The Dalmatian Dilemma

by Cheryl Harper

  Reyna wrinkled her nose. “You think?” She should reevaluate her gloating. Kids were a lot, but wouldn’t their parents keep them in line?

  “Hope you can find some to practice on.” Pulaski trotted off toward his truck.

  Reyna opened the passenger-side SUV door for Dottie, who jumped in as if she’d been born doing it.

  The need to test Dottie’s response to a large group of kids was becoming clearer.

  Where was she going to find kids to practice with?

  As she slid behind the wheel, Reyna realized the easiest answer to her new problem was Sean Wakefield. Whether he knew kids or not, she had faith he could help her find a solution.

  What did it mean that he popped into her head the second she needed help?

  She’d tackled bigger missions than this with all eyes on her, no safety net in place. Now that she’d relied on him one time, it was tempting to make him her go-to for everything.

  But that wasn’t right. He hadn’t signed up for that.

  Reyna glanced over at Dottie, who had pressed her nose to the air vent in a not-so-subtle hint that she’d like some air-conditioning.

  “Smart girl.” Reyna touched Dottie gently on the back—she’d been reminding herself to do so ever since she’d startled the dog by touching her face without warning the first day they were together. Then she scratched the dog’s ears and started the SUV.

  Back at Concord Court, she made a wardrobe change, spending entirely too long staring into her closet at options other than the approved Concord Court polo, before heading into the office.

  “You have a dog. You actually have a dog?” Brisa said as Reyna walked in. “Sean told me things had changed over the weekend, but I said there was no way my sister would make such a drastic decision without letting me know.” Brisa knelt slowly, her hand held out for Dottie to sniff.

  “You told me to go out and get my job.” Reyna pointed at the dog. “This is how I did it.”

  Brisa spared her a second’s long stare before returning her gaze to Dottie. “He also tells me there’s been a change in our position on his service dog program.”

  Sean had stepped out of his office. He grimaced. “Sorry, boss. I should have let you do some of the talking, but...” He shrugged. “I’m glad to get started.”

  Her instinct to smile and tell him she understood was weird. Reyna had always been known for her reserve.

  Sean Wakefield entered the room and she was half a second from grinning.

  When she noticed Brisa watching them carefully, Reyna cleared her throat. “No, it’s fine. I’m glad you two talked. Brisa is ready to get started, too.”

  Brisa nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, in fact, I got a call this morning from someone I contacted last week.” She held up her hand. “I don’t want to listen to any complaints about how I should have waited until you gave me the okay. The deadline was so close for this grant money that I had to go for it. Do you know Julius Stewart?”

  “The dog food king?” Reyna asked. “Never met him.” Stewart Foods operated in lots of different areas, but one big line of the business was pet food and treats. Every list of donors for Miami’s philanthropy featured Julius Stewart’s name near the top, but somehow, he was outside of the usual Montero circle.

  Brisa chuckled. “I didn’t mean know know. He’s not a member of the Cutler Bay Club, so he’s not part of Dad’s crowd. I was afraid to approach any of the usuals for donations because it would have gone straight back to Dad.” Brisa was packing a leather bag as she talked.

  Reyna exchanged a look with Sean—she was impressed. Brisa was thinking ahead. She was steps in front of even Reyna.

  “But you’ve heard of him,” Brisa said. “His offices are here in Miami and he’s got a grant for organizations that work with rescues. The deadline was last Friday, but I called him to beg for an extension, and mentioned my military hero sister who was running this program for vets.” Brisa stood and made the “so you get where I’m going with this” motion. “He was out of the office, but this morning he returned my call personally and told me he’d love to find out more, but we’d have to go today. He’s headed out of town for some business meetings or something.”

  “How did you manage to get directly to the head of a huge corporation?” Reyna asked. “Not to mention talk your way into a one-on-one meeting and an extension?”

  Her sister was amazing.

