Just One Wish (The Kingston Family 4.50)

As Norah let him into the run, she said, “I should warn you, he’s a” — the dog immediately began to rub up against his jeans — “clinger,” she said, laughing.

Axel knelt down, and Walter leaned farther into him, rubbing his head into Axel’s stomach. In that instant, Axel knew in his heart this was his dog. The only problem was, much like his previous owners, Axel wouldn’t be around to give the dog the attention and exercise he’d undoubtedly need for his energy level. Though he seemed mellow now, Axel had no doubt Norah knew what she was talking about.

Though he intended to buy a big house, what would happen when he was away on tour, like Tara had asked? When she’d laid it out for him in the parking lot, he hadn’t wanted to admit she had a point. But faced with the dog he wanted with every fiber of his being, Axel couldn’t be selfish.

He rose slowly and turned to Tara.

“What’s wrong?” she asked before he could speak. “Is he not the right dog?” Concern wrinkled the corners of her eyes.

He glanced down at Walter, who was still rubbing against him like a cat, claiming him in every way. “No, he’s perfect.” And Axel had a goddamned lump in his throat.

He swallowed hard. “I can’t take him. You were right. I’m not in any position to bring a dog home. I was listening to Norah talk about his previous family and all they couldn’t give him, and it made me realize I’m no better. I might have the space for him, but it’s not fair to bring him home and pawn him off on Cassidy or Sasha. He’s had enough upheaval in his short life.”

Tara glanced at Norah, then hooked her arm into Axel’s and led him out of the dog pen, down the hall, and out into the main room. “I’m sorry,” she murmured.

He shook his head. “You tried to tell me.” It hurt like hell to walk away from Walter. Axel wanted to pull the dog into his arms and give him the home he deserved.

“Let’s get out of here.” He glanced at Norah. “Sorry to have wasted your time.”

She treated him to an understanding smile. “I’d prefer you realize now rather than later and have him go through yet another home before being returned here.”

“Thanks, Norah. I’ll see you on my regular day.” Tara waved, and they walked out into the muggy air.

They stopped by the car, and she tapped his arm. “I’m sorry,” she said again.

He didn’t have any words for what he was feeling.

“Do you want to come back to my place and meet Dakota? Or is it the wrong time?” she asked.

He might be in a shit mood, but he wouldn’t turn down spending time with Tara or meeting her dog. His get a pet plan might have imploded, but his win over Tara agenda hadn’t changed.

* * * *

Tara sensed Axel’s mood and remained quiet on the drive to her house. Despite knowing he’d done the right thing, her heart hurt because he’d so obviously bonded with Walter. Axel parked in her driveway, and she slipped her hand into his as they walked to her front door.

“Hang on.” She opened her purse and sorted through her stuff, finding her key.

No sooner had she opened the door than Dakota came barreling toward them, a white ball of fur jumping on Axel with her front paws.

“Dakota, off,” Tara said as she shut the door behind them.

The well-trained dog immediately placed all four paws on the floor. Tara hadn’t been able to train the greeting out of her, but she listened once she’d said hello.

She kicked off her shoes by the door, then glanced at Dash, wondering if he’d care that he now had white fur on his black clothes. But he was already kneeling on the floor, giving her baby a huge greeting that would only make the hair situation worse. Question answered, she mused.

Though Dakota greeted everyone warmly, she was good at getting a sense of people and turning her back if she didn’t like how she was treated. No worries here. If her paws on his shoulders were anything to go by, she and Axel were now best buds.

Amused, Tara leaned against the wall, watching them for a minute before she was ready to move things along. “Let’s relax in another room or she’s going to think you’re her new playmate.”

Axel’s gaze met hers and laughter danced in his eyes. “Jealous that another girl is paying attention to me?”

She rolled her eyes. “Are you seriously asking me if I’m jealous of my dog?”

He rose to his feet and walked toward her. She took one step back and came up against the wall, aware of his large body so close to hers.