Risa stepped inside the mudroom and reached for a leash. Not that she needed one to control either of her dogs, but she would rather be safe than sorry. “Athena, sit.” She hooked the leash to her collar and glanced at Eir’s expectant face and smiled. “Next time, sweetie.”
She opened the back door. “Ready?”
“Bella, stay.”
Risa stepped outside with Athena at her side. The dogs looked at each other, and Athena wagged her tail. Bella cocked her head to the side as if studying the new arrival. It was a good start.
The two dogs whined and Athena looked up at her, pleading in her eyes, but not moving until Risa gave her the okay. At Jax’s nod, Risa let out the leash. “Friend,” she said to the dog. Athena cautiously approached Bella, tail still wagging, and stopped when they were nose to nose. Jax repeated the word to Bella and released her. The two went through the usual dog greeting, sniffing and such. After a minute or so, Athena dropped her to her front paws, butt in the air and woofed. Bella followed suit.
“They want to play.” Risa smiled at Jax. “That’s a really good sign, but Bella’s not ready to run yet.” She snapped her fingers, which made both dogs look at her. “Sit.”
They sat together, eyes on her, waiting.
She held up her hand. “Stay. Jax, can you go stand by the rabbit hutch, please?”
Then she walked ten feet away in the opposite direction. Both dogs continued to sit, watching and waiting. Risa ran them through the basic commands, pleased when Bella responded. Not once did the dog hesitate. She had Jax do the same and once again got positive results. Clearly Bella didn’t have an issue listening to either of them. On the contrary, she was eager to please and responded to praise by licking Risa’s hand.
“What’s your verdict, Doc?”
“Hard to say just yet.” If only dogs could talk. “Maybe she’s just tired of her routine.”
“Rebelling?”
“It happens to the best of us sooner or later. We get tired of following the rules, desire adventure, and fantasize about living on the edge.”
“Nothing wrong with that, as long as you balance out the bad with the good.”
She was pretty sure they weren’t talking about the dog and her issues anymore. Risa wanted to sink her fingers in his hair, to lean forward and taste his lips. She wanted to break all sorts of rules with Jackson Faraday. She bit down on her bottom lip.
“Why don’t you take Bella in through the front door. She did great with Athena, but I don’t want to overwhelm her with too many new friends at once. I’ll take mine and put them in their kennel out back so we can eat dinner. I seem to be starving all of a sudden.”
Those striking hazel eyes of his burned straight through to her soul… or somewhere down south in her anatomy. His playful smile promised a night of fun, if she so desired.
“Oh, and Jax. I hope you remembered dessert, because I’m craving something sinful tonight.” She turned and bounded up the short flight of steps before he could respond or she could get lost any deeper in his eyes.
She wasn’t sure what had overcome her. It really wasn’t like her to flirt or play with fire, but she felt like she’d run a circle around the pit… getting closer and closer, daring the flames to lick her.
It took her a few minutes to get her dogs settled in the kennel with food and water, but it was enough time for her to pull it together and corral the out-of-control hormones surging through her body. Jax and Bella were standing in her living room when she came back inside.
Poor Morpheus… he took one look at the new arrival, hissed his dissatisfaction, and stalked off to the bedroom with his nose and tail in the air.
Risa told Jax to let Bella relax and roam as she finished up the dinner prep. Everything was ready—the lasagna sat on top of the stove, the salad was in the fridge, and the French bread was sliced and warming in the oven. She called Bella over, had her sit, and gave her a dog biscuit. When the pup took the treat without touching Risa’s fingers, she smiled. Risa then commanded her to lie, which she did without hesitation.
With Jax’s help, Risa transferred the food to the table and set out the dishes.
“Please, dig in.” She gestured to the table. Unsure about the emotions coursing through her, Risa turned the topic back to a safe zone. “How was Bella today at the kennel?”
“Quiet, according to Moore. Better than yesterday, but not interested in anything going on around her.” Jax held up the bread and, at her nod, handed her the basket. “She’s more relaxed around you. Happy.”
“I like dogs. They can sense emotions, and know when a person is good or just making a show of it.” She put down her fork. “Did you have pets growing up?”
“My mom wasn’t big on animals. Too messy. Once my parents split, my dad got us kids a dog for when we came to his house. A big yellow Lab my sister wanted to name Rosie, except he refused to answer to the name. So we went with Buddy.”
“Original,” she teased. “I don’t know what I would have done without my animals growing up. They may not have been able to talk back, but they were always there for me when I needed someone to listen.”
“What about your parents?” He’d polished off his first helping of lasagna and had gone back for seconds, while she’d barely touched hers with her stomach hopping all over the place. “Aren’t you close to them?”
“Not as close as they are to each other. Don’t get me wrong. I wasn’t neglected or anything… didn’t want for physical comforts, go hungry or naked. And when I needed a car—”
“They lent you the Beast. I believe that’s what you called it.”
“Do you remember everything I say?”
“Pretty much.”
She narrowed her eyes and studied him. “Are you one of those people gifted with a photographic memory, and ten years from now you’ll be able to quote me our first argument?”
