No Breaking My Heart (23 page)

“I didn't finish my homework. I was preoccupied last night.”

“Making out can be a distraction.”

“I can always make up the assignment.”

“Jocks need to maintain their grades.”

“I carry a ‘B' average.”

He dropped down beside her, kissed her lightly, familiarly, on the lips. Then took her hand. “Thanks for meeting me here,” he said. “We can pick our dogs together.” He scanned the grassy area. “Any caught your eye yet? Do you have a favorite?”

She leaned her head against his shoulder. It seemed natural to do so. “Not just one, I love them all. A very tough decision.” There were puppies and adult dogs. All sizes. All breeds. All worthy of adoption. All needing a forever home.

“I'm the last player on the team to pick a furry partner. The guys discussed the Dog Jog during warm-ups and scrimmages this morning. There are sixty entrants. Rylan's got Atlas. The lead Great Dane. Halo and Alyn will bring up the rear with Quigley. Zoo viewed the dogs yesterday. He went with a year old Rottweiler, Turbo. Our pitcher Will decided on a Chihuahua, Cutie Patootie.”

She couldn't help but grin. “Love her name.”

“Will's calling her Patoot. The man's six-six. The Chihuahua barely weighs four pounds. You can hardly see her over the top of his sneaker. He can carry her in his shirt pocket, if she gets tired.”

“Her little legs may only last a block.”

“He'll get her to the finish line.”

They watched the dogs play, noticing that some interacted better than others. Eden was soon drawn to a shy male beagle who clung to the fence. He shook every time another dog approached, turning his head away.

Eden motioned to Betty Elroy. The shelter director hurried over. “Tell me about the beagle,” she requested.

Betty told them what she knew. Which was very little. “That's Obie. Shelter-named. No background on him. He's been here a month. Someone dropped him off in a crate by the back door. No note. No care instructions. No aggression on his part. He just hasn't warmed up to anyone.”

Eden's heart went soft and sad simultaneously. She released Landon's hand, stood, and slowly walked toward Obie. She stopped when he started to tremble. She lowered herself to the ground. Sat cross-legged. Allowing him to get used to her.

“Head's up,” Land called from behind her. She glanced back, and he tossed her a dog treat. “I packed snacks. Came prepared.”

Eden noticed that he had hunkered down, too. Presently, he began petting a reddish, long-haired dachshund. The weenie leaned against his ankle. Looked up at him adoringly. That was the effect he had on females.

“Her name is Ruby,” the director told Landon. “She's eight. A real sweetheart. Sadly, her owner recently passed away. No immediate family wished to take her.”

“Has she met Obie?” asked Land.

“She just arrived, and hasn't officially made the rounds.”

“Introductions are in order then.”

He pushed up, and Betty moved on. Scooping the dach against his chest, he crossed to Eden, then crouched again. He released Ruby. The dachsie sensed her purpose. She snuck the biscuit from Eden's outstretched hand, and delivered it to the beagle. She dropped it by his left front paw. Obie remained reluctant.

Other dogs circled, checking out Ruby. She allowed them a sniff or two, then barked them along. She stood guard, not letting them near Obie.

Eden pointed. “Ruby's gone belly-down.”

“Not much of a drop,” said Land. “She's two inches off the ground.”

The dachshund scooted toward Obie. She didn't bark, only whined, offering canine sympathy. Obie hung his head. Whimpered back. The sound was pitiful. Utter dejection.

Tears filled Eden's eyes. The dogs were bonding. She'd never seen anything like it. She swore there was hope in Obie's eyes, a moment of trust. He did the unexpected. He nudged the biscuit back to Ruby. She ate it, then trotted back to Landon, demanding a second.

It became a game, Land handing Ruby a treat. Her taking it to Obie. The beagle ate one of three. Ruby confiscated the other two. Eden used her iPhone to take pictures. They were priceless.

“Stand up, and follow my lead,” Land said. Eden did so.

“Ruby,” he called, patting his thigh. “Come, girl.” He took Eden's hand, and they started to walk away. They hoped Ruby would follow. And that Obie would come after her.

