RESCUED

by Lyz Kelley

  “That’s ’cause I haven’t had time to set one up. Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, who has time for all that?”

  Time? He did. He released a heavy sigh. “At minimum, you need a Facebook page. It will help potential customers in neighboring towns discover you. I could set one up for you. If you send me pictures of the rescue animals, I can set up your page. It might bring you a bit more traffic. Plus, you can post and link to other pet-finder sites.”

  “Since when did you learn how to use a computer?”

  He pulled at an ear, wondering how much he should say. She had unfulfilled dreams of going to college. He barely got the school’s principal to sign off on his diploma before leaving town. How would she feel if he admitted to getting his degree online? Would it crush her? Maybe. Maybe not. He didn’t want to take the chance of hurting her feelings.

  He brushed a hand over the top of his head. “The Army has a lot of high-tech equipment. Learning how to use computers is part of the job.”

  “I could use the help. If I don’t figure out something fast, I might have to take my brother up on his offer and move to Denver.”

  Denver? The idea sucker-punched him in the gut. “Kevin is the one who lives in Denver.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Kenny must have told me.” He hated the idea, and no doubt so did she. “Kevin’s the one you don’t get along with.”

  “You’re right, but soon I might not have any choice. Both my mortgage on this place, and the rent on the apartment are due.”

  “There’s empty space in that back trailer. You could fit a bed in there.” Or come live with me.

  “Can you imagine what my mother would say?”

  “Fair enough.” He moved around the edge of her desk and leaned in to grab her mouse. “Let me show you something.” He pulled up a website he’d found while at the Cuppa Joe’s. “Look here. The shelter lists supplies needed so people can donate toys, bedding, office supplies, or anything else the shelter needs. And, see here? There’s a calendar plugin. Volunteers can sign up for dog walking or cat socialization. On this page, the shelter advertises food drives and dog washes, and then streams the information to other social media sites with a click of a button. The workflow is done automatically. There’s less work for the web administrator.”

  “The huh?”

  “Web administrator. The person who maintains the site.”

  “You learned this in the Army?” He gave her a little shrug, surprised to realize she wasn’t pushing him away. The way she looked at him gave him a cold beer on a sunny afternoon feeling.

  “The Army taught me some. A couple of the guys in my unit were masters at metadata tags, SEO, and RSS feeds. They taught me a lot.”

  “I have no idea what you just said, but it sounds impressive.”

  “Once you get a hang of the stuff, it’s kind of cool, actually.”

  He pulled up another website. “I did notice one thing. You’re boarding, running training classes, grooming, fostering, and adopting for all types of animals. That’s a lot, and maybe why you’re overwhelmed. I couldn’t find another shelter doing all of those things. I know you love the animals, but if you go out of business, you won’t be able to keep doing what you love, and what will happen to all the animals?”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “You’ve got a ton of volunteers, and everyone here loves being able to contribute. What about deciding what part of the business you’re most passionate about, and then partner with other people in the area that have compatible businesses.”

  “There are a lot of fosters and groomers close by.”

  “Exactly.” He wanted to hold her attention and a whole lot more. “Let me show you one of the websites I built for a buddy of mine. He took these amazing photographs—National Geographic-worthy. Willie’s wife is helping him sell them online.”

  His fingers shook as he typed in the URL. Seconds later the site appeared. Willy’s memorial to Steve Plutton, his military brother and friend, flashed up on the screen. Thad quickly clicked through to the picture portfolio to avoid the face he still missed seeing every day. That, and the guilt.

  The rolling slide show of a little Afghani boy laughing and playing in the streets brought back some more palatable memories of helping villages carry water, giving out chocolate to the kids, playing a quick game of kickball.

  “These are amazing. Says here these were posted two days ago?”

  He pushed back from the desk and stared at the screen. “Yeah, I heard Willie was stateside. I should give him a call.”

  A warm hand folded over the top of his. “Does he take any pictures of dogs or cats? I’m always looking for pictures.”