His face froze in stunned surprise, as if he’d been caught in the act of doing something he shouldn’t have been. Then he grabbed another piece of bread and tore it. “Nah, not me, Doc. I’m just a good guy who pays attention when someone’s talking to them.”
For the next couple of minutes, they ate quietly. She hadn’t missed his deliberate use of her words, or the fact that he hadn’t denied he’d be around in a decade. They talked some more about their childhoods; non-important details like favorite shows, teen celebrity crushes, and music. From there, they switched it up to a heated debate over Doctor Who versus Star Trek, and which was better and the true pioneer of sci-fi television.
“I will concede that Rodenberry was a visionary, and we have him to thank for much of our technology we have today,” Risa said after about thirty minutes of arguing.
“And I concede the Doctor made bow ties cool again and has had some of the most talented actors ever on the series.” Jax bowed his head in mock defeat. “And as the loser of the battle, I’ll clear the dishes and bring over dessert. I hope you like strawberry shortcake with whipped cream.”
Before Risa could protest—after all, he was a guest in her house—he’d grabbed their dishes and quickly washed them before lifting the small cooler he’d brought. “Where are the bowls?”
“I’ll get them.” She started to get up, but he stopped her with a look.
“You made dinner. Dessert was my job.” He opened cabinet doors and drawers.
Resigned, she sat back down. “Cupboard to the left of the sink.”
To say it was strange to have someone else wait on her in her own home was an understatement. Even her mum and Fiona didn’t do that. Well, Fee helped herself, but she didn’t take over and wait on Risa, unless you counted handing her a slice of pizza or a glass of wine. She had to admit, being pampered was nice. Jax was nice.
He returned to the table and opened the cooler. First, he pulled out a giant bowl of fresh, sliced strawberries swimming in their ow
n juice. Next came out two cinnamon scones, cut in perfect halves.
“Wait for it.” Lastly, he brought out the piece de resistance—the whipped cream.
She let him dish everything up and sit back down before taking her first bite. The sweetness of the berries exploded in her mouth with just the right touch of spice and cream. A slice of heaven.
“This is good. Where did you get the scones? They’re divine, and mine always come out too dry.”
“I baked them,” he said. “And, thank you.”
A dog lover with manners who could bake. How much more perfect could he get?
“You surprise me, Jax.”
He stopped eating, brows drawn together. “How so?”
“You’re just not what I expected.” She licked her spoon clean.
“Let me guess. You heard the southern accent and thought my only interests would be fishing, hunting, monster truck rallies, sports, and drinking beer.”
“Actually, no. You sort of look like you’d be the alpha jerk. You know… all quiet and broody, muscled and everyone should bend to your will.”
“You mean I’m not? Here.” He leaned forward and wiped a bit of cream from the corner of her mouth.
“Not even close.” He cupped her cheek, making her warm and tingly inside.
“Do me a favor and don’t tell my crew.” His hazel eyes darkened and sparked with desire. “They think I’m a tough badass who will eat them for breakfast if they mess up.”
“I don’t think you’d eat anyone for breakfast. You’re too much of a nice guy.”
“Wanna bet?”
Before she could answer, his mouth claimed hers. His tongue swept past her parted lips. He tasted of sweet berries and cream and heat. It was full of promise and passion, and danger. Yet it was a soft, sensual kiss that left her wanting more.
“Risa, let me take you out to dinner this weekend on a proper date.”
It had been ages since she’d been out with someone other than Fee. The idea of getting dressed up and going somewhere, anywhere that wasn’t home, work, or filled with kids, thrilled her. And Jax was a great guy—nothing like her ex, who hated her animals and the fact that she had a career, because it meant she couldn’t wait hand-and-foot on him.
Plus, there was the baking thing. God how she loved a man who was good in the kitchen.
“I’d love—” She hesitated as Bella laid her head on Risa’s lap and whined. The words Risa had been about to say stuck in her throat. Talk about a sign from the dating gods. Here was a reminder she was about to break her number-one rule. Because no matter how much she liked Jax, it didn’t change the fact that he was military, and one day he’d leave. She smiled and reached for his hand. “I’d love to say yes, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Jax blinked and pulled his hand free. He looked like she’d slapped him across the face, and she instantly wanted to retract her words. The last thing she’d meant to do was hurt his feelings. He rubbed his hand across his face before picking up his barely touched dessert and depositing it in the kitchen.
He returned and put his hands on the back of his chair. “Risa, I’m sorry. Man, my mom would slap me upside the head right about now.”
She looked at him, confused. He hadn’t done anything wrong.
“You told me you don’t date military guys and I… I ignored you and interpreted the signs the way I wanted.”
She stood to look him in the eye and reached for his arm, only to stop short.
“There’s no need to apologize. You’re a nice guy—”
“Nice guys don’t kiss ladies when they say no.”
“So there is a bit of a bad boy streak in you after all.” She smiled, trying to lighten the tension. She was just as much to blame for that kiss as he was. “I do like you, Jax, so I don’t think you misinterpreted anything. It’s complicated.”
“Isn’t it always.” He gave a harsh laugh.
