“Yes. He was going out to dinner, so we didn’t talk long, but it was enough.”
“Good.” Lance nodded and put his napkin next to his plate. “Well, then, if you don’t have anything you want me to do?”
She shook her head.
“Then I’ll try to get some sleep. Don’t hesitate to holler if you need anything.”
Marjorie smiled. “I won’t. Sleep tight.”
He left, and she locked the door behind him. She’d noticed that he always hesitated a few seconds before going down the steps, and she was sure he listened for the slide of the deadbolt.
She cleaned up the kitchen, forwarded the inn’s calls to her cell, and stuffed the paper she’d written the animal shelter’s address on into her purse.
The curtains on Lance’s windows were tightly drawn against the bright sunshine, a hopeful indication that he was asleep. She started her car, praying that sound didn’t wake him, and backed down the driveway.
The local animal shelter in Salisbury had no shortage of dogs and cats to adopt. Walking from cage to cage made Marjorie’s heart ache. She wanted to adopt them all. Eventually, a white female German Shepherd mix won her attention.
“I knew Daisy wouldn’t be with us long,” the attendant, Max, told her. “She’s been well-trained and likes other dogs and kids too.”
“I can’t understand how anyone could give up an animal like this,” Marjorie said, as she offered the dog her hand to sniff. “She’s friendly, but not too rambunctious, and beautiful too.”
“Her owner was upset to have to leave her with us. His job transferred him to Japan, and he and his wife couldn’t find any place to live over there that would allow them to keep a dog this big. They tried to find someone to adopt her, but time got short, and they had no choice but to bring her here.”
Marjorie explained she needed a dog who would get along well with her clientele, but would also act as a watchdog.
“German Shepherds are naturally a protective breed, and even though Daisy isn’t a purebred, she has good instincts. She’s housebroken and smart as a whip, but she’ll need plenty of exercise.”
“I have a pretty large fenced-in yard, and I’m happy to take her for walks, too. Can I see her out of this cage?”
“Sure. We want you to be confident that the animal you choose is right for you, so we have a ‘meet and greet’ area so you can get acquainted.” He led the way to a glassed-in room where he picked up a leash and went back to the kennel area. In a minute, he was back with the big white dog.
Marjorie started to walk across the room to greet her, but Max waved her back. “Let me put her through her paces first. I want you to see something.
He addressed the dog. “Daisy, heel.” The dog walked behind Max and came up on his left side, watching the man expectantly. “Sit.” Daisy sat. “Down.” Daisy lay down, paws stretched out in front of her. “Stay.” Max dropped the leash and walked away about ten paces. Daisy didn’t move but watched the man intently. “Here.” Promptly, Daisy got up and went to the attendant and sat in front of him.
“I’m impressed. She’s very well behaved.”
“Yes, she is. Now you try.”
Marjorie smiled and put her hand out. “Here, Daisy.” The big dog remained in place. “Come on over, girl. I won’t hurt you.” Remembering Max’s commands, she tried, “Heel.” Daisy stayed put. “Doesn’t she like me?” she asked.
Max grinned. “I wanted you to see this because you said you’ll have clients you want her to protect as well as you, of course. She hasn’t been formally introduced to you, so she won’t take any commands you give her until I tell her you’re a friend.”
“You’re kidding. Really? She wouldn’t come to me even if I had a nice big bone?”
“Nope. Like I said, she’s smart as a whip.” He bent down and spoke to the dog. “It’s okay, Daisy. This is a friend.” Daisy studied Marjorie and wagged her tail once. “Okay, now try again, Ms. Matthews.”
“Come, Daisy.”
Daisy wagged her tail tentatively and approached Marjorie slowly. Marjorie crouched down and offered her hand again. Daisy made a thorough inspection then licked the back of it. Marjorie responded with a gentle scratch behind the dog’s ears.
“I guess you must be pretty confused, Daisy, and miss your owners, too. But if you come live with me, I’ll do my best to give you a good home with lots of love.”
