Page 25 of Here Comes Santa Paws

It was odd we’d run into each other more lately than the past six months combined, but I supposed I was no longer actively avoiding him.

After parking, I left the garage door open and walked over to them. “Evening.”

As soon as Carol heard me, she stood and trotted over as close as the leash would allow. Elias followed until Carol sat at my feet, staring at me with her big brown eyes. They held the same doe-like quality as Elias’s.

Elias shook his head. “We’ve been out here for five minutes and made it as many feet. She refused to budge, but as soon as she sees you, she’s ready to run a marathon.”

I pressed my hands to my hips and stared down at her as her bushy tail brushed the concrete. Her middle looked bigger than I remembered. Elias must be feeding her well.

Would it really be so bad to watch a dog for a few days?

As I looked into Carol’s eyes, I saw glimpses of Roxy. She’d lick my fingers through the fence, and I’d sneak her pieces of chicken from my dinner.

I’d given it some thought last night and figured I could swing by between my in-home appointments to let her out during my workdays. Worst case, if it didn’t work out and she was miserable, Elias could take her back.

I held out my hand, and Elias placed the leash handle in my palm. “Walk,” I commanded. Both Carol and Elias took off down the sidewalk. He was too cute for his own good and too damn appealing for mine.

Carol walked happily ahead, stopping to sniff interesting bushes and trees.

“Yesterday, you mentioned she’d need work before she could be adopted. What kind of work?”

“She gets anxious around other animals. Not aggressive or anything, but I want to socialize her to give her the best chance at adoption. I’d want to visit her several times a week and work up to involving my dogs.” At my eyebrow raise, he continued. “I know, I know, but they’re good at that. I’ve done it before.”

“Is there something wrong with her preferring to be alone?”

Elias’s expression turned understanding. “No, but she can’t always control her environment. There will be times she needs to be around other animals, like going to the vet’s office or walks, and it would be better for her if it didn’t cause her so much stress.”

That made sense.

“As I mentioned yesterday, this would only be through the holidays. Roughly a month at most. At that point, we’ll have fewer animals in the shelter, and I can move Carol back there until she’s ready for adoption.”

He must’ve taken my pause for concern because his tone turned serious.

“Look, my duty of care is to the animals. I think she’d be really happy in an environment with you, and your presence would help her be more receptive to the kind of work that needs to happen. I’m not saying that to convince you, but to be transparent.”

I respected his honesty, and frankly, his serious shelter director persona really worked for me. I wouldn’t mind letting him send a few stern commands my way in the bedroom.

“She really likes you.” His smile was smug. “I knew you’d be a good fit.”

I hadn’t fully agreed to anything yet, but I might as well have given Elias’s proud-peacock walk.

“Fine. What’s the next step?”

Elias stopped abruptly. “Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“Some paperwork, but I can get that another time. I know where you live.” He winked. “Do you want to take her tonight, or would it be easier to get her tomorrow?”

Carol glanced over her shoulder at me like she could understand our conversation. She let out a loud, rumbly bark.

“I guess tonight.”

Elias’s laugh twinkled like the lights plastered over the houses around us.

“Thank you, Roman. This will be the best thing for her.” I had a feeling he’d wanted to say “you both,” and I was glad he hadn’t.

Carol stopped to poop. I turned toward Elias to give her privacy. “But if it goes south, you’ll take her back, right?”

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