Page 32 of Safe With Me

“I’m sorry for all of it. Very sorry.”

“Let’s leave the serious stuff now.”

“Okay. I want to stay like this, too.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I’m glad.”

Chapter 6

The next morning, Pax got up and whistled his way downstairs, Mutt at his heels. He took the animal out, then made coffee and sat at his computer.

But he stared blankly at the screen. Last night was meaningful, special, and just thoughts of it made his heart clutch in his chest. And he was very afraid that, over the last weeks, he’d fallen in love with Stephanie Giordano. For a minute that scared him, then he pushed fear away and enjoyed his mind’s meandering.

Finally he checked his email. He’d asked the staff to come in today, to set up their areas and get to know each other a bit. And Steph would be there. As he ran down the lists of his emails, one stopped him dead in his tracks. LOST DOG. His heart started to beat fast. Oh, no!

It isn’t the end of the world. You’ve dealt with a lot worse. Still…

He opened the email.

My name is Marci Slick. The dog you wrote about is mine. I want him back. When can I pick him up?

He blew out a heavy breath, then typed, Bring proof of ownership to the Westwood Clinic in town. I’m a doctor and I bring him to work every day. I’m leaving now.

His mood dashed, he dressed and drove with Mutt to the clinic. After stopping for donuts, he parked in the small back parking lot, which had finally been cleared of boxes, and walked inside. He made coffee robotically.

Steph was the first to arrive. Despite his upset, his smile was sincere. “Good morning.”

“Good morning.” She crossed to him and touched his shoulder. Then she cupped his cheek. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s not about last night.”

“What happened then?”

“It’s Mutt. I got an email saying this woman was the owner and she wanted him back.”

“Huh. It’s been more than two weeks since you put the ad in.”

“Yeah, I took it down after a bit.”

“Sounds strange, Pax.”

“We’ll have to wait and see. I’ve got to focus on the clinic today since everybody’s coming in.”

“Do you need to do anything to get ready?”

“Um, put the donuts out on the table next to coffee.”

“Sure.” She started away.

He held her back. “I can’t kiss you here, but I want you to know I was flying high this morning when I woke. Last night was wonderful.”

“For me, too.”

“I want a repeat.”

“Me, too.”

The back door opened and in came Alice Carson, the nurse, and Jon Baker, the receptionist. “Hello, all,” Jon said.

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