Inside, he put the beagle down and then checked the big dogs’ wounds.
After putting the gun back in the bedroom, Kinsley asked, “What can I do to help?”
“There’s a first aid kit in the bathroom—top cabinet drawer.” While she went to get it, Dylan called the sanctuary’s wildlife veterinarian.
With Kinsley’s assistance, all the bites were cleaned and disinfected by the time Martha arrived. The vet then took over by stitching the dogs’ wounds and providing Dylan with a round of antibiotics for both Madison and Sunny.” Of course, his dogs were up to date on all their shots, so nothing else was needed. When Martha was finished, she looked at his arm. “You’re going to need a stitch or two also.”
“Nah, I’ll be fine.”
“I know you’re a tough guy, but you know as well as I that they’re needed.” Without waiting for him to respond, she reached into her medical bag and took out some numbing cream.
There was no use arguing with her, so he let her apply it to his skin. It took about thirty to forty minutes for the cream to be fully effective. After that time, she could stitch him up. While they waited, he introduced her to Kinsley and then explained the entire incident with the coyote to the vet.
Martha was a stocky woman with muscles that rivaled a man’s, so when she stood before him with hands planted firmly on her hips and her hazel eyes fixed narrowly on his injury, he knew she was angry. “It was really stupid what you did. You could’ve been in very bad shape if that coyote had been able to attack you. You’re so lucky these two fellas were there to protect you.” The pit and the lab were sprawled out in front of her on the floor, and she reached down to give each head a rub. “You guys are heroes,” she remarked lovingly.
There was no disagreement on that from Dylan. They not only saved him but Benny too. The little beagle was sitting on the couch beside Kinsley, and when he looked over at them, his heart was full of gratitude that nothing had happened to either one. It would’ve been devastating if the coyote had gotten his dog, and he’d taken a risk by asking Kinsley to get his rifle, but she’d been amazing. Whatever lingering embarrassment he had about her reaction to his kiss had totally disappeared.
After stitching up his bite, Martha said, “I’ll call the sheriff and let him know about tonight. I’m sure he’ll want to notify your neighbors that an aggressive coyote is in the area. I’ll also let everyone at the sanctuary know.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
Once she was gone, he sat on the couch with Benny between him and Kinsley. Eager for more attention, the little dog rolled onto his back. “He loves belly rubs.” When Dylan finished scratching the beagle’s plump pink stomach, he shifted his attention back to Kinsley. “I can’t thank you enough for what you did. The dogs aren’t the only heroes. You are as well. If you hadn’t fired those shots when you did… Well, there would’ve been a very different outcome.”
“I was terrified.”
“You were incredible. Where’d you learn to handle a gun like that?”
A sly smile curved her rosy lips. “You mean a city girl’s not supposed to know how to shoot?”
“I hate to make assumptions, but something like that.”
Two dimples appeared in her cheeks as her smile widened. “Aunt Cora of course.”
“Of course. I should’ve guessed that.”
“When I stayed with her after my mom’s death, she made sure I knew enough to protect myself, and not just from animals.”
“Some people can be even more dangerous. Cora was a very smart woman.”
“But that didn’t make what happened this evening any less scary,” she added.
He draped his arm across the back of the couch so that the tips of his fingers touched her soft hair. “I’ve been here five years, and nothing like that has ever happened before. I hope that helps to ease your mind a little.”
“A little.” She offered him a small smile, but it was forced, not the natural one he’d come to love.
Wanting to take her mind off the coyote, he changed the subject. “Camille’s May Festival begins tomorrow.”
“What’s that?”
For a moment he’d almost forgotten that she’d only been here a short while and wasn’t familiar with the town’s events. “It’s like a county fair. Lots of food booths, rides, games, and entertainment. Forever Wild has a booth there. The interns will be manning it.” He was about to ask her to go with him when his cell phone rang. It was his dad. Dylan was tempted not to answer, but since his father rarely called, he was worried something might be wrong with his mom. The last time he’d talked to her she hadn’t been feeling well. “Hello, Dad. This really isn’t a good time to talk. Everything okay?” His words were clipped.
