Page 9 of Dashing for Love

“Why not?” Finished with the last horse, I begin packing up all my supplies.

“Thing’s gonna get trampled or ate, and I don’t know which one. Plus, it keeps shakin’ like it’s scared half to death. Hell, maybe he is.”

“Where is he?”

“Kept it in the house today. Figured that was best.”

I sigh and gesture for him to lead the way. “Well, let’s see him.”

The second John opens the small house’s door, we’re greeted by the little cream-colored dog. He’s yapping happily, bouncing and vibrating. John scowls at him. “There he is.”

I grin and scoop him up. He’s a tiny thing, maybe three pounds if I’m being generous. “Hey there, killer.”

The apple-headed dog yips and licks my face, his bulbous black eyes bright and intelligent.

I laugh. He’s the most ridiculous-looking little thing I’ve seen in quite some time, and I’ve seen my fair share of adorable pets.

“Seems he likes you,” John says.

“Seems so.” I know where this is going, and I’m okay with it. Finding this little guy a home won’t be hard. “Want me to take him off your hands?”

John’s answering smile tells me plenty. “I’ll get you his food.” When he returns with the food, he’s also kitted out a cardboard box with a blanket that he holds out to me. “Figure he can ride in this.”

Narrowing my eyes, I ask, “Just how long have you been waiting to foist this dog off on me?”

John looks askance. “Dr. Brodigan. You know I am an animal lover.”

I wave him off with a laugh. “I’m kidding, John. I know you are. Help me get him to the truck?”

Soon enough, I’m securing the box to the front seat of my truck and driving off John’s property, the tiny cream chihuahua staring at me adoringly as we go.

I shake my head. I’m the world’s biggest sucker.

Later,after I’ve introduced the chihuahua to the other animals in the house—Kitty is excited, though the little dog is more than a little terrified of Kitty, Spot is indifferent, and Crush is murderous, all to be expected—and showered, I pull the Blinding Love app back up.

JAMES

Hey, look at that—still get to use more than Hello

After a few minutes, the notification chimes and I grin, falling onto the couch with the chihuahua tucked into my chest.

James! You’re back.

I grimace. Yeah, James is what I went with. It’s my middle name, and I figure that’s nottoodeceptive, right? I can’t use my real name yet.

JAMES

All done with work and relaxing at my house.

Glad to hear it. I’m hard at work relaxing in my house as well.

Now is when we’re supposed to engage in witty banter, right?

Ha, something like that. You got any?

Hang on. I’m checking my pockets.

Nope, no banter in my pockets. Found a dollar, though, so I guess that’s something.

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