The dog cocked her head to the side, her tail wagging now a bit more enthusiastic. She offered her paw as if to indicate “it’s a deal,” and tears glistened in Marjorie’s eyes. She smiled at the attendant. “Yes, I think Daisy and I will be good friends in no time. I’ll take her.”
“Good choice. She’s a fine animal. Let me get the paperwork started, and we’ll have you two on your way home in no time.”
Her first stop on the way home was the pet store, where she acquired bowls, food, chew toys, a spiffier collar and leash, and a giant doggie bed. Daisy seemed a lot bigger in the back seat of her car than she had in the shelter. But big was good as far as Marjorie was concerned. While the dog didn’t appear vicious, her size alone was intimidating.
People food would have to wait for another trip. She couldn’t leave the dog in the car while she shopped. Her new pet would require rescheduling a few of Marjorie’s chores from now on. She’d order a pizza for dinner so she didn’t have to leave Daisy in a strange place on her first day. The animal had already had enough disruption. Marjorie could grocery shop tomorrow.
She parked in the garage and snapped the leash onto Daisy’s new, bright red collar. As soon as she opened the car door Daisy jumped out and began to sniff her surroundings. Marjorie led her through the gate into the backyard and unsnapped the leash so she could explore. The dog cocked her head, a question in her big brown eyes. Marjorie nodded. “Yep. Go. The yard is your territory now.”
Daisy made a circuit of the yard, peeing in several spots and paying particular attention to the big oak tree. She wandered over to the stairs on the side of the garage and put one paw on the bottom step. She swiveled her head toward Marjorie. “Ah, no. Let’s leave that bit of exploration for later, girl. How about we check out your new home?”
Daisy sniffed the bottom stair and whined softly.
Let’s see how obedient you are when I tell you no to something you want to do. “No. Daisy. Here.”
Promptly the big dog came and sat in front of her, her tongue lolling out the side of her mouth as she panted lightly.
“Come on. Let’s get you some water.” She unlocked the back door, and led Daisy inside. Then she realized she’d left the bags of dog paraphernalia in the trunk of the car. Not sure what to do first, she finally said, “Stay.” When Daisy sat at attention, she ducked out the door, and ran to the garage. She grabbed the bags then hurried back inside to find Daisy waiting calmly where she’d left her.
“You are a miracle, Daisy. I’m going to write to your former owners and tell them what a fine job they did training you. And that I already love you to pieces.” Marjorie went over, and ruffled the soft fur on the back of Daisy’s neck.
She unpacked the bags and inspected the kitchen to decide where to put the food and water dishes as well as the dog bed. They both should be out of the way when she was in here cooking and, since she spent more than half the time in the kitchen or down in her basement studio, she liked the idea that Daisy could nap here, too. First, though, a bowl of cool water for her new friend. She set it down next to the basement door, and Daisy slurped noisily for almost a full minute. “Wow, thirsty dog, aren’t you, girl?”
Daisy gave her a drippy doggie grin and peered down the hallway toward the front door.
“Okay, girl, let’s show you the lay of the land around here.”
Chapter 10
Half an hour later, they were both back in the kit
chen. Daisy had sniffed her house from top to bottom, including the cellar, and now curled up on her new bed. Marjorie finished unpacking and presented Daisy with a rawhide bone almost as big as her forearm. Though she showed no interest in chewing on it, Daisy did tuck it into one side of her bed, presumably for a midnight snack. Marjorie made herself a cup of tea, sat at the table and smiled at the big white dog. “You and I are going to be good friends, Daisy.”
Daisy swung her head toward the back door, a low rumble in her throat as she stood up.
A second later, a key turned in the lock and Lance opened the door. Daisy immediately stood between Marjorie and the stranger, a louder growl warning the intruder to stay put.
Marjorie placed her hand on the dog’s back. “It’s okay, Daisy. He’s a friend.”
The rumbling stopped but Daisy remained at attention.
