She smacked his shoulder. “Go flirt with somebody else. I have to get dressed.”
He looked over her shoulder. “What happened to the blondes? I could entertain them while I wait for you.”
“Meet you down in the lobby in fifteen.” She closed the door in his face.
Michael schmoozed their sponsors, entertained the entire table with stories of cycling, the military and the childhood he shared with their coach. More than once Mia threatened him, but all in sibling fun. When he spoke of his quest to make the lives of those seated at that table better, everyone was riveted.
Bailey admired his drive and saw it on and off the track over the next week. Michael always had a smack on the back for the men after a great ride, and a hug for the women…although her hugs seemed to last longer than those he gave the others. Perhaps she was just reading too much into it.
He was merely congratulating her, and with reason. Her personal results were there in the numbers. Her times decreased every day, as strength and stamina increased. Every evening, she and Jessica would drag their weary bodies back to the suite to shower and change before meeting the rest of the team. They’d find a restaurant in Chula Vista where they’d all consume a few thousand calories without worries. They’d easily burn it off the next day between weightlifting and the track.
On the final day of camp, Bailey and Michael had completed their mountain ride several minutes before the rest and were in cool down laps on the track.
“Have supper with me,” Michael asked as they walked their bikes side-by-side.
“We have every meal together,” she reminded him.
“No, I mean just you and me.” He stopped and faced her. “We’ll go out to somewhere, alone, together.”
Bailey kept her bike between them as he stepped toward her and placed his free hand on her hip. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea to get involved with a teammate.”
“Is there someone else?” Michael asked.
Was there someone else? Bailey wasn’t sure. What was her relationship with Tanner? All they’d done was share a few kisses and text pictures. She smiled at the video he’d sent last night of Noel nuzzling her brothers out of the way so she could nurse.
Her eyes met Michael’s. Did she want more from this man? No, not really.
Did she want more from Tanner? “Yes. There’s somebody else.”
Chapter Ten
“Noel,” Tanner called to the eight-week-old puppy and snapped his fingers.
The pup totally ignored him and wrestled with one of her brothers. As he called each of the other puppies in the litter, they looked at him and trotted over, anxious for a treat.
As soon as Noel saw all her brothers getting something she wasn’t, she nosed her way through them to Tanner’s hand and nipped at it.
Case watched from the overstuffed chair, beer in hand. “I already tested her hearing so we know it’s not that.”
Tanner shrugged. “Maybe she’s a little…delayed?” He hated to think it could be anything else.
Case chuckled. “You gave her the treat, right?”
“Yeah.” Tanner admitted. “She’s just so dang cute.”
“She looks exactly like all the others,” Case pointed out.
“It’s her personality,” Tanner countered.
“That same personality that ripped apart your underwear, chewed the buttons off the TV remote, and pooped in your slippers?” Case could have listed more offenses, but Tanner hadn’t shared them all.
“Puppies are going to chew.” He looked at the dozen dog toys strewn around the house. Most had been gnawed on by her brothers, but Noel preferred things that were his.
“You know you have to make a decision on her,” Case reminded him. “She’s of age and I just gave them all their first round of shots. Physically she’s doing well. She’s gaining weight and close to average for her age. Yeah, she’s smaller than her brothers, but that’s to be expected. Plus, she was born little, too. She’ll catch up.”
“I know,” he said on a sigh as he held Noel and stroked her back. “She just seems to have so much more energy than the others.” He held her to his face. “And you are stubborn.” Tanner lost all his resolve when she licked the tip of his nose.
“Know anyone who needs a good, basic dog?” Case asked.
Bailey came instantly to mind. “Yeah, she just doesn’t know it yet.”
“Puppies aren’t easy. At least they grow up faster than kids.” Case downed the last of his beer and stood. “I need to get home. I delivered a colt this morning at six after a long night with the mare. From the looks of it, the Stansbury Farm has another winner on the ground.”