  “I can ask.” He leaned in to close the browser window. “We sorta had a falling out. He and Pluto were good friends, and…well…Willie blames me for not finding that bomb.”

  Her breath hitched in sympathy, a sentiment he didn’t deserve. “We settled this. Steve’s death is not your fault. You didn’t plant that bomb.”

  He stepped back, but she held on to his arm. He studied the computer screen, wishing, hoping he could see his good buddy, see his wise-cracking smile, hear another one of his pitiful jokes. Pluto had been the jokester—always playing around, willing to take things as they came. Not Thad. He had to push. Push hard toward the invisible line. A line that, if crossed, would mean he’d be able to feel something positive. Anything. But he just couldn’t find that invisible line.

  He failed Steve. Just like he failed his mom and sister and Karly.

  He’d failed a lot of people.

  By staying.

  By leaving.

  By existing.

  He’d give everything he had to trade places with his buddy. To avoid having to tell everyone how sorry he was. If given a chance, he’d give his life without a second thought. Regrets were the reason he couldn’t sleep, or eat, and was always tired. Dead tired.

  He inhaled his sorrow. “I know it’s not my fault. Willie just needs someone to blame.”

  “Don’t do that. Not with me,” she said with a bitter annoyance fueling her voice. “You and I both know you believe Steve and Ike’s deaths were your fault. I can say it’s not your fault every day, all day, and still, the only one who needs to believe is you.”

  He gazed into a face full of worry. “What do you want from me?”

  “I want you to stop taking responsibility for things that are not your fault—things you can’t control. You didn’t make your dad the way he was. He had a choice. He chose to be an alcoholic.”

  “It is my fault. If I’d kept my mouth shut, done as my dad told me, he wouldn’t have started taking it out on my mother and sister.”

  She waved her hands, making circles that made no sense. “Your dad is the one who did the hitting. It’s not like you purposely walked into his fists. We all feel guilt, but we have to let it go.”

  He pushed back from the desk, refusing to listen. “It’s not that easy.”

  “Nope. It’s not. But it is possible to embrace it, make peace with it, and move on.”

  Her face revealed concern, the same expression his buddies had while they loaded him into the medevac helicopter.

  “Can we talk about something else?”

  At another point in time, she might have pushed, tugged, even carried him back from the self-berating line. She’d make him face his nemesis—taunt him, no doubt—and be by his side every step of the way. Another screw and bolt twisted into place on his broken heart. She made him feel whole, yet he still wasn’t steady or working properly.

  His chest tightened with a burning desire to hold her in his arms. The need wasn’t sexual. He wouldn’t mind going there, but it wasn’t what his need was about right now.

  He wanted to feel something good.

  Something new.

  Damn, he wanted to feel anything but regrets.

  He turned and drew her to him, his hands sliding over her hips. “God, you’re beautiful.”

>   Her eyes widened. His fingers shook as he slid his hands up her arms to touch the soft skin on her face. My beauty. Her eyes searched for his intent, then she softened and wrapped her arms around his neck, meeting him halfway. There you are.

  She lifted up on her toes and pressed her lips to his. Need pulsed through him. Hunger gripped him, like a predator on the hunt. Patiently watching. Waiting to devour. He pulled her against his chest, wanting to feel every inch of her heat. I’ve missed you. His thumb brushed against the vein in her neck to feel the way her heart pounded in rhythm with his.

  When she pulled back, he tightened his grip. “No. Don’t go.” Her golden eyes searched his while her breath steadied, and his knees weakened. He touched her jaw, and wordlessly she pressed her cheek into his palm.

  His whole being roared with desire. “Karly? Do you know what you’re doing to me?” The low, gruff question didn’t require an answer. She kissed his palm.

  Oh, man. Do that again.

  Her hand cupped his face. “I’m making you forget.”

  No. You are making me want to remember. He wanted her in every way possible. But not here. Not in her office, or on a desk with an open door. No, he wanted her in a mountain valley, the summer sun heating their skin, surrounded by beauty.

