Page 10 of Seaside Cowboy's Second Chance

Though why “they”? There was notheyoruswhen it came to Dallas and Skylar, and he’d better remember it this time. He’d been blindsided before, but now, he knew where he stood with her.

“Don’t worry, Breeze.” He stomped to the truck and let the dog out. He’d lift her again, but she had no issues jumping out. “I’ll get it.” He picked up the new dog bedding.

“I’ve got the rest.” Skylar snatched the bags with pet supplies. She grabbed the leash, and Breeze stayed nearby.

“You can put it down,” she said.

“Put down what?” He frowned.

“The luggage. It has wheels. It can roll.”

“I know.” Did the big-city, college-educated miss think he was a country bumpkin? “It’s not heavy.”

She stepped toward him. A strand of chestnut-hued hair escaped her tight bun and floated in the breeze. He had a nearly irresistible urge to tuck it behind her ear like he’d done many times before. In those times, she’d worn her curly hair strewn over her shoulders or in a flirty high ponytail instead of this strict bun so tight it pulled back the skin on her face.

The face he’d once found lovely and fascinating. A large, disobedient part of him still did.

“I’m sorry.” She searched his eyes.

His heart turned over itself. Was she sorry for breaking off their engagement? For her radio silence all these years? Or for something else he didn’t know about?

“Skylar! You’re here!” Mrs. Rafferty stepped onto the porch, wrapped in a tawny-hued shawl.

“Hi, Grandma. Sorry for the delay. And I have a surprise.”

He edged away from Skylar and hurried to her grandmother to help her on the stairs. While she still got around okay, it didn’t hurt to be careful. He put down the suitcase. “Hello, Mrs. Rafferty.”

She leaned on him as she walked the few steps. “Hello, stranger. Oh, good. You two reconciled?”

“No, we didn’t,” they said in unison.

“What a pity.” She squinted at Breeze. “You have a dog?”

“I do now.” Skylar walked to her grandmother and kissed her cheek. “This is the stray I told you about. The surprise. She’s got no microchip or collar to track down the possible owner. Her name is Breeze. I hope it’s okay I brought her here. If nobody claims her, I’ll take her with me when I leave.”

A knife turned in him at the wordleave, as if he didn’t already know she wouldn’t stay. Why would she stay?

“Poor doggie.” Mrs. Rafferty sighed. “I’ll ask around, but it looks like another tourist just abandoned their pet. Strange they didn’t put in a chip, though. Or maybe the dog ran away, and the tourist searched and searched for her but had to leave?” Kindhearted Dolores Rafferty always gave people the benefit of the doubt. No wonder Mom loved her so much.

“Maybe,” Skylar said carefully.

“Of course, you can bring her. Let’s get you and all your heavy things inside and have some tea and pastries.” Mrs. Rafferty cast a glance at Breeze, who eyed her. “Except for you, cutie. Sorry, but you’re getting water and dog biscuits.”

Breeze rushed inside, tail swishing out her excitement about the alternative.

If Skylar had broken off the engagement because she’d wanted to stay in the city, he’d have considered moving for her. As much as he’d loved the ranch, he’d have followed her to the other side of the earth, if needed. But she’d never asked.

He brought the suitcase and the dog’s bedding into the house. “Where would you like this stuff?” His voice came out gruffer than he’d intended.

Again, the hurt in Skylar’s eyes at his tone cut through him as if she weren’t the one who’d hurt him. The once-bright eyes where he used to know every speck and sparkle. Her lovely face where he used to know every freckle and curve.

“Just near the door is fine for now,” she said. “I’ll let Breeze explore her new territory.”

But Breeze didn’t seem to want to explore her new temporary home. She stayed near the door, then sat there, and then lifted her thankfully not-broken paw as if trying to open the door.

“Looks like she’d like to go for a walk.” He petted the golden retriever, who wagged her tail as if to confirm his words.

“Oh. Yes. Right.” Skylar picked up the leash.

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