Page 26 of Unbound Boxset

“Her name is Cloud,” the representative told her. Her throat tightened as her hands clasped warm, soft fur. “She’s very gentle so you don’t have to worry. She needs a lot of TLC since her ordeal, so if you want to cuddle her, walk her, and then feed her we’d appreciate it.” The rep smiled cheerfully. “Of course, we’re hoping you fall in love and adopt her.”

Ariel lowered her head and placed a kiss on the top of Cloud’s furry head. The dog stiffened, then snuggled into her with a sigh of relief. She walked with her bundle out the studio door and onto the grounds.

Students milled around with their dogs in groups, laughing and sharing pet stories. Leashes and cages and bowls and toys scattered the once pristine lawn. A lively game of catch with a drippy tennis ball took place across the field. Ariel settled her back against an old oak tree and let Cloud get her bearings. Her gaze scanned her surroundings, but she didn’t see Grant. She figured he’d be crazed at this point, trying to organize both students and shelter representatives, along with the huge crowd of onlookers.

Ariel tried to interest her adoptee with a toy bone and a squeaky toy. Both were ignored for the comfort of her lap. Cloud settled herself comfortably in the warm notch between her legs. Her head rested on her thigh with sheer canine delight. With a soft mutter of satisfaction, she closed her eyes and took a nap in the morning sun.

With a deep sense of peace, Ariel leaned her head against the trunk and let herself nap with her temporary dog.

* * *

Grant took long-legged strides through the organized chaos, mentally checking off his list of things to do. The event was a big success, and he hoped the advertising brought in new clients and the crowds adopted all the animals. He had been looking for Ariel, but her burgundy hair remained elusive in the crowds.

He waved at some students and made his way to the front door.

Then caught sight of her.

Woman and dog rested against the bark of a tree in utter silence, as if wrapped up in a bubble. Grant watched the couple take an early snooze, seemingly separate from the noise and waves of laughter that echoed through the breeze. Silky strands of hair fell around her cheeks and obscured her face. Long legs encased in jeans cuddled a white blob of fur that seemed quite content, one paw casually flipped over her knee as if to claim her. She rubbed the back of the dog in unconscious tenderness, a tenderness he received over and over whenever she took him into her bed. With a blinding flash, he watched the flickering images of his life play before him in slow motion. Marriage. House. Dog. Baby.

Love.

He longed to ask her to stay. Knew when she walked away from him he’d live with regret till the end of his days. She was everything he’d ever wanted in a woman. A whole heart. A gutsy soul. A sharp mind and a clever mouth and a gentle smile.

As if sensing his presence, her eyes fluttered open and she turned her gaze to meet his.

She smiled.

He smiled back, his heart in a vise, and walked toward her. “Hey, babe. Did you replace me already?”

“Not unless I changed teams. She’s a girl. Meet Cloud.”

He leaned down and scratched the dog’s head while she made pleasant doggy sounds. “She looks happy.” He paused. “So do you.”

She opened her mouth to say something, then seemed to think better of it. “I always wanted a dog. We had a sheep dog back in Iowa and leaving him was as hard as leaving my parents.”

“Why didn’t you get one?” he asked.

Her face suddenly turned melancholy. “I couldn’t offer a dog anything. I work evenings and weekends. It wouldn’t be fair.” She shook off the emotion and looked up. “How about you? Animal lover?”

“Huge. Dog fan. Grew up with a dog most of my life, and ended up leaving my last one back in Florida with my ex-wife. Like you, it hurt almost as much to leave the dog.”

“And now?”

“Just like you. I put everything into the school and don’t want to feel guilty. I needed to be selfish for a while.”

The words lay between them and pulsed with hidden meaning. Grant was happy. Had been happy for a while, until a witchy siren floated into class and stole his peace. Suddenly, he wanted a dog again. He wanted her to stay. He wanted a life of permanence and white picket fences and an herb garden. Crap, what was wrong with him?

Almost angrily, he stood up. “I have a lot to take care of. Enjoy Cloud. I’ll hook up with you later.”

He turned and strode away.