Page 187 of Hell Hath No Fury
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Drea and Leona head back to the main part of the resort. He was happier to see them go than he probably should have been, but he really liked the idea of being alone with Ashby.
“He’s been wandering up and down the beach all week.”
“Well, let’s get him scanned and see if he has a chip.” Ashby reached into her bag, pulling out a collar attached to a leash, slipping it over the dog’s head. “Here, hold this.”
Taking the leash from her, he watched as she ran a handheld device over the dog’s back. Her smile never faded, radiating joy like he’d never seen. What was it about this woman? There wasn’t just one thing—everything about her called to him in a way he couldn’t explain.
“No chip. And he isn’t neutered. So, my guess is that he’s not someone’s pet.”
“So then, what now?”
“That depends. Like I said, I’m with Paw It in Neutral, a nonprofit that works with municipalities on spaying and neutering strays to help curb the population growth, but also on educating the public on why getting your pet fixed is so important. So, my first recommendation is for him to see Dr. Snip.”
She made a scissor motion with her fingers to illustrate her point, making him laugh again. One joke in and he already loved her sense of humor. The sound of her laugh wasn’t bad either. In fact, it was intoxicating, and he was already trying to work out a way to make her do it again.
“And then?”
“Again, it depends. I don’t know much about the local adoption programs on the island. I’m a rotating vet, only here for six weeks for this campaign.”
A rotating vet, only here for six weeks. That would explain why he hadn’t seen her before. He might have spent most of histime on-site at the resort, but the island of St. Thomas was small. He would have noticed her. It would have been impossible to not—she was absolutely stunning.
“I can take him.”
The words were out of his mouth before he even had time to think about it. But now that they were out there, he knew he didn’t want to give him up. Ten minutes in, and he was already attached. Just like he was to the woman in front of him. He didn’t really have time for a dog, although having the company would be nice. The bosses probably wouldn’t object too much to bringing him to work. With the right training, Carlos was sure the little guy would be a great addition to the resort.
“You sure?”
“Yeah, why not? Can you tell how old he is? And what kind of dog he is?”
“Based on his looks, he’s pure Heinz fifty-seven mutt,” she said with a laugh. “Age is harder, especially since he’s underweight, but I’d say a year or two?”
Carlos nodded, trying to think of something else to say. He wanted to keep her talking. Keep her here with him. But his mind went blank.
“He’s gonna need a name. Preferably before I take him in to be fixed. So we know what to call him.”
“How about Mickey?” Carlos offered.
“As in Mouse?” Ashby asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.
“As inyou’re so fine,” Carlos corrected her, hoping she got it and that he wouldn’t actually have to sing. “We have a thing for eighties music around here.”
“Oh, gotcha. Well, then Mickey it is.”
Ashby stood, holding out her hand to take the leash from him. Carlos reluctantly handed it over, more upset than he thought hewould be about letting the pup go. Not just the pup—Ashby too. He needed to see her again.
“Here’s my card,” she said, handing it to him. “Text me so I have your number and can call you when this guy is done with surgery. Might be a couple of days before we can fit him in.”
“And if I want to text you about non-dog-related things?”
“Such as?”
Even behind her sunglasses Carlos could tell her eyes went wide, her cheeks pinkening slightly. She hadn’t been prepared for the question.
“Like dinner? Or a night out of some kind?”
“Sure, you could text me about those too.”
With another bright smile, Ashby spun around, tugging on the leash lightly, and walked away. Mickey followed her, his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth, turning around to look at Carlos every few seconds. Watching them walk away, his heart beat faster, sad to see them go. Although, he couldn’t deny he enjoyed the view of Ashby from this angle.
