Page 46 of Wanted

“Why didn't you keep it?” I ask when the silence becomes too much.

The puppy in my lap squeaks, drawing her attention there. I can nearly feel her eyes caressing my fingers as she watches me stroke the pup’s fur.

“Because it didn't actually follow me home from school. I kind of stole it.”

I can't help the chuckle that slips free.

“Are you telling me you've been a klepto since you were a kid?”

She sighs and bumps her shoulder into mine.

“I didn't steal it, steal it," she says. “When I walked by its house, the dog was off its leash, and it started to follow me. We walked together a couple of houses down the street and then it stopped. And instead of letting it just turn around and go back home, I called it to me.”

“So you didn't technically steal it?” I ask.

“No, I didn't steal it. I merely encouraged it to find a new home.” She strokes her fingers over the fawn-colored hound mix near her lap. “I was only ten, okay? The owners got their dog back.”

"How did you manage that?"

“He was wearing a collar. When my dad said no to keeping him, I had to call the owners and tell them I found their lost dog.”

At that, I can't hold it back anymore.

I burst out laughing.

Full belly rumble.

It isn't until I catch her eyes as she watches me slack-jawed that I realize what I'm doing, and I abruptly stop.

“What?” I say, harsher than intended as the familiar discomfort creeps through my system.

“Nothing. It's just you have a really nice laugh.”

I clear my throat, fighting against the soft swish in my gut.

“I’ve got to get these puppies cleaned up.”

“Is that what we're doing today?”

I can tell the moment is broken by her tone.

“Yep. They need baths. Once they're clean, I'll put them in a fresh kennel. Then I have to clean this one out and prep it for whoever comes in next.”

“Okay,” she says softly.

“You up for the task?”

Her voice is much stronger when she says, “I think I can manage bathing some stinky puppies.”

I could almost breathe a sigh of relief that her voice holds a smile again.

“Good.” I heft the pup from my lap into my arms and stand. “Then you can help by managing them while I get started.”

Her brows dip in confusion. “I thought I was bathing puppies.”

“In a cast? No. You’re keeping them entertained while I bathe them. Then you can keep them busy while I clean their kennel.”

“Jude, that’s not what I’m here for.”

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