Page 100 of Wild Ride

But she was already gone, leaving behind sadness.

Ashley turned to Dex. “What was that about?”

“You need to do a better job of vetting the volunteers.”

“Don’t you dare tell me how to do my job! That woman had barely sat down before you came barging in with your demands. I can’t believe you took her kitten away.”

She curled her hand around Cleo and did exactly what Dex had just done to Ruby. See how he liked it!

“Her kitten? Since when?”

She opened her mouth, closed it again. So it wasn’t her kitten but they’d had a brief connection, and here was Dex stomping all over it.

“So, who is she?” Though she already knew. That crooked turn to her smile was all Dex.

Shaking his head, he walked behind the counter just as Toby came out.

“Toby, could you man the reception for a bit?”

“Sure. Everything okay?”

Dex had already blown past the entrance to the animal care area.

“Yeah, just need a minute.” She followed him, knowing where he was heading. Bandit’s cage. Sure enough, when she found him, he was already seated cross-legged in front of the little guy.

“No fingers,” she said gently.

His shoulders lifted, fell. She sat beside him, Cleo still attached to her shoulder.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have shouted.” She nudged his arm with hers.

“I shouldn’t have raised my voice either. I was just surprised to see her.”

“Was that your mom?”

“How’d you guess?”

“I have a daughter. Moms know when their kids are mad at them.”

“I’m not mad at her. I just don’t know why she thinks this is a good idea.”

Because she’s hurting and seeing you is a balm.

“You haven’t seen her in a while?”

“She works at the Sunny Side Up Diner, and four weeks ago was the first time I’d seen her in fourteen years.” He slid a look her way. “She’s been in prison.”

“Oh. Wow. That must have been a shock.”

“She got out a year ago. I knew it was happening. Her lawyer sent me a letter about it. A different lawyer than last time, who was different than the time before that. But I didn’t expect her to edge her way back into my life. I don’t want to know her but lately, she’s everywhere I turn.”

How awful for him, but also awful for his mom. She’d seemed so woebegone when she walked in.

“Do you mind me asking what she was in prison for?”

“Drug offenses and assault.” He pressed his hand against Bandit’s cage. The pup unfurled his tongue and gave it a lick.

“Good boy,” Dex murmured.

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