Page 77 of DadBod

The smirk on her face tells me everything I need to know. She knows. “You just getting home, honey bun?”

“Um. Yeah. I slept in Rome’s spare bedroom.” Gulp. “It was storming.”

Leaning in, she says in my ear, “I just bet it was.”

“Shut up.” I can’t help the giggle that erupts.

“We’re talking later.”

Ignoring her order, I turn to my dresser to get a change of clothes. “I’m just here to change my clothes. I’m going back over to Rome’s.”

“You’re helping at the pet rescue today, right?”

“In the morning. We’re going to the museum in the afternoon.”

“I’m heading over there now.”

“You can ride with us.” I glance at Rome, who hasn’t stopped looking at my books. Not for one second. I’d laugh if it weren’t a little embarrassing. For him.

“Sure. Great. I’d love a ride.” Leaning into me, she’s about to say something about rides, but I cut her off.

“Go get your stuff. I’ll only be a minute.”

“Sure thing.”

The second she’s out the door, Rome turns. I glance at his pants and see they’re pretty much back to normal. “We aren’t finished.”

God, I hope not. The question is, when and where will be able to “finish”?

“Okay.” Holding up my clothes, I point to my bathroom and rush inside to change.

* * *

“Hi, Bernie.”Jeriann walks right up and hugs the man. Turning to us, she waves as she walks through a door to the right of a large reception desk.

“I’m glad you could come back and help us again today.” Looking at Calvin, Bernie reaches out and brushes a hand over his dark locks. “You want puppy patrol again or do you want to mix it up in cat land?”

I worked in the cat area last week, and I’ve got the scars to prove it. I had no idea cat claws could be that sharp or dig quite that deep. I never had a pet growing up; there was always too much going on at my house and Dad couldn’t afford one more mouth to feed.

“Puppies.” Calvin sounds appalled, saying it like there’s no other choice.

“Head right on back. Follow Jeriann.”

“Sweet.” Calvin takes off for the same door that Jeriann walked through.

“Ryann?” Bernie smiles. “Would you like to work with Charlie again?”

“Sure. I guess.” She shrugs like it’s no big deal. I know, for a fact, that it’s the only reason she’s here.

“If you go through the same door as your brother, take your first left. That’s our special-needs kennel. Charlie is there.”

Ryann starts to move, but Bernie adds, “You’re going to have to reintroduce yourself. Move slowly and speak softly until he gets used to you again. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Bernie and I stare at her back. The minute the door shuts behind her, Bernie looks down at me. “I’m not joking when I tell you, she’s the only one who’s had any luck with Charlie. He barely eats, and getting him outside is impossible.” Glancing back to the door, he appears to have an idea. “Maybe she could get him out?”

“Maybe.” I hope he’s right. This entire experience will be good for her.

“Beth? You want to help with the cats again?”

I want to groan. Or a moan might be a better sound for how I feel about the cats. I’m still healing after the Pet-a-Palooza event. But, what the hell. “I’d love to.”

“Excellent.” Bernie directs me to the cat side of the building. Before I go, though, he tells me how thankful he is that we’re there.

“Me too, Bernie.” And that’s no joke.

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