Lance remained frozen in the doorway for several seconds. Finally he glanced at Marjorie. “Who’s this guy?”
Marjorie smiled. “This girl is Daisy, my new security chief. Daisy, here. Sit.”
“A female, huh? That’s good. Females are very protective. Can I come in?” he asked Marjorie, but watched Daisy.
“Of course.” Marjorie went to him first and took him by the hand. She wanted to make sure Daisy knew this man was not just a friend but a good friend. She led him to the table. “Have a seat. Can I get you some iced tea?”
“Sure. I’d love some.” Lance slid into his usual seat and offered his hand to Daisy for inspection.
Daisy sniffed and looked expectantly at Marjorie who nodded emphatically. Daisy licked his hand and gave him a cursory tail wag. Then she sat and divided her attention between them.
“So, what made you suddenly decide to get a dog?” Lance almost drained his glass with his first gulp.
Marjorie refilled it and thought about the similarity between man and dog. “You’re the one who’s always telling me I’m not safety-conscious enough. I thought you’d be pleased.”
“I am. I think a dog is a great idea, and you found one that fills the bill perfectly. Where’d you get her?”
“At the Humane Society shelter. Her owners had to give her up when the husband got transferred to Japan. I just happened to be the first person who wanted to adopt a dog after she arrived.”
“She’s amazingly well-trained.”
“Yeah. She’s awesome. I love her already.” Marjorie studied Lance carefully. “You don’t mind having a dog around, do you?”
“Not at all. I love animals. Why would you think I’d mind?”
She focused on rubbing Daisy’s ears. “It’s just that you wanted to know if I, if I’d . . . killed your dog.” She glanced up quickly, then down again.
“What?”
“You know, um, when you had the, um . . .”
“Oh, shit. The flashback? Is that what I said?”
Marjorie nodded.
“Damn it. I don’t remember that. I’m sorry. You know, I didn’t even know you were you, then. As you can tell by the—” He pointed to her wrists.
She put her hand over his. “Don’t worry about it. I know you didn’t realize it was me. I just didn’t know if having a dog around would bother you.”
“No. No bother at all.” Lance gave Daisy’s head a friendly pat.
Marjorie let out a sigh of relief. “When we first came home and I let her out in the yard, she wanted to go up the steps to your apartment. I didn’t want to spring her on you without any warning, though, so I told her no.”
“How about we let her explore now? I don’t mind, and she’ll be happier having checked out all the nooks and crannies in her new domain.”
Marjorie grinned. “Wonderful. How about it, Daisy? Want to go outside?”
That got a tail wag strong enough to create a breeze as the dog went to the door. They all trooped outside and let Daisy once again anoint the oak tree. Then the three of them climbed the stairs.
Lance opened the door, then pulled back the curtains on the windows and let sunlight flood the space. Daisy did a sniff tour, then jumped on the bed and laid down.
“No, Daisy. That’s not your bed,” Marjorie started.
“Nah, it’s okay. I don’t mind.”
“That’s nice, but I don’t want her getting the idea that beds are okay for her to get on.” She gave Daisy a stern command. “Come.”
The dog immediately came to her side and gazed up, her big eyes pleading for forgiveness.
“No people beds. You have your own bed.”
Daisy offered her a paw.
“I see she’s not above charming you into getting her way,” Lance chuckled.
“Maybe on some things, but beds are off-limits in a bed and breakfast. She’s got to learn that.” Marjorie went to the door and opened it. “Outside, Miss Daisy. Enjoy the sunshine.”
They both went to the window and watched the dog race down the stairs and give the yard another once over. Standing so close to Lance, Marjorie got a good whiff of his spicy aftershave mixed with the scent of warm male. She turned to him and couldn’t resist placing her palm against his chest. She could feel the slow thud of his heartbeat against her hand. The sensation spiraled through her all the way to her toes. She glanced up and found his eyes devouring her. She swallowed and moistened her lower lip. She had to break the spell or she’d do something foolish. “You’re sure you don’t mind about the dog?”