  The flash in Brisa’s eyes was a clue she was also annoyed. “We don’t have time to go into how I do what I do, Rey.”

  Reyna nodded. “You need me to cover the office. I’m here. Go. Both of you should go.”

  Brisa sighed. “This is where the fundraising kicks in, Reyna. He wants to meet you. His grandson is Navy and he’s very proud of him. It’s your service that opened this door.”

  Reyna glanced at Sean. Was he ready to make a pitch like this? He understood her concern, because he shook his head. He wasn’t sure.

  Brisa was watching them again. Had they developed the ability to communicate without words somehow? “We’re going. We’re taking Sean’s slideshow. Sean will cover the office.” She nodded while she waited for them to get on board. “And we have to go...” She stared hard at the large clock that had appeared in the lobby without Reyna’s input. Brisa was making herself at home. “We need to go now.” She slung the bag over one shoulder and stood, ready to launch into action. That was Reyna’s little sister. She’d always been one to leap before looking.

  “What do you think?” Reyna asked Sean. “This is your program. One of us needs to stay, but...”

  “I’ve got a couple of companies out quoting the landscaping. I need to wait on them anyway.”

  Reyna frowned. “We’re going to use Marcus Bryant’s company, as we’ve been doing.” He was a Concord Court vet who was about to launch his own landscape design business. Reyna had done her best to support his goals by being a sounding board, even when she couldn’t help with much else.

  Sean stared at Brisa, who cleared her throat. “Well, about that...”

  Reyna scowled at her sister. “We’re going to support our vets, Brisa.”

  “I wanted a comparison. We need to know how much it’s costing us to go with Bryant’s company versus the competition.” She crossed her arms over her chest. She wasn’t going to back down. “Let’s get this grant. We can argue about who makes what decisions later,” Brisa said softly.

  “Fine. I’ll drive.” Reyna waited for her sister to leave, then turned back to Sean. “We’re sticking with Marcus, but thank you for getting the quotes.” She pointed at Dottie. “Can I leave her with you? I’ve almost run out of fine leather shoes for her to chew at my place.”

  He smiled. “You bet.” He held out his hand and Reyna plopped the bag of treats in it. “Good job, boss.”

  Reyna fought that weird compulsion to grin again. “You’re sure you’re okay with this?”

  He nodded. “I wanted to do this through Concord Court so I’d have this help. Your sister’s doing her part. I’ll handle the dogs. You guys get the money.” His hand brushed hers as he took Dottie’s leash. “Go out and conquer.”

  Reyna straightened her shoulders. “I have my job because of you, Sean. Dottie did well this morning, and we’re going to make this program a success.”

  “You have your jobs—” he hit the s hard “—because of you. I’m happy to help however I can. It’s never a hardship to hang out with a beautiful lady.” He scratched Dottie’s ears, and Reyna ignored the deflation that hit when she realized he’d been talking about the dog, not her.

  That was fine. Sean worked for her.

  “Okay. On that note...” Reyna picked up the binder that Sean pointed at on the desk. In Brisa’s hurry to make an exit, she’d left it behind. “I need to give Dottie some practice around kids. She’s going to be manning...” Reyna paused. Could a dog “man” a
nything? “She’s going to be starring in a photo booth. Chief expects lots of kids. Got any ideas?”

  “One or two. Let’s talk when you get back.”

  Relieved, Reyna nodded. Of course he’d help her. That was who he was. The knight in shining armor she’d always been certain she didn’t need.

  Reyna clutched the binder. “We’ll be back with a check.”

  She glanced back at Sean and Dottie before she left. It was an adorable picture, the handsome guy and the playful dog.

  “Hey, Reyna?” he said. At the sound of her name on his lips, Reyna froze.

  “I meant you. You’re the beautiful lady.” He tipped his head to the side. “Although Dottie is stunning, too.”

