Miss White and the Seventh Heir

The man’s brows drew together. “I can’t. My apartment doesn’t allow pets. And...and as you can see, that dog has never liked me.”

Trey trusted Happy’s judgment of people. After all, the dog was crazy about Sage. But how could he not be with the way she fussed over him?

“Are you sure?” Sage asked. “He’s a really well-trained dog.”

“Trust me. He wouldn’t be happy with me.”

Trey didn’t need any reassurances from the man. It was obvious Happy didn’t belong with him. “We’re sorry for your loss. We’ll be going.”

Trey placed a hand on Sage’s elbow and turned back toward the car.

“What about the dog?” the man asked.

“We’ll take care of him,” Sage replied with certainty. “Don’t worry. He’ll have a good home.”

And with that they made their way back to the car.

Once they were both inside and driving away, Trey glanced at Happy contentedly lying in Sage’s lap with his chin resting on her knee. “Did you really mean that? You know, about us taking care of Happy?”

She shrugged. “It wasn’t like we could leave him with that man. Did you hear the way Happy growled at him?”

“Yeah. He sure didn’t like the guy. Wonder what he did to the dog.”

“I don’t want to know. I just want to make sure that Happy is safe.”

“Should we take him to the shelter?”

“We can’t do that,” she said quickly. “You know, because of his stitches. We need to keep an eye on him and make sure it doesn’t get infected.”

Trey nodded as though he understood, but he didn’t. Not really. He was certain there were skilled people at the shelter that could care for Happy, but he didn’t say anything. It appeared Happy had won Sage’s heart.

Sage had a way of casting a magical spell over the males in her orbit. If Trey wasn’t careful, he was going to forget about his real reason for working at QTR. And he just might give in to his desire to kiss her.

CHAPTER FIVE

IT IS NO big deal. After all, it is only temporary.

The excuses crowded into Sage’s mind as she made a spot for Happy on the couch in her office. It wasn’t like they could trust just anyone to make sure Happy didn’t chew his stitches. Thankfully he wouldn’t have them in very long. And hopefully there would be no need for the cone the vet had sent along with them—just in case.

Happy put his head down between his paws and his eyes drifted closed. He’d had a big day and it was only lunchtime. Trey had volunteered to run downstairs to the restaurant and grab them some food. In this instance, she wouldn’t make a fuss over the restaurant’s exorbitant prices. That way they could have a working lunch and make up for some of the time they’d missed that morning as well as keep an eye on Happy.

As it was, she still had big news to share with Trey. And this adventure with Happy had shown her a different side of him. She’d admired the way he’d not only taken in a stray dog but also cleaned him up, bought supplies and cared enough to risk bringing him to the office.

Trey cared a lot more for Happy than he was willing to let on. She noticed how he asked the vet all sorts of questions. And then again when he grew protective when they attempted to take Happy home.

As though sensing that she was thinking of him, Trey breezed through the doorway. He smiled at her. “I picked something a little different.”

She made a point of having a salad every day for lunch. “What did you pick?”

“Quit looking so worried. I think you’ll approve.” And then, as though he wasn’t so sure, he added, “And if you don’t, I’ll get you a chicken salad.”

She smiled. If she ever thought of having a family, she would want someone like Trey. He was sweet and thoughtful but not afraid to push boundaries when the need arose. He definitely would make some woman a good husband. She could imagine him with a baby in his arms.

She gasped. What in the world had gotten into her? He was her assistant. Not boyfriend material. No matter how attractive she might find him. She had to keep these wayward thoughts at bay. Maybe all the long lonely nights at the office were catching up with her.

“What’s the matter?” Trey stared at her. The concern was written all over his face. “Is it Happy?”

“No. He’s fine.” She swallowed down her discomfort. “Why do you think something is wrong?”