“Bet that vet call wasn’t free,” Tanner said as he walked his friend out.
Case grinned. “Nope. The new race horse farms are quickly stocking my office with state-of-the-art equipment.”
“Yeah, but you’re on call twenty-four seven.” Tanner threw away their beer bottles as they passed through the kitchen to the back porch. “Can’t be good for your love life.”
Case chuckled. “What love life? This time of year, between pulling calves and foaling, I’m too exhausted to pick up the phone and call someone. My little black book hasn’t been opened in weeks.”
“Oh, so you want me to feel bad for you?” Tanner sneered. “Bailey is back at training camp this week, in California, and we still haven’t gone on a date. I saw her for all of an hour two weeks ago when she stopped in for work.” He nuzzled Noel. “And to play with the puppies. A goodbye kiss was all I got.”
“But you’ve talked to her” Case said as he climbed into his truck.
Tanner chuckled. “Yeah, two days ago. Houdini, here, talked to her too. She’d escaped and climbed up my leg while I was on the phone with Bailey, then yipped and howled until I put her back in the pen with the others.”
“Least you got that.” Case turned over the big diesel engine. “I’ve got to get some sleep.” With a wave, he was gone.
Three days later, Tanner decided to move the puppies into a special quarantine cage in the kennel. They were so rambunctious and growing fast, he needed to do something before they destroyed his house. Main kennel was out of the question until they were six months old and had all their shots, but eight dogs in his house was too much to handle. Last week the dogs literally ate his homework. Thank goodness he just printed out another copy, but that could get expensive. They also had a bad habit of deciding his study time was play-with-the-human time, which didn’t work for him. College was hard, and he was driven to do well.
A puppy in each hand, Tanner headed the short distance from the house to the kennel when a very familiar, little red sports car, kicked up dust in his driveway. His heart actually felt lighter at seeing Bailey.
Before he could open her door, it flew open. She was almost skipping toward him with the brightest smile he’d seen in months.
“I made the International team,” she shrieked and threw her arms around his neck. “I’m going to Italy next month.”
With two wriggling puppies crushed between them, Tanner couldn’t return the hug. “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you.”
She looked down and laughed. “Need some help?” She grabbed a pup from him. “Did they escape? Or are you taking them for a walk?”
“It’s moving day for the litter,” Tanner threw his arm around Bailey’s shoulders and gave her a half-hug before he placed a kiss on her temple. “I’m so proud of you.”
“I was so excited, but I couldn’t say anything while I was with the team, because not everyone made the traveling team, and I wanted to share it with someone. So, when I was alone at the airport, I called Tori, Nita, Katlin, Harper, Lei Lu, and Grace, but it went to voice mail, so I left them each a message, then they announced my plane was board—”
Tanner bent over and placed his lips on hers. The jolt went straight to his heart. As always, it surprised him, even though it happened every time. He lifted his head and stared into her excited eyes.
“Breathe, Bailey.” He took her hand and forced her to stroke the puppy. Her eyes never left his for one stroke. Two. Three. When she’d matched his breathing, he ordered, “Let’s get these boys to the kennel.”
As soon as he and Bailey came into the house, the remaining three puppies came barreling toward them. Tanner grabbed two of them and one jumped into her arms. “Is this Noel?
“Yep.” Tanner decided to put his plan into action. “We’ll take her to the kennel, but she’ll be leaving soon. I have to call the Golden Retriever Rescue Club and see if they have someone cleared for a puppy. She’s just not service dog material.”
“What do you mean this little girl can’t be a service dog?” Bailey’s wide eyes shot daggers at Tanner as she cuddled the pup to her breasts. A place he’d like to be. Someday soon.
“She’s too strong-willed to make a good service dog.” He quickly added, “But she’ll make someone a wonderful pet. See, she’s loving and has a great personality.”
Tears welled up in Bailey’s eyes, threatening to overflow.