  Even if she’d been able to think of a response, speaking would have been impossible. Her mouth dried up instantly and the best she could manage was a feeble wave. She tripped over the threshold on her way out of the office.

  The grin that quivered along the edges of her lips broke through as she slid into her car.

  “Took you long enough,” Brisa muttered as she accepted the binder.

  “Where am I going?” Reyna asked as she backed out of the spot.

  “Downtown.” Brisa studied her face carefully. “Are you grinning?”

  Reyna shook her head. “Nope.”

  “Lies,” Brisa muttered. “Between sisters.”

  “Getting the quotes was good initiative. We can decide what to do next with the information,” Reyna said.

  Brisa tipped her chin up to acknowledge that.

  “And this grant opportunity? You’re the only person I know who could have talked us into a personal meeting past the deadline. You’re also the key to getting the money. I appreciate that.” Reyna had to get it all out, right here.

  Brisa’s shoulders relaxed.

  “You’re doing a good job.” She ignored the shock on her little sister’s face. “Let’s go downtown, into this big shiny building and get the win.” She held out a fist for her sister to bump.

  Brisa stared at her fist. “Other sisters might hug.”

  Reyna disagreed and acknowledged Brisa’s tentative fist bump.

  They were quiet on the drive and on the elevator ride up to the eighteenth floor. Marble tile and rich wood led into a lobby for Stewart Foods. Along the walls were framed photos, each one a person with a flag in the background.

  A short man with a shock of salt-and-pepper curls straightened up from leaning against the receptionist’s desk. “Like our wall of honor? Those are all Stewart Foods employees who have served in the military.” Then he held out his hand. “You must be the Montero sisters.” He pointed at Brisa. “If you ever need a sales job, please call me first. And, Reyna, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He held out his hand. “Let’s talk about how much money you need to get this service dog training program up and running.”

  As she traded an “is it going to be this easy?” look with Brisa, Reyna had to smile.

  No matter how this worked out, whether she and Dottie navigated her probationary period at Sawgrass successfully or her father managed to strong-arm them all into doing exactly what he would prefer, Reyna was glad to have her little sister back. Together, they were going to accomplish big things.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  SEAN SHOVED HIS feet into his shoes and tried to explain to his sleepy brain that he would be glad he’d gone running before the break of dawn—especially when noon rolled around and the streets were melting.

  “Besides that, Mira knows where I live,” he muttered as he pulled his door open. He wasn’t sure why he was surprised to find Reyna sitting on her steps. The way she’d startled every time he walked through the lobby for the first months they worked together made more sense now.

  For him, the shock of finding someone he couldn’t stop thinking about appearing when he least expected it was taking some adjustment. He tried to convince himself it was all about Dottie, but himself wasn’t buying it.

  The day before, they’d danced again, this time with Brisa spinning in circles right beside them. Julius Stewart was going to be the first person to provide financial support to Shelter to Service.

  And it wasn’t through a grant provided by the Stewart Foods Foundation.

  No, the Monteros had made a personal plea that convinced Julius Stewart to fully fund the first year’s shoestring budget. He’d also given them an open door to come talk about future improvements.

  Sean still hadn’t come to terms with the fact that today was the day—the day everything started, the day that the program he’d been dreaming of would become a reality.

  Celebrating that with Reyna had been sweet. It was easy to imagine other days when they’d dance to mark her successes.

  Zero to sixty in one day. Brisa and Reyna shared that quality. Keeping up would be the challenge.

  So finding Reyna before he’d expected to...

  Sean slowly stepped outside and closed his door, schooling his face to pretend he was nothing but calm.

  “Morning,” Reyna said over her shoulder before pointing at Dottie. “She’s better than a rooster as far as knowing when the sun is coming up.”

  Sean stepped down beside her and looked up at the pink sky. “Is she?” He made a show of turning one direction and the other. “No sun that I see.” He bent to talk to Dottie, who paused in her exploration to say hello.