“Your mom asked me to call.”
Dylan’s stomach clenched tight. “Is she all right?”
“Yes, yes. She’s fine. Didn’t mean to worry you. I should’ve said I wanted to call too.”
Sure you did. Things hadn’t been good between them since Dylan told him years ago that he didn’t want to become an account. He was going to be a wildlife biologist instead. And they only got worse when instead of going home for a while after leaving his job in Minnesota, he went straight to Camille. Why bother spending time with his dad? He’d only badger Dylan about his career choice. “What’s up?”
“One of my clients is throwing a huge party next weekend, and your mom and I would love it if you’d join us?”
That’s why you called, to ask me to go to some snooty, over-the-top party? Why would I do that? He did his best to sound some-what pleasant. “I’m sorry, Dad, but a party is definitely not doable. Please tell Mom I’m sorry, but I just can’t get away.”
After he hung up, he looked at Kinsley, hoping to pick up their conversation where they’d left off, but a frown-line marred her perfect skin.
“Everything okay?” she asked.
“Oh, yeah. Just some silly party, my parents, invited me to next weekend. I couldn’t possibly go. Not with the repairs and all still going on here.”
“Don’t be silly. You shouldn’t let that stop you from going. You never take time off. Besides, I have a party next weekend too, so if I won’t be here, why should you?”
He paused for a moment, a little shocked that she was going back to the city again so soon. “All the more reason for me to be here. We can’t both be gone. What if Paul needs our input on something?”
“Hmmm, you might have a point. But I still think you should go.”
“The only place I want to go is to the festival tomorrow, but only if you’ll go with me.” He stared at her boldly, trying to get her to say yes.
She stared back at him. Her big brown eyes were guarded. “Are you sure you’ll be up for that. I mean with your arm and the bump on the head you got the other day…”
“My head is fine. Other than a headache the first night and some soreness now, there’s nothing wrong with it. As far as the bite is concerned, it’s just a bite. I’m not bedridden.” But he knew that’s not what she was really worried about. “Besides, I promise not to try to kiss you.”
Her face relaxed, and there was no denying her relief. “What time will you pick me up?”
“How’s six?”
“Perfect. You’ve got a date.”
Joy bubbled up inside him, and although his arm had begun to ache, he barely noticed it.
Chapter 11
Kinsley studied the clothes in her closet. She hadn’t brought that many with her, having only planned to be here for a little while. Should I wear the green Calvin Klein dress or the faded jeans with the ripped knees? Too bad Sue wasn’t here to help me decide. For a split second, she considered giving her a call but decided that would be ridiculous. Besides, fairs were casual, so it should be a no-brainer to choose the jeans. She selected a pale pink shirt to go with it.
After getting dressed, she pulled her hair back in a high ponytail, put on a little lipstick and mascara and was ready ten minutes early. While she waited
for Dylan to arrive, she went back over in her mind yesterday’s events. She hadn’t told him how she’d really felt…like how she feared her heart might pound right through her chest when she saw the coyote just inches from his gorgeous face…or how sheer black fright nearly froze her and kept her from pulling the trigger on the rifle…or how devastated she would have been if anything had happened to him or his dogs. Simply saying she’d been scared in no way expressed the extent of her feelings. Hopefully, she’d have a chance to do that tonight.
Dylan arrived promptly at six. Before they left, she showed him the progress Paul and his crew had made on the house. The kitchen was nearly done. A new white quartz countertop and matching backsplash had been installed, along with beautiful oak cabinets. The appliances were scheduled to be delivered early next week. The room had been transformed. It was now airy and bright, and she loved it almost as much as the kitchen in her loft. The other downstairs rooms had all been painted a lovely shade of cream, and the windows had been outfitted with gorgeous light filtering blinds.
