ock bottom before he could rebuild himself.
Just as Kendall had.
He thought of the serious woman in the tight tee shirt, stained with he didn’t want to know what. Her long brown hair had been pulled into a high ponytail, swishing sexily as she walked. And her feelings for the dogs pulled at his heart. She clearly felt something strong for the dog he’d chosen… and maybe that was part of the reason he’d been drawn to Steve as well. The pup with the human name was a connection to a woman he still cared about.
One he could no longer get a handle on. So his apology circled around and around in his head and never left his lips. He still intended to talk to Kendall about their past, but to do that, he needed time, and she didn’t seem to want to give it to him.
* * *
Kendall tried her best to focus on work and not Julian’s renewed presence in her life. As her therapist pointed out, it was a short-term event, something she could handle and put behind her, as she’d done once before. She just needed to get him settled with Steve and he’d be out of her life again, this time for good. She had no desire to question why the thought made her sad or affected her in any way.
From her desk, and at Josie’s request, she called Julian’s references, starting with his landlord. Julian had already sent over a copy of his lease that included the ability to own a pet.
She didn’t know what else she expected to find out, but the man who answered the phone confirmed again that, yes, dogs were allowed in the building and Julian Dane was a model tenant. He paid his rent on time and always had, got along well with his neighbors, had no complaints or warnings leveled against him, and as far as his landlord was concerned, he’d be a responsible pet owner. No red flags there.
Next up was a man named Nick Cantone. He’d known Julian for years, at least according to the adoption form Julian had filled out.
The man answered on the first ring and Kendall introduced herself. “I’m Kendall Parker from For Paws. I’m calling because Julian Dane listed you as a reference. He’s interested in adopting one of our dogs.”
“Hi, Kendall. Julian told me to expect your call,” a friendly-sounding man said.
“I see. Good. Well, I’d just like your overall impressions of Julian. Whether you think he’s responsible enough to own a dog, to take care of him, that sort of thing.” She tapped her pen against the papers on the desk.
He cleared his throat. “I would say Julian is definitely ready to own a pet. He’s… changed a lot in the last year. Grown up. Accepted more responsibility in life.”
Kendall narrowed her gaze at the man’s pointed comments. If she didn’t know better, she’d think Nick was trying to make that point with Kendall personally and as the shelter employee.
“Thank you. I appreciate your time, Mr. Cantone,” she said, pleased she’d gotten what she needed.
“Nick, please. After all, I’ve heard a lot about you, Kendall,” he said, affirming her gut instinct.
Her stomach twisted with unease. “I’m sorry, but I can’t say the same thing, and that puts me at a disadvantage.”
“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I just want you to know Julian has worked hard to become a new… a better man.”
She swallowed hard. This was supposed to be a dog reference phone call, not one that dug into her old life. “Thank you again for your time. I’ve gotten all the information I need.”
And more that she didn’t.
She quickly disconnected the call. Pushing his words aside, she filled out the information on the forms, indicating to Josie she could approve Julian for adoption.
She wasn’t ready to ponder anything more. When Julian came for Steve, she’d have to deal with him again. For today, she remained busy with work and kept her mind free of her personal life and her past with Julian Dane.
* * *
New leash and collar in hand, Julian walked into For Paws to pick up his new dog. He was excited to have a pet, happy to know he’d have company, and dammit, looking forward to seeing Kendall again.
When he arrived, she was nowhere to be found. Josie, the other woman he’d met, walked him through the signing of the paperwork, reiterated his responsibilities, and congratulated him on his new family member.
“Are you ready to go get him?” she asked, oblivious to Julian’s disappointment in missing out on his chance to see Kendall again.
“Sure thing. Let’s go get Steve.” He followed her through the back door and into the area where the dogs were kept.
He glanced down the row to Steve’s pen, where, to his surprise, Kendall sat with his dog on her lap, petting his head and talking to him in a soft voice.
Julian let out a breath he hadn’t been aware of holding, relief and pleasure suffusing him in equal measure. He wouldn’t have to leave without talking to Kendall.
“You’re going to a good home,” Kendall said softly, unaware they were behind her. “You’ll be well fed and loved. And even if I won’t see you anymore, I’ll always remember you.”