Page 24 of One Heated Summer

“Oh…We always had dogs and cats around. Most were strays that just moseyed on in and decided to stay. Sheba is an Australian Shepherd.”

“She’s gorgeous colors and I love her icy blue eyes. How old is she?”

“She’s what’s called a red merle and just turned three. My last Aussie—Jack, died a little after his sixteenth birthday. They are super smart, easy to train and the best herding dogs there are in my opinion.”

“So, they come from Australia?”

“Nope. Supposedly they come from a merging of sheepdogs from Spain and Collies from Australia and New Zealand that were imported with sheep. That’s how they got the name. The breed originated in California in the 19thcentury.”

“That’s interesting. Sheba seems to be as happy to lie around as she is to run.”

“Sheebs, my nickname for her, loves to run and more than that, she needs to run. Being cooped up would drive her mad. But she is happy lying around, being a lounge lizard at the end of the day.”

“Hmm, I think I’d be very interested if there are any pups available. Can you ask your friend and will you help me train one?”

“Of course. Male or female?”

“Not particular. I’ll love it no matter what.”

“I’ll give Macie a call in the morning.”

“Thank you.”

I reached across the table, taking her hand in mine. “I’ll do anything to help out…within reason of course. Or…maybe I would do anything,” I grinned.

Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and for a moment, we just sat there, hands entwined, the unspoken connection between us growing stronger with each passing second.

After dinner, we moved to the porch, the evening air still warm as it brushed against our skin. We sipped at cool drinks and talked about everything and nothing as the stars twinkled in the dark sky overhead.

I took a large gulp of beer and sat for a moment, picking at the label.

“What’s on your mind, Jensen?” Harlyn asked, noticing I was distracted.

I turned sideways on the love seat and faced her, gathering the courage to ask the question I wasn’t sure I wanted an answer to but one that had been niggling at the back of my mind.

You’ve been here three months…”

“Three months, three weeks, and four days to be exact,” Harlyn interrupted with a smile.

“Summer’s done, although you wouldn’t know it. I think Mother Nature is off her meds,” I chuckled.

Harlyn sipped at her soda and said, “Spit it out, Jensen.”

“Are you going to stay or is what we’re doing short term?”

Harlyn twisted the soda bottle back and forth in her hands, fixing her gaze on the label. I felt an ache begin in my chest. When she fixed her eyes on mine, I knew she was leaving…But hang on, why was she speaking about getting a dog if she didn’t intend staying? I waited…Hoping. If I’d been religious I’d have been saying a prayer.

“When I first arrived and saw the state of the place, my only intentions were to fix it up and sell for the best possible price. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with the land, the people, the animals…” She put her bottle on the ground, took the beer from my hand and set it alongside the soda, and gathered both of my hands. “With you, Jensen. I’ve fallen in love with you.”

Tears of happiness burned my eyes as I pulled her against me and kissed the ever-loving fuck out of her. When we drew apart to catch our breath, I admitted, “I love you too. I want a future with you by my side.”

We kissed again. “Bed,” Harlyn said breathlessly.

She squealed when I swept her into my arms and wrapped her arms around my neck as I carried her inside and upstairs to her bedroom.

“Stay, Sheebs,” I called as we passed her on the way to the steps. Harlyn giggled when my dog didn’t lift her head in acknowledgement or even bat an eyelid.

I huffed and shook my head.

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