“Have you considered adopting your own pet instead of fostering?” he asked.
“Not seriously.”
Her words surprised him. “Why not?”
“I can do more as a foster. Especially for those animals like Rascal who need training and socializing before being placed.”
“You’re a dog whisperer.”
She laughed. “I rarely whisper. Especially with this big guy who can’t seem to hear me. Though he’s doing better.”
“He didn’t go crazy when he saw me.”
“That’s because he was in the crate, but he was happy to see you.”
Had Dakota been happy to see him?
She seemed more surprised, but she’d smiled. That had to be a good sign.
“Have you been tempted to keep a foster animal?” Bryce asked.
“Whiskers and Paw Pals has had many foster failures—that’s what it’s called when a foster ends up adopting their foster animal. It’s not really a failure since a good match was made, and I’m hoping some of our emergency fosters decide to adopt who they have in their care, but that’s never happened to me. I’ve thought about keeping a couple of animals in the past. We moved so much when I was younger we didn’t have any pets, but whenever I’m tempted to make things permanent, I realize the animals are better off with a family, someone who works from home, or a million other things.”
“You’re selling yourself short.”
“I want to do what’s best for the animal, and that means leaving myself out of the equation.”
“You make it sound so logical.”
“Oh, there’s plenty of emotion involved. I’ve cried like crazy after placing animals because I was going to miss them.”
“That must be hard.”
She shrugged. “Animal rescue can be exhausting, frustrating, and heartbreaking, but when you find an animal the right home, you forget all that.”
“Have you thought about stopping?”
She half-laughed. “I tried once. Took a break. But within days, a pregnant cat made herself at home on my porch. Next thing I knew, five newborn kittens were out there.”
“So even when you’re not looking to help animals—”
“They find me,” she finished for him. “Must be some underground animal network out there. They know where we live.”
She sounded amused by that. “You don’t mind.”
“Nope. The love you get in return is worth everything you go through, even if you only have an animal a short time.”
“Even if you lose them?”
Her gaze clouded but cleared again an instant later. “Even then.”
Scout’s eyes were closed. He’d fallen asleep.
“We had a pug named Spartacus when I was younger. He used to sleep with me. After he died, my parents didn’t want another pet.”
“People often make that choice.”
“I thought it was the wrong decision back then, but I was a teenager, so what did I know? All I did was play fetch with Spartacus and occasionally scoop poop from the backyard. My parents, really my mom, did all the work.”
“Have you ever considered adopting a pet?”
“No,” he answered quickly. “I live in a condo, and I’m away too much.”
“Where do you go?” she asked.
“My office, job sites, out.”
He waited for her to launch into a spiel about why he should adopt.
“I’m fortunate I can run home from the chocolate shop to spend time with the dogs during my breaks,” she said instead. “I’m allowed to take them with me to the rescue.”
“Must be nice.”
She stared at Rascal. “No complaints.”
Bryce kept waiting for her to launch into her sales pitch for adoption. After she didn’t, he asked, “Aren’t you going to try to talk me into adopting?”
“Adopting an animal is a commitment and decision that must be made by the adopter, no one else. Not everyone is ready or able to care for an animal.”
The gold flecks in her eyes glowed bright. So beautiful.
“You are so passionate about animals,” he said.
“Animals and chocolate.”
Bryce laughed, but did her words mean she wasn’t dating? He hoped that was the case. Not that her dating status would change anything.
He was only in Marietta for the month. A month to care for his dad and convince him Seattle was the right move.
Bryce wasn’t looking for a relationship, but he wanted to get to know Dakota better. Something about her appealed to him at a gut level. In a way that few, if any, women had in the past. He wished he could explain the feeling, but it was just there and kept growing.
She worked so hard and cared so deeply. He was tempted to see if he could make the gold flecks in her eyes light up again. Would they glow like embers or sparkle like fireworks?
No matter how much he tried to put her kiss behind him, he hadn’t. Only this time, he wanted to kiss her.
But for some reason, he had the feeling he wouldn’t get the chance.
*
Walking dogs with a guy shouldn’t be so fun. It never had been in the past, but with Bryce, Dakota couldn’t imagine anything better. Poop bags put a damper on the romance, but she enjoyed talking and being with him. He was different from the men who lived around here, and his life in Seattle intrigued her.
Up ahead, she saw Walt’s house. The truck was parked in the driveway. The van was still at the feed store. “Do you want to stop by and see how your dad is doing?”
“Sure.” Bryce pointed at Rascal. “The big guy might want water.”
His concern over the puppy touched her. The way he cradled a sleeping Scout like a baby appealed to her as an animal lover and a woman. City guy or not, Bryce Grayson was downright sexy. He seemed too good to be true.
Was he?
Probably.
Being with him felt like white water rafting on the Gallatin River with her stomach dropping and then lodging in her throat. She was enjoying the ride. Their conversation invigorated her. Concerns over the adoption event faded away with each step they took.
Dakota wanted to open herself up, not close herself off. A weird feeling given this past year.
She must finally be ready to start dating again. That was a good thing, right?