“So what do you think?” she asked when finished giving him a tour.
“It’s spectacular. What you’ve done goes perfectly with what I picked out for the upstairs. I think we make an amazing team.”
Her pulse began to beat erratically. Although she knew he was referring to their design abilities, a part of her wondered if he might be implying something more. It had been difficult to stay away from him the past few days. She enjoyed his company a lot. But that kiss had completely thrown her for a loop, and it wasn’t so much that she was angry at him, more so at herself. She never should’ve let that happen. She should’ve ended it right away…pulled back before it deepened to the point where she lost all control. Granted it had been a long time since a man had kissed her, but she had had plenty in the past. Just none anything like Dylan’s. The memory of it made her long for another. That’s one of the reasons she’d decided to keep her distance until she spotted him yesterday heading over to the wolf enclosure. Seeing him made her realize she was ridiculous. She couldn’t avoid him forever, and the longer it went on, the more uncomfortable it would be to mend things. However, he’d disappeared before she could catch up with him, prompting her to stop by his house. Thank goodness she had, or they still wouldn’t be speaking.
She reminded herself not to overreact to anything he might say tonight. She planned to simply have a good time, and that’s precisely what she intended to do.
On the way to the fair-grounds, she took in the view. Kinsley hadn’t had a chance to see much of Camille and what she saw this evening was lovely. Lush and green, with trees everywhere, it reminded her of a picture postcard.
Before they even reached the festival, there were cars parked everywhere, in fields, on lawns, and at the side of the road. “Do you have to park this far away?” she asked.
“Yep.”
“I didn’t realize there were that many people in Camille.”
“They come from all over. This is one of the largest festivals in the state.” Dylan chuckled. “You really do have to get out of the city more.”
“I guess so.”
“Should we walk or take the shuttle?” he asked.
“You choose. I have a problem with decisions.”
The look he shot her made her wonder if he was thinking of her indecision on whether or not to sell the sanctuary. When his gaze traveled down to her feet, he said, “Glad you wore sneakers, but we’ll take the shuttle. There’ll be enough walking at the festival. Don’t want to wear out your soles.”
“I sure hope you’re joking.”
“You’ll have to wait to find out.” He pulled his truck over to the side of the road and parked it behind a blue sedan. “That’s Charlie Doyle’s car. He’s our mayor. No special privileges for anyone in Camille. You park wherever there’s a spot.”
“That’s nice, but there must be deals that go on behind the scenes. You know, like if you do this for me, I’ll do something else for you.”
“Nope. There’s no corruption in Camille.”
She found that hard to believe. “Maybe none that you’re aware of.”
He shook his head. “I don’t think so. I would’ve heard about it.”
She still didn’t believe it. “Every town has some.”
“Not here. Just another reason for you to consider staying.”
She shook her head. Not going to happen. “I’m in real estate, Dylan. There isn’t enough business here to keep me going for a week.”
“You’re creative, Kinsley. If you wanted to, you’d find a way to make it work.”
She wondered if he had something in mind that he’d like to share with her, but the conversation ended when he opened the door and stepped out. She watched him walk around the front of the truck and waited for him to open her door before she got out too.
“A shuttle comes by every ten minutes,” he said. “We shouldn’t have to wait long for the next one.”
As they waited in line, Dylan must’ve said hello to at least twenty people.
“Do you know everyone in town?” she asked.
“I believe I do.”
Kinsley found that amazing. “I wouldn’t be able to remember all their names.”
“I’ll bet you don’t have trouble remembering all your real estate deals.”
“Touché, Mr. Reese.”
Dylan had been right about not having to wait long for the shuttle. A minute later one arrived. They were lucky to have gotten in line when they did because only one more couple was let on after them. The rest would have to wait for the next one.