  Reyna’s quiet laugh was a solid reward. He tried to come up with something else funny but couldn’t.

  “When do babies start sleeping through the night, and am I close?” Reyna stretched back. Seeing her like this—rumpled from sleep, her hair out of control like it never was when Reyna was alert—reminded him he was coming to know her better than anyone else might.

  “She needs more exercise during the day. Teaching her to kennel is a good idea, since you aren’t sure about the situation at the firehouse, especially when there’s a call, but finding her a place to run should be on your list.”

  Reyna nodded. She pointed to the grassy area lining the parking lot at the back of the complex. “Do you think that would make a good dog park? No trees yet, but we could plant some and build a gazebo or something.” Amazed, Sean turned back to her. She must have noticed the silence. “What?”

  “You’ve come a long way,” Sean said. “A dog park? From ‘no dogs is the policy’ to a dog park?” He stopped. “Are you changing your mind about the firefighting? This sounds like a long-term planning suggestion, one management might make.”

  Reyna straightened. “It was mainly a ‘this would make my life easier’ suggestion, but I guess you’re right. The current management would not be receptive to that.” She tapped her chest. “And who knows what will happen next?”

  Her shoulders slumped and Dottie immediately trotted over, her ears and eyes alert. Reyna smiled as she scratched the dog. “Do you have a temporary solution for my problem?”

  When she glanced up at him, Sean had to lock his knees. Admiring competent, in-control Reyna was simple. It was impossible not to respect a woman who’d accomplished what she had.

  But this vulnerable, beautiful woman whose request for help made him feel like a world conqueror himself? That was addicting.

  “I do. Heartfield Park.” Sean rubbed the ache in his chest and had to turn away for a minute. “In fact, that could be the answer to several of your questions.” He held out his hands to tick off the points. “Dottie needs some exposure to kids. There’s a great playground next to the dog beach. If we went this weekend, the place would be crawling with kids.” He held out a second finger. “The dog beach has an off-leash area where you can let Dottie run and practice making sure she knows when to return.”

  Reyna smiled. “I like it. Is it anywhere near Punto Verde?”

  Sean propped his hands on his hips. “The nursing home where Charlie is? Not really.” He frowned as he st
udied her face. “But it’s not too far out of the way. Why?”

  She stood slowly. “You know how you have the nightmare about the fire?”

  Sean nodded.

  “My nightmares are different.” She stared up at the pink sky. “People that I’ve failed show up. It’s nothing dramatic, and sometimes I don’t know their names. That rescue mission that turned into recovering bodies? I can sometimes see their faces, but it’s like they’re in photographs in this huge house I’m trying to escape. I don’t know what I’m running from, just that I’ve got to get out.” She cocked one eyebrow. “Symbolism, am I right?”

  Sean understood the impulse to shrug it all off with a joke.

  He also knew the pain that lived underneath that. He squeezed her shoulder and was reminded all over again how small she was to be bearing such a heavy responsibility. Almost like the world was hers to save.

  “Anyway, Charlie was in the living room of that house last night. I recognized his couch.” She snorted. “He didn’t speak, but the couch was blocking the doorway. I tried climbing over the couch, but I woke up before I found out if that worked. Dottie the rooster had to go outside.”

  Sean fought the urge to pull Reyna closer. He knew the bounds of their relationship, but...

  “I hate dumping my problems on you. Why am I doing it?” She looked up at him. “Something you did opened this door between us and I can’t make myself close it.” She closed her eyes. “And I’m your boss. It’s awful, but I’m half a second from leaning on your shoulder.” She put both hands on her forehead. “Go. Go for your run. Please.”

  Sean took one of her hands. “I want you to lean on my shoulder. Will you?” They could figure out the rest later, when the sun was up and they had business to do. Here, he wanted her in his arms.

  She was shaking her head even as she stepped closer, wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her cheek against his shoulder. “What am I doing?”

  Sean ran his hands over her back. “Being human, I think.”