Page 38 of Vetted for Vengeance
Eight puppies wobble toward his polished shoes like tiny heat-seeking missiles. One latches onto his shoelaces.
His expression freezes.
“Noah,” he says slowly.
“Yes?”
“Why are there puppies in the office?”
His mouth tightens as if he’s fighting a smile, but he doesn’t complain. He must understand they can’t stay cooped up.
Of course he does.
That’s why he’s adapting the barn for them.
“Rhys, what are the rules on the barn? I’m thinking temporary fences and…”
“We have the emergency plan approved. I’ve ordered the metal partitions. They’ll be installed tomorrow. You can move the dogs as soon as they’re done.”
He leaves without asking anything else.
“You know, I can’t tell if he likes me or hates my guts.”
“You can’t tell?” Martha says, stroking Pumpkin’s head. “People don’t create jobs for someone they hate. Or convert a barn for them.”
“I guess. He’s just… abrupt.”
“He’s like that with everyone. Focus on the good. The rest is just him. He needs someone who can give him the time he needs.”
Okay.
So his abruptness is just him, not me.
I’ll stop worrying that I’m taking up too much space with my dogs and their puppies.
“Noah!”
Tree bursts into the office with a huge grin.
“Honey is showing the first signs of labor. We should have puppies within the next twenty-four hours. More puppies, that is.”
“Oh, poor girl. I can’t wait until this is over and she never has to carry pups again.”
“We’ll keep a close eye on her and let you know the minute it becomes active labor.”
It’s not the last delivery I’ll assist with, but it’s the one I’m most worried about.
She’s full to bursting with twelve puppies.
The news is distracting, but my tasks are mundane; cleaning, tidying, learning where everything lives, and smiling at everyone so they don’t think I’m stepping on their toes.
The rest of the day passes without incident, which means I don’t see Rhys again.
He has a full afternoon of appointments, and when he needs help, he chooses his qualified staff.
I finish long before him, spending my remaining time sitting with Honey.
She’s panting, uncomfortable.
