“I’m not denying you’d be a great doggie daddy but … does your lease allow for pets?” In the house with no furniture?
He nodded. “Yeah, it does. But like I told you, that’s not my permanent place. I’ll be buying something soon.”
She bit down on her cheek. “Okay. You’re serious about this, then?”
“As a heart attack.”
She shook her head and looked at the cute puppies once more. “Then brace yourself for a lecture,” she said and explained to him about her adopt, don’t shop philosophy and why. “So in my opinion, you should go to a shelter. Unless you have allergies and need a purebred dog that doesn’t shed and is as close to hypoallergenic as you can get, in which case, I recommend a breeder.”
By the time she finished her long spiel, he was smiling and nodding in agreement. “So take me to the shelter.”
“Now?”
He nodded. “I told you, I want a dog.” His expression was earnest, his tone serious. He looked like an adorable kid who couldn’t wait to get his pet.
“Okay, look. I volunteer at Norah’s Ark Rescue. I can call and see if Norah stayed late so we can stop by.” She pulled out her phone and made the call.
Next thing she knew, she and Axel were standing in the parking lot. She’d spent the ride over trying to understand his sudden need for a dog.
“Axel, wait.” She placed a hand on his arm. “Why are you doing this?” The only reason she’d come up with was that he was trying to make a good impression on her. Why else would a man who lived the way he did suddenly want a pet?
He tipped his head to one side. “After you left, I looked around the house and saw it for the first time. I realized you’re right. It’s ridiculous I haven’t put down roots in any way. And I’ve been lonely, but I haven’t bothered to look into why. I just kept going to Xander’s… I mean, Dash set that example, but I bonded with Bella. So I decided I need a dog of my own.” He shrugged as if the simple answer made sense.
She supposed it did. “I’m just worried you don’t realize the work that goes along with owning a dog, and I’d hate for you to pass all the responsibility off to someone you pay to take care of the pet for you.”
He shoved his hands into his jeans pockets. “I’ve been with you long enough in the past to know what responsibility means. Despite what you said on Sunday or think today.”
At that moment, she realized she’d hurt his feelings, and that had been the last thing she wanted to do. Stepping forward, she cupped his face in her hand. “I’m sorry. I never meant to insult you. Not over the weekend and not now.” She sighed. “In my profession, I see too many people take on the responsibility, then dump an animal when they realize all the work and money pet ownership entails.”
He smiled, and it wasn’t the smart-aleck grin or the sexy lift of his lips. It was a genuine expression of feeling. “That might be the nicest thing you’ve said to me since we saw each other again.”
He leaned in and captured her lips with his, immediately deepening the kiss. She lost herself in the sweep of his tongue and the meshing of their mouths, forgetting everything except Axel and the way he made her feel.
He slid his hands around her waist, his palms cupping her ass as he pulled her against him. The hardness of his erection pressed into her belly, and she groaned just as a car honked in the distance.
Reminded they weren’t in a private place, she broke the kiss and touched her forehead to his chest. “You make me forget where I am,” she said. He even caused her to overlook who she was and what she wanted.
“It’s not a bad thing to get lost in each other.” He stepped back, placed his hand under her chin, and forced her to meet his gaze. “I’m not going to hurt you.” Those dazzling green orbs captured her, his deep tone begging her to trust him.
“Let’s go get you a dog,” she murmured, grasping his hand and leading him inside. The bells over the door rang as they entered.
She’d spent enough time in the rescue building that the citrus scent of enzymatic cleaner was familiar to her. She approached the empty desk, knowing Norah must be in the back and she’d come out soon.
She glanced at Axel, hoping he knew what he was getting himself into with a pet.
“My favorite doctor is here!” Norah rushed out of the back room.
Tara had taken to her, with her pink hair and bubbly personality, the day they’d met. And vice versa.