The dachshund grew dismayed. She whined. Her eyes were on Landon, but she remained beside Obie. The director came to their rescue, providing a solution.

“A double-dog coupler,” Betty said, holding dual leashes, connected by a circular center link. “You can comfortably walk two dogs of different breeds and sizes without the hassle of tangled and twisted leashes. The coupler was donated to the shelter, but we've never had two dogs leave together, so it's all yours.”

“Ours?” Eden said slowly.

Betty waved her hand, was apologetic. “My mistake. I jumped to conclusions. I assumed you'd be sponsoring the beagle and dachshund in the Dog Jog. Helping to find them a home.”

“You'd be right,” Landon assured her, accepting the coupler. “We're also considering adoption. Joint custody.”

Eden started. “We are?”

Land rubbed the back of his neck. “Give us five to collect our thoughts.”

The director beamed. “Take all the time you need. A permanent home is preferable. But a chance for them to be showcased at the event is nice, too.” She moved on.

Eden gave him the eye. “What are
we
thinking?” she asked him.

“Pet parents. Any objections?”

She was truthful. “I barely know you.”

“We've known each other since high school.”

She laughed. A little. “Still, taking on pets is a huge responsibility.”

He grew serious. Sensitive. “Too soon to adopt? You mentioned losing a dog and cat a while back.”

“Their loss stayed with me a long time.” She still had their food bowls. Their old toys. Their bedding. “I love being an owner,” she admitted. “I miss having another heartbeat in the house. I'd planned on a future adoption. I just hadn't gotten around to visiting the shelter, until now.”

Eden eyed the two dogs. “It's obvious Obie needs Ruby. They should be adopted together. I think they both need us.” Somehow that felt right. Her heart warmed. Decision made.

“We have four days to familiarize them with the double-leash. They could enter the Dog Jog as a pair. Walk together.”

“You'd help me train them?”

“I'm up to the challenge.”

“It would mean seeing each other. Often.”

He seemed relieved. “A means to an end. I have the dogs to thank.”

“You want to spend time with me?” She wasn't fishing for compliments, merely needed assurance.

“I like you, Eden.”

It was hard for her to accept. The man could date anyone on the boardwalk. Any woman in Richmond. Most any woman on the planet. Yet he chose to be with her.

She sat there, mind blown, until he nudged her with his elbow, asked, “You like me back?” His expression appeared more little boy than grown man.

“I feel sixteen.”

“I'm feeling awkward. Answer anytime.”

She considered. “Are you liking me to get me naked?”

He shook his head. “I've never told a woman I liked her to get her in bed.”

“Liking me
will
lead to sex.”

“It doesn't have to.”

“So, you're fine with foreplay, nothing more?”

“More would be nice.”

“Expect it.” The when and where would come in good time.

“You're already making me sweat.”

“I like making you sweat.” Less apprehensive, she said, “I like you, too, Landon.”

His smile came fast. Hot and sexy. “We're getting there.”

Getting
where?
She was about to ask, but just then the director of the shelter returned. She clasped her hands before her and looked questioningly at the two of them. “I hate to interrupt, but the couple standing by the gate are interested in Ruby. I told them you were discussing—”

“She's adopted.” Eden didn't let her finish.

“So is Obie,” added Land.

“How fortunate for them.” Betty was pleased. “Let me introduce the Fosters to another dachshund, and I'll start your paperwork. My office is through the side entrance, second door on the left. I'll meet you there.”

Land hooked Ruby to the coupler, but Obie fought it. The beagle cringed. Despaired. Backed against the fence. Curled into a ball. Landon went down on one knee, placed his palm on Obie's shoulder. Gentled the dog. “No one's going to hurt you ever again. You're with us now. I protect what's mine.”

Landon was their champion. He was kind and generous, a good man. Obie apparently thought so, too. He gave Land his paw. They shared a momentary truce, up until Landon tried to collar him. Obie panicked again, panting so heavily, Land released him.

He passed Ruby's leash to Eden. “I'll carry him,” he decided. Obie went stiff in his arms. Fortunately, it was a short distance to the office. Land again set him down.

