Page 58 of No Love Lost

He grinned at her confusion. “Nina is always talking about the dogs at Kimi’s. If you had one here, he could be your early warning system. You get so lost in your worlds that you need to set three timers in order to ensure you can emerge in time for what needs to be done.”

“I don’t have time to take care of a dog.”

He rolled his eyes. “I’m not thinking about a puppy. I’m thinking of a grown dog with good instincts. We can borrow one for the times you’d be alone.” He didn’t tell her he wouldn’t be able to leave her on her own, but she probably knew that.

“Sam said we could borrow the security equipment indefinitely. I’ll be fine here.”

But he could see her softening to the idea. She loved animals as much as Nina.

Addy’s phone rang with a call, and her eyebrows shot up at the name. She answered it and put the phone on speaker. “Hi Kimi. Heath and I were just talking about you.”

Kimi laughed. “That’s weird. I just got off the phone with Nina. She’s at school but asked permission to call me.”

“She’s okay?”

Another laugh. “Yes, or she would have called you, not me. Anyway, she’s worried about you being home alone, and she wants me to talk you into having Animosh stay with you.”

He watched Addy’s eyes soften as she chuckled. “She named one of them Animosh?”

“She did. Anyway, Mosh is a sweetie. She’s about five and friendly. I think she’s been trained as a guard dog because she always lets me know when someone is approaching the barn or the house. Nina told me someone is harassing you, and she’s worried. I agree with her that Mosh might be who you need. Can I bring her over for you to meet her?”

After Addy agreed and hung up, Heath held up his hands. “I wasn’t in on that. I promise.”

With a raised eyebrow, she nodded. “I believe you. But it amazes me how you and your daughter think alike.”

Which puffed him up like nothing else could do. “Thanks.”

She laughed and then sighed. “It’s going to make you both feel better, isn’t it?”

He nodded. “What does Animosh mean?”

She smiled. “It’s the Ojibwe word for dog. And I think it’s a sign that Nina wants this particular dog. We haven’t been able to afford one before, but maybe it’s time to make room for one in the budget. She would never ask but I know she’s always wanted a dog of her own.”

“Sounds like a perfect Christmas present to me.”

Addy laughed. “Yes, it does. She’ll be thrilled.” Then she sighed and slumped back against the table. “Looks like we’re getting a dog.”

He tapped her on the nose. “Don’t act like you don’t want a dog. I remember how much you always wanted one. And I know exactly how Nina came by her love for animals.”

That had her smiling. “All true.”

And she squared her shoulders, taking on the extra expense and work because it would help Nina feel better. And him. Addy still took care of everyone around her before she took care of herself.

Heath had never had to worry about money. Even when he’d been on his own, he’d had the privilege of a trust fund and an excellent education. He was well aware of his advantages. Addy didn’t realize it, but she never had to worry about money again. He wasn’t looking to take over, but it was officially his mission to make her life easier in every way.

In deference to the situation, Addy didn’t put her phone on silent like she normally did when she was writing. She wanted both Heath and Nina to know they could call her if they needed to. She also felt better with it right beside her keyboard.

Despite her insistence on staying at home, she was nervous. But no creep was going to take her home from her. She was being sensible and taking all kinds of precautions, but she wasn’t being chased off.

Heath was going to text her regularly. She was going to keep one part of her brain in the real world and text back. Having a dog at her side would help her stay aware.

Animosh was a gorgeous German Shepherd mix. She was as friendly and easy-going as advertised. After a sniffing tour of the people and the house, she’d settled herself on the dog bed Kimi set up between Addy and Nina’s desks.

Kimi had left all the things the dog would need, from food to bowls to a few toys. “She’s good with a couple of walks a day, morning and night. Other than that, she’ll wander, play with her toys, and snooze the day away.”

So Addy now had a dog that Nina already loved. “You know she’s not going to let us give you back, don’t you?”

Animosh tilted her head as if to say D’uh, who could give me up?

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