“It’s close to dinnertime,” Bryce said. “Are you hungry?”
Lunch had been an order of fries and a milkshake on the drive back from Bozeman. “I could eat something.”
“Have dinner with us.”
Us. Bryce and his dad.
Not a date. She shouldn’t feel a stab of disappointment. “I’d like that, but check with your dad. I don’t want to intrude if he has other plans.”
Bryce smiled. “The man has two broken legs. There are no other plans.”
He had a point, but she didn’t want to just burst in on their family dinner. “If you’re sure he won’t mind…”
“He won’t. Trust me.”
Could she trust him? She wanted to.
Bryce stared at the dog in his arms. “Scout’s awake.”
“He can walk the rest of the way to your father’s house.”
“I don’t mind carrying him.”
“Scout has you wrapped around his little paw.”
“There are worst places to be.”
Dakota couldn’t think of one. Or another person she’d rather be spending time with.
Bryce cared enough to carry the tired dog. He’d been generous with his time to help her. He seemed uncertain around Rascal, but he hadn’t let those feelings stop him from going on the walk. Those things appealed to her, and she wanted to get to know him better.
She followed him up the walkway and then stopped. “Oops. I wasn’t thinking about Rascal being with us. I need to stay outside with him.”
“He’s on a leash. Bring him inside.”
“Bad idea. Remember my dining room?”
“He wasn’t being supervised.”
&nb
sp; “That was my fault.” She still felt bad about what happened. “I let his good behavior sway me, and I gave him freedom before he was ready. I won’t make that mistake again.”
Bryce opened the front door. “Come in. Rascal, too.”
Even though this could turn into a disaster of epic proportions, Dakota stepped inside. The dog followed her.
A delicious smell filled the air. She could make out the chicken, but the spices eluded her. Rosemary, perhaps?
Walt sat in his recliner. No one else was here.
Bryce closed the front door. “Where is everyone?”
“They put dinner in the oven before they left.” Walt waved to Rascal, who wagged his tail. “Do you have plans for dinner, Dakota? We have enough to feed an army.”
Shaking his head, Bryce glanced her way with an I-told-you-so look and then placed Scout on the ground. The dog took off running with his leash attached.
Dakota wasn’t worried. The little dog couldn’t outrun her though he might try. “I’d love to stay and eat. Thanks.”
Scout ran toward Walt. Tiny paws clicked against the floor. The long leash dragged behind him. The dog jumped onto the arm of the recliner.
Bryce walked to the chair, although she didn’t know if he was checking on his dad or the dog. “I had no idea something so small could jump so high.”
“Me, either.” She kept a tight hold on Rascal in case he got any ideas about getting on the chair, too. “I hope he didn’t hurt you, Walt.”
“This little thing?” Walt scooted over to make a space between the chair arm and him. Scout lay in the spot and rested his head on Walt’s leg. “No way.”
Bryce laughed. “Looks like Scout’s settled in.”
A satisfied smile settled on Walt’s lips. “Must be worn out from his walk.”
She nodded. “He fell asleep at the end.”
Rascal walked toward Bryce. The leash pulled tight. Both dogs seemed to have a favorite Grayson.
That made her smile. “I’ll take the dogs home. Otherwise, we’ll never be able to eat in peace.”
“That’ll make getting your car from the feed store easier,” Bryce said.
“And yours.”
Walt petted Scout’s head. “Promise you’ll bring them back for a longer visit.”
She grinned. The two looked cute together in the recliner. “I will.”
Bryce picked up Scout, placed the dog on the ground, and walked him over. He handed the leash to her.
Rascal nudged toward his hand, and Bryce stiffened. Then he touched the top of the dog’s head. Slowly. Tentatively.
Her throat tightened, and she swallowed.
One pet. Two. He pulled his arm to his side.
Tail wagging, Rascal seemed happy.
Dakota was. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
She headed out with two dogs. A hundred thoughts ran through her mind.
How did Bryce play into her wanting to date again? Was this just a crush, her fangirling, as Portia and Kelly had mentioned?
That would explain Dakota’s feelings, her body reacting the way it did around him, and why she kept wanting to sneak glances his way. But what did crushing on Bryce mean now that she’d spent the afternoon with him and was having dinner at his house tonight?
She was getting to know Bryce, little by little. She liked him.
No denying that.
But he was just a guy, a nice guy who was kind and handsome and lived in Seattle.
Seattle, Washington.
A long way from Marietta, Montana.
What had Kelly called his leaving? A built-in end date?
Dakota might be ready to date, and dating was a long way from falling for a guy, but she still wanted to be careful.
If Bryce asked her out—and that was still a big if since he hadn’t been keen on his dad’s matchmaking—would she be able to keep things casual as Kelly put it? Or would Dakota be setting herself up for another failure with yet another Mr. Wrong? This one who lived a completely different life in a far-off place?
Yes, she was attracted to Bryce, but maybe the best thing would be if she waited to date until he was gone.
That would be the smartest move.
And the safest one.
She only hoped she would be smart and safe where Bryce Grayson was concerned.