Kinsley hadn’t been sure how much she’d enjoy the festival. She wasn’t a fan of carnivals and had always lumped the two together. She wasn’t big on food trucks either, so she figured she’d feel the same about food booths, but she couldn’t have been more wrong. There was deep-fried everything: bacon, candy, ravioli, even butter, and it all smelled delicious. However, she played it safe by simply having some dough that she dunked in a yummy tomato sauce. Dylan had a corn dog, and they both had a caramel apple for dessert. If you’d asked her a few weeks ago if she’d ever eaten festival food, she would’ve answered with a resounding no. Just goes to show how she should never prejudge things.
She had to say no to the pie-eating contest, though, as she didn’t have room for another bite.
Usually, she wasn’t keen on contests of any kind. However, she had to admit that she loved the racing pigs.
Dylan casually placed his arm across her shoulders as they walked around. Maybe he’d done that to keep them from getting separated. The place was so crowded it was hard not to bump into people. Whatever the reason, she had to admit that she liked it.
Kinsley stopped when she heard a loud screeching noise followed by some hissing.
“That must be Elvis,” Dylan said with a trace of laughter in his voice. He pulled her into a tent.
“Who’s Elvis?” she asked, wondering where they were going. A second later, they were standing in front of a booth. It had a line of people waiting to go inside. When she looked up at the banner, her eyes widened as she read the words Forever Wild. The shock of discovery hit her full force. “This is our booth!”
He gave her smile that sent her pulses racing. “It is indeed.”
They maneuvered their way into the booth where two interns were showing a family a screech-owl. About the size of a robin, this little fellow seemed unfazed by all the attention.
“I didn’t think such a small owl could make such a screech,” she said to Dylan.
“He didn’t. The sound screech-owls make is more like a whinny or a soft trill.” Dylan turned her around so that she faced a larger cage holding a barn owl. “That’s Elvis.”
As if on cue, the owl let out a long, loud screech. Kinsley laughed. “I don’t think he sounds like Elvis at all.”
Dylan’s grin flashed briefly, dazzling against his tanned skin. “I don’t either. Elvis is one of my all-time favorite singers, and
this guy doesn’t come close to making a list. One of the interns from an earlier group had a weird sense of humor. He was responsible for the name. The others thought it was funny, so we kept it.”
“Okay, I won’t hold it against him then,” she said, taking a closer look at the owl, honing in on the small stiff feathers around the edge of his face, and then moving down to the large, powerful talons on his feet.
“Want to know how to tell the difference between a male and female?”
She lifted her brows. “I have a feeling you’re going to tell me regardless.”
Dylan chuckled as he pointed to the owl’s all white chest. “Females, on the other hand, have spotted chests and darker brown feathers around the rim of the face as well as darker bars on the tail.”
“Thank you for telling me that. It’s bound to come in quite handy the next time I’m trying to determine the sex of a barn owl.”
“You’re welcome. I think it’s important to know.”
A group of children came running up to him. “We want to learn more about the owl,” one cried.
Kinsley looked at Dylan, and they both laughed. She hadn’t been aware that they had an audience.
“What do you want to know?” Dylan asked.
“Everything,” the kids shouted in unison.
He smiled. “I like your enthusiasm.”
Kinsley moved over to the side, giving the children full view of the owl.
“Barn owls are birds of prey,” Dylan began. “They hunt and catch small mammals. They have incredibly sensitive hearing and have the ability to see movement with very little light, making them excellent silent predators of the night. During the day they roost in quiet places, hidden from children like you.”
The group erupted into laughter, and then their eyes grew wide with wonder as they continued to listen to Dylan.
His voice became animated as he filled their young minds with more information. “The barn owl has a white heart-shaped face and dark eyes,” he continued, “making them very distinctive. Larger than a screech-owl, like Louie over there, but smaller than a great horned owl. They have long, rounded wings and short tails, giving them a loping flight. Barn owls need large areas of open land over which to hunt. At night, they fly low, searching for small rodents by using mostly sound.”
No Time for Love: No Brides Club, Book 1 Page 7