The Moment of Truth

“I, actually...wanted to talk to you about that,” Dana said. Zack had mentioned the pet placement program when she’d brought the kittens in to be seen. And again after she’d joined his and his wife’s pet-therapy program at school. “Dr. Foster mentioned that you needed someone to temporarily house unwanted pets. Also people who’d be willing to travel to new adoptive homes to make sure the new owners weren’t overwhelmed and to check on the general well-being of the pet.”

The doctor smiled. “That’s right. We’re looking for another pet placement counselor. But the job is volunteer only. I’m assuming Zack explained that there aren’t any funds to pay you. Are you interested?”

“Yes,” Dana said without hesitation.

“Great, since Zack already offered you the position, I don’t need any other reference. I’ll have our receptionist, Hope, sign you up.” Dr. Tate grinned and added, “We have a pet-therapy program, too. It’s part of a club through the university. Zack and his wife head it up. I’m guessing he mentioned it to you?”

“He did,” Dana said. “I’m already a member.”

The doctor nodded. “In the meantime, let’s wait until we hear back about the rabies tag and go from there. If you’d like to see Hope about the counselor position while you’re waiting, we’ll be all set.”

Dana was settled in a chair in the waiting room, a packet filled with pet counselor information on her lap. She was watching a rerun of a dog whisperer show on the flat-screen television on the wall, when the door to the clinic opened.

Little Guy jumped down from her lap and darted the full extent of his leash to jump up on the man who was taking off his sunglasses as he walked toward the reception desk. Dana yanked on the puppy’s leash just as the stranger stepped back, right onto Little Guy’s foot. The puppy squealed and peed on what looked to be a very expensive leather shoe.

Before she had time to react, the inner door opened and Dr. Tate Montford emerged.

“Ms. Harris? We just heard... Oh!” The doctor noticed the stranger. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear the bell and Hope’s out back. Can we help you?”

By the time her eyes dropped to the man’s shoe, Dana had grabbed a wad of paper towel from the dispenser on the wall and, with the little guy’s leash tightly held in one hand, was cleaning up the man’s expensive leather with the other.

“I can take care of that,” the man said, his voice friendly as he bent down to her level.

She held on to the towel. “I should have watched him better. I’m so sorry.” Dana looked up from the shoe and into the most soulful pair of blue eyes she’d ever seen, just inches from her own.

“It’s fine,” the man said, the warmth of his fingers transferring to hers as he took the towel from her and finished cleaning the toe of his shoe. “It’s just a pair of shoes. I have more.”

Staring, she couldn’t think of a thing to say, so she stood up. And hoped someone would do something to break the awkward moment.

“I’m Josh Redmond,” the stranger said to Dr. Tate, upright again. “I’m new to town, working at the university, and was hoping to have a word with you, when you’re free.”

“I’ve got half an hour for a late lunch, if you can wait for about five minutes,” the doctor said easily enough.

Stupidly, Dana experienced a pang of envy. The man was gorgeous, but she didn’t give much credence to looks. It was his eyes that got to her. They had a depth to them, as if they were searching. As if he’d lost something.

She was a sucker for strays.

Kitty Kari and Billy the hamster were it for her. Their small duplex had reached its capacity.

“I’m sorry.” The doctor turned to Dana as Josh Redmond took a seat. “I was just coming out to tell you that we traced the tag to an address out on the reservation. Sheriff Richards knew the place. It’s been boarded up for about a week. The family left no forwarding address.”

So Little Guy had been abandoned.

“You want to keep him until we find a home?” Dr. Tate asked Dana. “I’d take him myself but our collie is getting up there in years and her health is failing. I’m afraid of what an energetic puppy would do to her at this point.”

Little Guy looked up at Dana. She’d have to buy a dog bowl. And puppy pads. A kennel to keep him in while she was attending class. But she’d need those things on hand, anyway, as the newest pet placement counselor of the Love To Go Around Program.

“I’ll give him a home.” Josh Redmond stood up. “If you don’t already have a permanent home in mind for him, that is. I’m new to town. I...live alone. And would like the company.”