Chapter Nine
Saturday, Bryce fixed breakfast for his father, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Dakota. She seemed to enjoy herself yesterday. His father’s smug expression had him looking like the matchmaker king—just add a crown and scepter.
Bryce liked seeing his dad so happy, so he hadn’t bothered to call out his father’s cupid-wannabe efforts. Dakota hadn’t let on that she’d already been invited to dinner, either. His father still thought he was getting away with his making-a-match gig, but if that made him feel better, so be it.
Bryce and Dakota knew the truth. He scrambled eggs in the pan and then added grated cheese. Except…
He didn’t quite know what was going on with her.
Their time together had been going great until they returned to the feed store for their cars last night. There’d been an awkward moment in the parking lot.
Bryce hadn’t known what to expect—a kiss, a hug, a simple goodnight. But a handshake?
That had felt wrong. Bad. A whole lot of other things.
They hadn’t been on a date, even if it felt like one, but still…
No one shook hands after having so much fun together. She seemed to forget those glances she kept sending his way or the not-so-accidental touches.
A hug would have been better than a handshake.
Bryce sprinkled salt and added a dash of pepper to the scrambled eggs.
No distractions, remember?
He should be relieved Dakota hadn’t kissed him or wanted him to kiss her or any variation in between.
But Bryce wasn’t relieved. If anything, he was curious, confused, and a little upset. He dished out the breakfast and carried a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast to his dad. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” His dad placed his crossword puzzle on the end table. “The house is quiet this morning. Too quiet.”
“This is how it always is unless you have friends over.”
“Or dogs. I should say a dog.” His father picked up a slice of bacon. “Scout didn’t make a peep while he was here. Little guy settled in like he owned the place.”
“Your recliner, anyway.”
“I didn’t mind. He fit perfectly.” His father grinned. “Rascal could wake the dead. I swear he makes noise when he wags his tail.”
“He’s not that bad.” At least the dog hadn’t been last night. “Just big and clumsy.”
“And does the opposite of what you tell him.”
Rain pelted the roof. Bryce glanced out the living room window. Dark skies and wet pavement. He hoped the storm wouldn’t keep people away from the adoption event today. “Dakota said he went right in his crate at home and fell asleep.”
“Exhaustion will do that to an animal or a person.” A serious expression crossed his dad’s face. “That’s why I worry about Dakota. I don’t know how she keeps up with everything. The dogs, the rat, her job, volunteering, and her house.”
“She seems to be handling it all.”
“I’m afraid she’s going to burn out if she’s not careful.”
That didn’t seem like the organized woman Bryce was getting to know. “You think so?”
His father nodded. “She changed after her fiancé broke up with her on their wedding day.”
Bryce’s chest tightened thinking how that must have hurt Dakota. “She got jilted?”
“Yes. I was in the church when she made the announcement that the wedding had been called off. Her loser of a fiancé left her to do that.”
Bryce’s fingers curled. He hoped Dakota was over the guy. “Loser seems like too nice a word.”
“You’re right since he married another woman three months later.” H
is dad shook his head. “Dakota’s never mentioned the wedding again or the guy, but since then, she’s been working non-stop between her job and the rescue. I doubt she takes a day off.”
That Bryce could imagine. The woman never seemed to stop.
Her work ethic appealed to him, but he wondered if the non-stop doing had become a coping mechanism for her. His job had been his sanctuary after his mother’s death. Losing himself in a design project had made turning off his grief easier.
Was Dakota doing the same thing to escape her heartache?
That would explain how she acted around him. Sometimes hot, other times cold.
He stared at the falling rain. “Is that why you keep sending me to wherever she is?”
“Coincidence.”
Sure, it was. But no harm in letting his dad believe the matchmaking was working. “Guess that happens in a small town.”
“All the time.” His dad ate a forkful of eggs. “You should see if they need help at the adoption event today.”
They. His dad meant Dakota. Bryce bit back a smile. “I told her to call if she needs help.”
“Nice of you to offer. I hope she calls you.”
“Figured that’s what you would be doing if you hadn’t broken your legs.”
His dad shot him a pointed look. “Are you helping because of me? Or is there something going on between you and Dakota?”
“You want me to help, so I am. Nothing’s going on between us. Why do you ask?”
He raised his coffee cup. “Just curious. You seem to get along well.”
“We do.” Bryce pictured her smiling face. “She’s smart, pretty, and funny. What’s not to like? But I’m not here to find a girlfriend. I’m here to spend time with you.”
“You could do a lot worse than Dakota Parker.”
If Bryce were in the market for a girlfriend… He shrugged.
“Ask her out on a date.” The mischief in his dad’s eyes matched his voice. “She’s all those things you mentioned, plus she has a heart as wide as the Rockies.”
Bryce couldn’t believe he was having this conversation with his dad and not one about moving to Washington. “She also lives in Marietta. I live in Seattle.”
“Then make the most of the time you’re here.”
Bryce shrugged. “She doesn’t seem interested. She could still be getting over her ex-fiancé?”
A Thankful Heart (Love at the Chocolate Shop Book 2) Page 11