  “This isn’t…”

  “Shhh.” She placed a finger over his mouth, and then replaced her finger with a kiss. She pressed in, and he groaned. Wanting more. Much, much more.

  He tightened his arm around her waist. Her tongue eased inside and sought his. He let her explore, play, take what she wanted. She kissed him more deeply, and his heart opened wider. His hand drifted lower and around, and splayed across her stomach, then slipped lower. She wrapped a leg around the back of his to press them together.

  He should stop her. Stop this…yet he couldn’t.

  He didn’t have the strength to move away. He couldn’t leave her. Not this time. Not again. He lifted her shirt to trace the line between her shirt and running pants, skimming over her soft skin.

  Another groan—this time hers.

  She vibrated against his hands, her skin damp. She was his. His woman. Not that he could ever own her. No one could. But for these precious moments, she gave herself to him. He possessed her mouth. The feel of her nipples rising to his touch thrilled him. Her little whimpers of pleasure encouraged him to explore. He wanted to feel her flesh under his hands. He slid his hand lower and pushed her against the wall.

  He wanted to make her soar.

  Lowering his head, he placed his mouth on her breast, sucking on the crinkled skin to make the nipple expand. She gasped before she could stop the sound.

  “That’s it, Karly,” he murmured. “Tell me what you need.”

  She dug her nails into his back. “More,” she thrust out on a sharp exhale.

  “More?” he asked again, as a thrill sizzled down his spine.

  “Yes. More, damnit.”

  With a groan, he pressed his mouth to her neck and slid his hand south, down to give her more. He slid his hand inside her panties. His fingers opened her folds and touched juicy flesh.

  “Open for me.” He nudged her thighs. While his fingers sought the warmth, her hips pushed forward. “That’s it.”

  Her breaths were coming in quick blasts, her groans pure, exquisite torture.

  “Thad…”

  “Say my name again.” He nibbled his way to her mouth.

  “Thad. Thad. THAD!”

  Ah, heaven. His fingers circled faster and faster and faster, driving her to the edge. Her body jerked and trembled. He played. Speeding up. Slowing down. Making her climb higher, until he dangled her over the edge, her muscles pulsing again and again.

  He held her while she struggled to catch her breath. Bliss. Pure bliss.

  She shoved shaky fingers through her hair, then wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

  “Thad, I—”

  “Karly?” Mara asked, opening the door wider. “You there?”

  Karly pushed on his chest, staring at him, and then turned. “Yes. Thad and I were just discussing his ideas about social media and how we can get more business.”

  His full-blown hard-on ached, and for the first time he was grateful Mara couldn’t see.

  “Hi, Mara.” Seeing the red blotches climbing Karly’s neck and cheeks gave him a thrill. “Yep, social media. That’s what we were discussing. I’m sure you ladies have things to talk about.” He rubbed a thumb gently over Karly’s mouth before taking a step back.

  Mara took another step into the office “Thad. Before you go, I’m singing at Mad Jack’s on Friday night. Why don’t you stop by? Karly will be there. I’d appreciate the support, and it would be fun having you there.”

  “He doesn’t like crowds.” Karly spoke a little too quickly for his liking.

  “I’ll be there. What time?”

  “Jenna’s meeting me there at 6:30. Why don’t you join us?”

  “Sounds good, Mara. I’ll see you Friday. Karly, I’ll meet you at the park tomorrow. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Custer’s handsome and ready to meet his new owner.”

  “Don’t be late.”

  “Five minutes early is ten minutes late in soldier time. You’re just going to have to trust me.” Something you’re not good at doing.

  He walked slowly back to his truck, not wanting anyone to see the bulge in his pants. Then again, what did he care?

  He just might kiss Karly in front of the whole town, because there didn’t seem to be anything either of them could do to change the way they felt about each other.

  Chapter Eleven

  Life was certainly getting back to normal—if there was such a thing as normal.

  Walking through the park, Custer pranced, almost like he understood the importance of the day.

