldn’t hurt.”

  Shelby smiled. “Silly man. There is no trial. If you take him home there’s no way you’re bringing him back.”

  Aidan looked at the little dog and had a bad feeling she was right.

  * * *

  AIDAN’S FIRST STOP after taking Shelby home was the pet store at the edge of town. He had a starter kit of food, along with a ball and a new collar and leash from the shelter, but that wasn’t nearly enough. He knew pets needed things like beds and bowls, not to mention more than the couple of cans of food along with a two-pound bag of kibble he’d been sent home with.

  “You’re going to have to help out,” he told the dog as he opened the passenger side door and reached for Charlie’s leash, which he’d left on the floor of the truck. He snapped it into place, then lifted the dog to the ground. “I don’t know what you like. Guidance would be appreciated.”

  Charlie stared at him, his brown eyes thoughtful, as if he was processing the request. Aidan waited, but there was no other response. Not that he’d been expecting words or a note, but still, something would have been good.

  “Okay then,” he said. “You ready?”

  He pointed toward the store. Charlie started walking in that direction, his little tail straight up and wagging slightly.

  Aidan got a big cart, then worried it would frighten the dog, but Charlie took it in stride. He sniffed the floor and looked around eagerly, as if happy to explore this new world.

  Aidan started with the easy stuff. Food and bowls. He bought several cans of what the shelter had been using, along with a bag of kibble. He figured he would do some research online to find out the best kind for a dog like Charlie and transition him gradually. He picked out four different kinds of treats, including one that was supposed to keep Charlie’s teeth clean and his gums healthy. He got a half-dozen bowls, then headed for the toy aisle.

  Charlie showed interest in squeaky toys and a good tuggy rope. Aidan picked out a couple of nubby bones that were supposed to give the dog something to chew on. Next up, beds.

  Charlie tested out every one Aidan put down on the floor. It was hard to tell which one he liked best. Aidan settled on a plush, high-sided brown bed with orthopedic foam under the cushion.

  Last they cruised by the collar aisle. Charlie stood patiently while Aidan tested a couple of different collars, along with a harness. He bought one of each and the matching leashes. Last, and the item he was dreading the most—a coat.

  There were several styles, along with sweaters and, dear God, dog booties.

  “We’re not doing that,” he told Charlie.

  The dog wagged his tail.

  Aidan thought about how Charlie had walked through all that icy snow and never complained. How his little paws had been frozen and he’d been shivering. Then he looked back at the booties.

  Everything inside of him protested. Bad enough to have a small, white fluffy dog, but one in booties?

  “It’s happening,” Aidan told Charlie. “You’re my witness. I’m turning into a woman.”

  Bowing to the inevitable, he reached for the booties and tossed them into the cart.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  THE FIRST MEETING of the mayor-requested singles group took place on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day at the outdoor skating rink at Pyrite Park. Shelby was to meet Aidan there fifteen minutes before the event.

  They’d put the word out on the town’s electronic community board and Bailey, the mayor’s assistant, had sent an email blast to everyone who’d signed up to receive them. Even so, Shelby had no idea what to expect. They could have two participants or two hundred.

  When she got to the skating rink, she found Aidan already there, sitting on a bench by the ice-skate rental shack. Charlie sat next to him, fashionably dressed in a black-and-white plaid jacket and—she squinted just to make sure she was really seeing what she thought she was seeing—black dog booties.

  “Don’t,” Aidan said as he got to his feet. “Don’t say it. I know what you’re thinking and it’s not my fault.”

  “He’s very fashion forward this morning.”

  “Sure, make fun of the guy trying to be a good puppy parent. He gets cold. I don’t want him to be uncomfortable.” He reached down and petted the little dog. “He’s a good boy with a lot of personality.”

  “You could get matching jackets.”

  “Very funny.”

  She grinned, then dropped to a crouch in front of the bench. “Hi, Charlie. How are you, big guy?” As she spoke, she let the bichon sniff her fingers. His tail wagged and he gave her a quick kiss.

  She picked him up and held him close. “So you two are getting to know each other?”

  “We are. He likes to drive.”

  “Excuse me?”

  Aidan laughed. “He’s been riding around with me. The other day he climbed onto my lap in the truck. I thought he wanted to snuggle, but nope, he wanted to try to drive. I told him he had to wait until he was older.”

  “I’m sure he understands.”

  Aidan reached out and rubbed the side of the dog’s face. “I bought one of those books on the breed.”

  “Any useful information?”

  He grimaced. “Sure. That bichons do well
in apartments and with the elderly. I have the old-lady, Park Avenue dog.”

  Her lips twitched. “You’re still in the trial period. Want to take him back?”

  Aidan frowned. “No. Of course not. He’s my dog.”

  She’d known that would be the answer, but hearing it still caused her heart to melt just a little. Poor Aidan—he’d had such plans for his big, macho dog. Instead he’d ended up with Charlie. He’d led with his heart and now he was committed.

  She handed over Charlie. For a second their hands tangled. She ignored the odd tingles and raised herself on tiptoe to whisper into his ear.

  “Look at you, making a commitment. First a dog. Next up, you’ll find yourself with a girlfriend.”

  “One step at a time,” he told her.

  She was about to step away when their eyes locked and she found she couldn’t move. Or she didn’t want to, which was practically the same thing. She liked looking at Aidan—who wouldn’t? The man was attractive. But this was more than that. This was about wanting to connect. Or something.

  She told herself it was nothing but her warm fuzzies about the dog. They were friends. Only friends. Yes, she occasionally wondered what it would be like to be one of his weekend conquests. She had no doubt the man had game. But weekend encounters weren’t her style. She wanted more.

  Which was generally when she reminded herself that Aidan was helping her with that and repaying him by fantasizing about making love with him wasn’t very nice of her.

  “What’s the plan?”

  The question came from behind her. Shelby turned and saw Eddie and Gladys.

  “We heard there were going to be lots of single guys here,” Eddie said. “We’re into that. Maybe someone will want to have sex with us.”

  Gladys grinned. “Not at the same time. We aren’t comfortable with the idea of a threesome.”

  An unexpected conversation, especially when the two women in question were in their eighties. Aidan took a step back.

  “It’s not a singles group,” he began, then paused. “I mean it’s for single people but not so they can get together.”