No. Not tears. Erica used that weapon on him all his life. He could never resist a crying woman. It wasn’t fair. At least it confirmed one thing, Bailey would make a great mom to a fur baby. She’d make a great mother to children, too, but Tanner would not allow his brain to go there. Today, he needed her to adopt Noel.
She sniffed. In a small voice that cracked, she asked, “Who will get her? How do you know they’ll be good to her?” She hid her tears in the puppy’s furry neck.
“That’s why I only work with the Golden Retriever Rescue Club.” Tanner explained, “They vet each adoptive person or family, actually check these folks out.”
Bailey looked at him over Noel’s almost white coat. “Will they keep her name? Will she still be Noel?”
Tanner couldn’t lie to her. “That’s up to the new family.” The puppy in his left hand leaped to the floor but he was fast enough to scoop him back up before it became a game of chase. “We need to get these little guys over with their brothers. Come on.”
Bailey kept Noel tight to her chest all the way to the kennel, through the lobby and into the special area set aside for new dogs. Tanner released his two into the cage and turned to get Noel. Bailey spun around, her back to him. When her shoulders shook, he lightly placed his hands on them and turned her to face him.
The sight of Bailey’s tear-streaked face ripped him to pieces. He knew, without a doubt, that Bailey needed this puppy the way she’d never needed another living thing before in her life. With his thumbs, he wiped away her tears and kissed her closed eyelids. When he looked down at Noel, she was licking up the silver rivers that continued to flow.
“She loves you, you know.” Tanner petted the back of the little puppy’s head. “She needs a good home. She needs you, Bailey.”
The waterworks poured and before he knew it, Bailey was full out bawling in his arms, Noel between them.
“I…I want her.” Sniff. “To keep her.” Bailey drew in a ragged breath, closer to hiccups of air. “I’ll…I’ll take good care of her.” She kissed Tanner’s cheek. “I promise.”
Tanner felt the wet warmth on his belly and smiled as he stepped back and glanced down at his soaked shirt. “That makes it official. Noel has christened your relationship.”
“Wha—?” Bailey looked at the puppy, then slowly pulled it away from her body. Tears and laughter mixed as she stared at the dark stain. “So much for this silk blouse.”
“I’ll lend you a t-shirt.” He’d be happy to help her change too. He took Noel from her and she stepped to grab her back. Tanner placed the puppy in the cage with the rest of her family.
“Let’s do this, if you’re going to adopt Noel, you’ll need a few things and you have to puppy-proof your house. Let’s start by getting you out of that wet blouse.” He took her hand and led her back to his house.
“I’m getting a puppy.” Bailey’s monotone sounded almost as though she were in shock. He grabbed her hand, which was warm. A good sign.
“You do want her, right?” Tanner reaffirmed, a little worried that he’d pushed her into the decision, even though he knew it was the right one for her. He led her back toward the house.
“Whew.” Bailey let out a long breath. “What a day. I went from the high of getting chosen for the team, the low of not being able to tell anyone, then there was the flight that seemed to take forever, then the high of seeing you, to the low of you giving away my puppy, to the high that I’m getting a dog.”
Tanner hadn’t missed that she’d been excited to see him and that knowledge squeezed his heart. He’d been thrilled with her unexpected visit, and happy beyond belief to hold her. This woman got to him in ways no other woman ever had. He liked to make her happy, see that smile, share her joy. He needed to do more of that.
He took her straight to his bedroom where he pulled out a t-shirt and pointed to the master bath. “Clean towels are hanging on the bar if you want to shower or just clean up. I’ll be at my desk when you’re finished.” He stared at the large dark spot on her blouse. “You said it’s silk. I have no idea how to wash that out.”
“It’s toast,” Bailey said and took the t-shirt. “Thanks for this. I guess I need to stop at the pet store on my way home.”
“I’ll print you out a list of what you’ll need while you get cleaned up.”
“What about you?” Bailey looked at his wet shirt.
Tanner whipped off his t-shirt and grabbed another from the same drawer where he’d picked out one for Bailey. “I’ll wash off in the hall bathroom.