He slipped his arm around her waist and tugged her closer. “I don’t mind anything you do, Marjorie.”
Then he bent his head and captured her mouth in the sweetest kiss she’d ever felt. And, God help her, she kissed him back, her hand sliding up to rest against the back of his neck.
His embrace tightened, crushing her against the flat planes of his chest. He kissed her again, more deeply this time and ran his tongue along the seam of her lips, searching for entrance. She opened her mouth and welcomed him, their tongues tangling, tasting. Her knees went week and he shifted his arm to below her hips, cupping her bottom in one big hand to bring the bulge in his shorts against her increasing warmth.
With three long strides, he had her on the bed, his body over her, his thigh between her legs. He kissed her again and trailed teasing, butterfly kisses across her cheek to the tender spot behind her ear. She heard herself moan and shifted her head to give him better access to her neck. His hand found its way beneath her shirt, and his fingers brushed the underside of her breast. She gasped at the pleasure of his touch and felt her nipples tighten.
Just as she reached for the zipper of his shorts, there came a deep-throated bark from outside the door. They both stilled, each breathing heavily.
“I believe that’s your new watchdog,” Lance grumbled, clearly not so happy about the new addition now.
She’s got more sense than I do.
Marjorie gave a little push and Lance obligingly rolled off of her. She sat up and tried to straighten her clothes. What the heck is wrong with me? Have I completely lost my mind? Damn, he’s a good kisser, though.
Lance sighed. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have taken advantage of you like that.”
Marjorie arched a brow. “I think we both know I was more than happy to go along with it.” She kissed him lightly on the cheek and went to the door, pretending for all she was worth that she hadn’t been rocked to her core in Lance’s embrace. “Hi, Daisy. Looking for me?”
The dog wagged her tail and stuck her nose between Marjorie’s legs. Oh, God. “Stop that! Have you no manners at all?” Daisy sat, her head drooping. Marjorie glanced over to find a broad grin on Lance’s face. The heat in her cheeks told her just how pink they were. Oh, boy.
She had to get out of here. Then she remembered. Lance had come over to see her. It seemed like hours ago now, but still, he must have had a reason. “You wanted
something?”
Poor choice of words, Marjorie.
Although she wouldn’t have thought it possible, Lance’s grin got even wider. She sighed and glared at him from under her brows. “Before. Why did you come over?”
“Actually, I can’t seem to remember right now.” His gaze swept up and down her body. “Somehow every thought’s been driven right out of my head.”
Marjorie huffed and rolled her eyes. “Come on, Daisy, time to go home.” She let herself out and closed the door, her legs still a bit shaky as she descended the stairs.
That was a mistake, Matthews. A big mistake. The warmth between her legs and the tingle in her breasts didn’t feel like a mistake, though. The sensations his touch left behind felt good. Very, very, good.
Lance stacked his hands behind his head and contemplated the ceiling over his bed. His heart still hadn’t returned to its normal rhythm as he replayed the last twenty minutes.
On one hand, he was pissed the dog had interrupted them. On more thought, though, he was grateful. If he’d have gotten a bit further out of control he may not have been able to stop himself from taking her right there. God knows he wanted to. She smelled so good, and tasted even better. His erection throbbed at the memory of her sucking on his tongue. He wanted inside her in the worst way. He didn’t want to rush her, although by her own admission she was nearly as aroused as he. She may have told him she was a good liar, but she wasn’t faking her responses to his touch or his kisses. He grinned again. He’d better take a shower and relieve the strain the last twenty minutes put on his cock.
Then he’d be back on the Internet searching for clues to her past. There was no doubt in his mind that Daisy was the direct result of Marjorie’s panic attack. A good result. He was in favor of anything that would keep her safer. What he needed to know was who he was keeping her safe from.
The weekend arrived and Marjorie’s careful planning had paid off. Her B and B was full. Only her “last resort” room—the one she originally rented to Lance—was vacant.
Theirs by Chance Page 10