  Thad leaned to pat him on the side. “Hey, buddy, you need to be on your best behavior today. This is your chance for a forever home, and to help a little girl who needs you. You can’t be stubborn.” Thad checked his coat, which was still damp from being washed and clipped. “You can do this.” Thad reached the playground in time to see Karly arrive.

  “Hey.” She let Custer smell her hand before giving him an affectionate ear rub. “He’s looking mighty handsome today.” While she leaned in to pet the dog, his heart sighed. She looked edible in those tight-fitting jeans that cupped her rear end so perfectly. The sherbet orange T-shirt didn’t hurt, either. This afternoon, he might take her to find a nice, sunny spot and have a lick.

  She stood. “Don’t look at me like you want to nibble on something. The Carson family is supposed to arrive any minute.”

  #Busted. “What did they say when you called?”

  “Not much. I’ve answered most of their questions already. The Carsons are just excited about meeting Custer. I also told them I brought a kennel and a few supplies for them to take home.”

  Custer sat silently beside Thad, looking mighty pleased. “You were right about him. He’s a good dog.”

  She nudged his shoulder with hers. “He had a good trainer.”

  For the first time in months, the praise in her voice overruled the hypercritical negativity that normally shredded his thoughts. He pinched a dog hair off her cotton shirt. “Thanks.”

  “Thad, there’s something I need to tell you.”

  “They’re here.” Thad pointed over her shoulder at the gray minivan pulling into a handicapped parking spot. “Let’s talk later.” Thad wiggled his fingers to get Custer’s attention. “This is it. Ready to meet Lily?”

  Custer stared at him, waiting for his command. Was that sadness he saw? Did he understand today was their goodbye? Or was the expression just a reflection of his own sense of loss? Letting go had never been easy. But unlike Ike, at least Custer had a chance at happiness.

  Thad took a step forward. “Heel.”

  Both Custer and Karly fell into step beside him. Walking across the lawn, he dragged his feet until he saw the little girl with ribbon-tied ponytails.


  Her blond, curly hair matched Custer’s, only it was a bit longer and floated in the breeze. A blue T-shirt, jeans, and a pair of white tennis shoes with pink flowers on top perfectly fit his image of a little girl named Lily. Even though she had an oxygen tank dragging behind her, her smile was as brilliant as the sun.

  “There’s Cuth-ter.” She jumped up and down, clapping her hands.

  Custer brushed up against his leg and let out a nervous whine. Thad gave the leash a gentle tug. “It’s okay,” he encouraged in a quiet, soothing tone.

  He stopped a few feet from the little girl and crouched beside Custer, wrapping his arms around the dog's chest. “You must be Lily. Would you like to meet Custer?”

  “Cuth-ter.” She held out her hands and wiggled her fingers in a come-now way.

  Custer licked Thad’s face, then pranced on his front paws. He leaned forward, straining against the lead. “Okay,” Thad gave the command.

  Lily raised her hand to touch Custer’s fur. Custer inched forward. After only a brief touch, she pulled back. A squeal of giggles splintered the tension. “Soff. Dog soff.” The glee in her eyes exploded like a bowl of confetti.

  “Let’s see if we can’t get Custer loaded, shall we?” Thad gave Custer the command ‘stand’ while he loaded one of the oxygen tanks Mr. Carson brought along. “That’s a good boy, Custer.”

  “Good boy, Cuth-ter.” Lily patted the dog on the nose.

  The interaction provided a reassuring comfort. “Are you ready to try this out?”

  Lily patted the dog’s back and walked ahead, and thankfully Custer followed.

  “You must be Thad. I’m Tom Carson, and this is my wife, Pam.”

  “Nice to meet you. You’ve got a beautiful kid.” Thad gestured toward Lily, who was untangling her plastic tubing from around Custer’s legs. “Let’s see if we can’t get them down the slide together, shall we?”

  Tom glanced protectively toward his daughter while Pam choked back a sob. “I can’t wait for her to be able to play like an average little girl.”

  “That’s the goal.” Thad took a deliberate step towards his newly-found purpose.