She stared at his naked chest.
Did he have something there? He glanced down. Nope. Looked like it always did.
He glanced back at her. Her eyes had widened and pupils darkened. She liked what she saw.
He hid a smirk of satisfaction, glad he and Case hit the gym together three times a week.
Stepping closer he placed his hand on her hip and leaned in slowly. “If you don’t stop looking at me like that, I’m going to take that blouse off you myself.” He brushed his lips over hers. “And I won’t stop until we’re both naked and under my sheets.”
“Although tempting,” Bailey kissed him lightly, then continued, “I stink from hours of travel and puppy pee, definitely not my favorite perfume.” She stepped back. “I like you, Tanner, but I’m not ready to go there with you, yet.” She turned and fled into the bathroom.
Yet. Yes. He’d heard the word. He did a mental fist pump. His feelings for her were not one-sided. He needed to take it slow with Bailey, even though he wanted to charge through that bathroom door, strip her naked and personally wash every inch of her beautiful body. Their time would come.
Tanner dashed down the hall and washed his belly before he slid on the clean shirt. At his computer, he printed out a shopping list for her. He wished they could go together, kind of a date, but he had a test that night in class.
Her blouse rolled in neat ball, Bailey explained, “I’m just going to throw this away.”
He plucked it from her hand, replacing it with the shopping list, and headed to the kitchen trash can.
“I need all this?” she asked.
“I’ll give you the puppy food. I buy it by the ton, so you don’t have to worry about that.” He washed his hands in the sink, then turned to look over her shoulder. “She already has a collar, but you’ll need to replace that soon. I buy those by the dozen, but they’re embroidered with service dog. I’m sure you’re going to want something more colorful anyway.”
She turned to face him. “I’m sure I will.” Wrapping her arms around his neck, she said, “Since you have a Y-chromosome, I’m sure you’re not into shopping, but want to come with me?”
This close to Bailey, the result of that male gene was standing at attention, pressed between them. “As you can tell,” he couldn’t hide the truth and they were both adults, “I would like to spend the evening with you.” And more. “But unfortunately, I have a prior commitment
tonight.”
Why hadn’t he just told her that he had a chem test? He wasn’t embarrassed that he was in school. Or was he? Compared to Dr. Bailey Conrad, he was lightyears behind her in education. Maybe this was a dumb idea. She’d been an officer and he’d been enlisted. He trained dogs for a living and she helped vets deal with important stuff, like PTSD, thoughts of suicide and mental problems he had no idea about. What was a guy like him doing with this amazing woman?
Her hand touched his cheek. “Hey, where did you go?”
Stepping back was one of the hardest things Tanner had ever done. He immediately missed the warmth of her body next to his, but it was better this way. She deserved someone who could offer her so much more than him.
“I’ll walk you out.”
Chapter Eleven
“Hey, Erica, can you meet me at the pet store in Manassas?” Bailey wasn’t sure what had happened back there, but she didn’t like it one bit. Tanner was running hot, really hot, the proof of his desire evident, then in the next instant, he was cold and hard as the icy snow that still filled the ditches.
“Sure.” It sounded like Erica was on the move. “So my brother convinced you to take Noel?”
Had that been his plan all along? Had she been suckered into a dog and once he was sure she’d take the puppy, he was out of her life?
No. A man’s body can’t lie. Tanner had physically wanted her. Then suddenly he didn’t and had turned almost cold.
What had she said? Done? To turn him off so quickly? Their relationship, if you could even call it that, was too new for sex, but she was very interested in Tanner, liked him, a lot.
And what was this all-important prior engagement? He seemed to be very busy in the evenings, so much so they couldn’t find a night available for a date?
“Bailey? Did I lose you?” Erica asked over the Bluetooth in the car.
“Sorry, but my mind is spinning and now I have to shop for a dog.” She admitted, “I’ve never had a pet of any kind.”
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