The director soon joined them. They signed the paperwork and paid the adoption fees. Then headed out. Ruby trotted along on her half of the coupler. Obie got carried. The dog buried his head in Land's chest.

They eventually stood in the parking lot between their Porsches, and went over their options. “My place,” Eden assumed.

“No pets allowed at Driftwood Inn.” Where the team resided.

“Follow me home?”

“Right behind you. I'll bring the dogs.”

He didn't want to split them up. Eden was appreciative. The two were better together. “I'll drive slowly. Flash your headlights if they don't ride well.”

“If for some reason we should pass you, and you see Ruby driving, be concerned. Very concerned.”

She laughed. “That's a photo I'd stop and take.” She helped him load the dogs. Ruby settled in on the passenger seat. Obie dove for the floor mat.

“Food,” she said, once he was behind the wheel. “A stop at Quick Mart, and we're set.”

He followed closely behind her. Eden glanced in her rearview mirror often. She saw Ruby's head pop up and her paws go to the window, as the dachshund tried to look out. She bobbed, but was too short to see much.

Once home, they allowed the dogs the run of the yard, then called them inside. They sniffed, explored. Obie became Ruby's shadow. They ate from the same bowl. Then took the hidden, narrow staircase located off the kitchen to the loft above the sanctuary.

Eden turned on a standing lamp just inside the door. The pink bulb provided soft lighting. Landon looked around her bedroom while she set out the dog beds. Two beds, but they settled on one. The excitement of a new home overtook Ruby, and she soon slept. Obie rested with one eye open. He breathed easier now, but wasn't fully trusting.

She next turned to Landon. They stood so close, they could've been one person. “Dogs are tucked in.”

“It's our time now.”

She was ready for him. The promise of sex filled the room. Invisible, yet tangible. Their silence became foreplay. The moments stretched out as awareness became arousal.

She kicked off her flip-flops.

He heel-toed his tennis shoes.

He curved one arm about her shoulders, the other beneath her knees, and lifted her. Still clothed. He moved the few feet to the double bed set in the middle of the room against the wall. Her bed was unmade. She'd left the house in a hurry that morning. The blankets and sheets twisted like lovers. Several pillows were scattered near the headboard.

He lowered her onto the mattress. She stared up at him, her hair as out of control as her heartbeat. Her lips were slightly parted. She slowly brought them together, licked them. She saw his body tense, as if she'd licked
him
.

Vulnerability lay with her, as he stood beside the bed. This wasn't high school anymore. She had an eye for visual composition. Balance and bone structure. Musculature. Landon was flawlessly handsome. She experienced a moment of panic. He belonged with a woman as equally attractive. Someone fit and feminine. With perfect teeth and soft skin. Not someone like her, who refused braces, and had no beauty regimen. Who binged on junk food, and believed chewing was an exercise.

He sensed her insecurity. Laid it to rest. “Don't question how I feel about you, Eden. I have no words. It's all in here.” He touched his heart.

She melted. Let the night unfold. The pull between them was poignant and strong, man to woman, and brought heat to her belly. She felt suddenly warm all over. Her breasts were heavy. The sexual ache between her thighs made her restless. She couldn't catch her breath. He hadn't even touched her.

Landon did the unexpected. His eyes darkened as he slowly stripped down. “I'm far from perfect, sweetheart,” he said. “I have scars.”

He showed them to her. One by one, as he took off his clothes. A show designed just for her. Off came his T-shirt, and he pointed to a laser thin line at his shoulder. “Rotator cuff surgery.” Didn't detract from his appearance one single bit. She was far more interested in his sculpted chest.

“Appendix removed,” he went on to say. Again, no more than a hint of a scar on his abdomen. She'd never seen a stomach so flat.

He unsnapped, unzipped his jeans. Dropped them. He stood in navy boxer briefs. He filled them out nicely. “Cleats to the calf,” he continued. “An Atlanta Brave slid into me instead of the base.” Barely a mark, yet she'd appreciated the tour of his body.