“It’s just… I’m the stand-in vet for the base, and if things didn’t work out, it’d be awfully awkward… and we’ve got Bella’s well-being to think about.” She took a deep breath. “And I’m rambling.”
“I get it, Doc. No worries.” He gave a quick tap to his leg, and Bella sat at his side. “I should get going, get her home before they think we’ve been abducted by aliens or something.”
She walked man and dog out to his truck, wanting to kick herself in the pants. He was so unlike anyone she’d ever met before. Why did she have to go and say no?
Risa scratched Bella’s ears and kissed her nose before Jax lifted her up onto the bench seat and hooked the seatbelt.
“I’d like to work some more with her, see how she does with the other handler. Moore, I think you said his name was?”
“Yep.”
“Would Monday be alright?” She hated the distance she’d put between them—that she’d made him feel he’d been less than honorable—because men like Jackson Faraday, true gentlemen, didn’t come around very often.
“I’ll let Moore know to be available for you.”
“She’s a good dog, Jax. From what I’ve seen here, and when you’re with her, one that wants to please, which is a good sign. Whatever was going on might have been a phase, or it could be something to do with the new handler. We’ll know more in a couple of weeks.”
“Just do me a favor, Doc.” He waited for her to nod. “If you find she needs to be sent back to Texas, let me know first?”
“I will. I promise.”
Chapter 6
Jax let the warm summer air blow through the open truck window as he drove the short distance from the base security office to the kennel. It had been a long day of filling out reports, creating schedules, and answering phones. They’d had a few calls dealing with the usual stuff, along with a fender bender and a report of underage drinkers at North Lake. All of which kept him busy, and his mind off Risa and her rejection.
It still stung.
Deep down, he knew he should be thankful that she’d saved him from making a big mistake. He didn’t have a clue where he’d be in a few months, or what he’d have to offer in an relationship.
His mom had called over the weekend about an opening in the local police department. Then she’d gone on about how she didn’t think husband number four was going to stick around, and wasn’t it just her luck that his dad had already found someone. Jax was sorry to hear about Wally, as he was a nice guy, had a decent job, and seemed to genuinely care about his mom. The idea of his parents giving it another go, as his mom suggested, had made him spew beer out his nose.
He’d seen natural disasters cause less damage than his parents when they were together.
He’d thanked his mom for the job tip. He’d look into it and pray something else would come up. In the meantime, it wouldn’t hurt to look it over and maybe even apply. It beat the alternative.
Jax parked the truck, waved to a couple of guys, and headed inside. He hadn’t seen Bella since oh-six-hundred. It’d been the first night since her accident that he’d slept at home. Too bad he’d slept like crap, continually waking up to check on a dog that wasn’t there. When he arrived that morning, the duty guy had practically hugged him.
“She cried all night, Chief. Nothing I did helped,” he said before heading out.
As Jax turned the corner, the sound of musical laughter stopped him in his tracks. Risa. She was laughing at something Casey had said. Figures. Good old Case, charming the ladies.
She looked good in her body-hugging jeans and T-shirt. He said a silent thanks to the fashion gods for introducing skinny jeans, or whatever they were called. As usual, she had her hair in a ponytail, which showed off her long neck and creamy skin. Neither of which he should be noticing. But, hey, he was a living, breathing male with twenty-twenty vision.
“Hey, Chief,” Moore called out on his way to the door.
“Your girl will be happy to see you.”
Casey and Risa looked up quickly, like they were shocked to see him or had been caught in the act. Risa said something to Casey and stepped to the side. Casey stepped the same way. They went left, right, left, both laughing. Risa said, “Stay,” as if she were talking to one of the canines. Casey gave her a little salute and did as told.
“What do you know? There is a first for everything,” Jax muttered as he walked up to Risa.
“First for what?” she asked.
“Someone actually got Casey to listen. You must really be a miracle worker, Doc. Bet his ex-wife would pay you big bucks to learn your secret. As would the Senior Chief.” He crossed his arms to keep from playing with the rogue strand of hair that had escaped from Risa’s ponytail.
“It’s that bad-girl vibe of mine. Gets people’s attention every time.”
“Tell me about it.” He caught her teasing smile and his gut tightened. The woman was temptation on a stick. “How’s the patient doing today?”
“Not bad. Her hip appears to be healing. She’s walking better today with minimal limping, which is good. Moore said she’d been nonresponsive to him earlier, but I didn’t have any problem getting her to follow my commands again. It’s still too soon for any strenuous exercise. She needs to live the sedentary life as much as possible for at least another two weeks.”
“What about walks, like when we were at your… like last week?” So far no one had figured out he’d taken Bella off base. He’d like to keep it that way and his record clean.
“Just keep it to a five-minute maximum and bring her in Friday for X-rays so I can confirm her progress.”
“Anything you say, Doc.”
“I still think a lot of her problem is she misses you. While she responded to me, she wasn’t a happy dog. I’m sure she’ll brighten up now that you’re here. Anyway, I’ve got to run. I have a date to pick up.” She flashed a smile and hustled out the door.
Her hips swayed as she walked away, mesmerizing him with each step. God, he hated his job right now. If only they could fast-forward a couple of months, then her ‘no-military’ rule wouldn’t apply.
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