Page 2 of Seductive Heart

I spent the rest of my shift going over names for my new furry companion and after lengthy discussions which ended in a vote and lots of laughter, we landed on Peaches.

On the way home, Peaches and I stopped at the local pet store, and I bought lots of supplies for her, including some beef liver treats and bones for her to chew.

Peaches took right to my cabin, making herself at home by running around and sniffing every corner. I set out food and water and let her run around the backyard until she exhausted herself. She had more energy than I expected.

Soon, we settled into an easy routine. When I went to work, Peaches came with, her second home now the firehouse, despite my boss’s disapproval. But it didn’t take long for Peaches to win him over and soon, she became the official dog of the firehouse.

Only a few short months later, the trouble began. Peaches went wild, chewing everything in sight, and acting very rebellious. She chewed through my boots, my fire jacket, anything she could get her paws on.

And she grew. And grew.

Her features filled out and she became a lot larger than I anticipated. Her jumps could knock a grown man over.

“I think it’s time for a dog trainer.” Joanne quipped one day over coffee. “She’s adorable but she’s a rowdy girl.” She laughed. “As most dogs are. I bet she’s in her teen years. You know how thatgoes.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. I have no idea what I’m doing.”

“Look up some local dog trainers. It’ll make a world of difference.”

The next morning, I stopped by the local bakery, Appleridge Sweets, for an apple cinnamon muffin and strong cup of espresso. There was a board filled with ads, and I hoped to spot something that could help me out with Peaches.

While waiting for my order, I scanned the ads and my eyes hit one.

Is your dog not listening? Acting out? Not trainable? Then give me a call and I can get your dog trained in no time! Treats included. :) Winona Harvey- 802-555-7447

Perfect. I ripped one of the bottom tags off and tucked it in my pocket.

CHAPTER TWO

Winona

“Areyou adjusting to small town life, okay?” Ruby, my boss and owner of the bakery at Appleridge Sweets, asked me while I re-filled the muffin tray. The apple cinnamon muffins sold like hot cakes.

“I think so. I love the peace and quiet and the slower pace. The only thing I miss is the abundance of food at your fingertips. Craving Japanese? Or Indian? Order it for delivery.” I smiled as I thought about all the dumplings I ate when I lived next door to the sushi restaurant. I ate my weight in sushi too, probably one of their best customers for over a year. “And I never want to move again. I was always on the hunt for a cheaper apartment and moved often. Now I have my little cozy cabin.”

“I bet the food is amazing. Austin takes me into the city sometimes for dinner when we have a free night without the kids. I’m glad you’re doing well and like your place. That’s important. And the dog business? Any new customers?”

“No, not recently. I’ve offered training now in addition to walking but no bites yet.”

“Don’t worry, they’ll come.” Ruby patted my hand before walking towards the back.

I glanced over at the board filled with ads and scanned quickly for mine. A few pieces were torn off the bottom, but no one had called lately. Hopefully soon as I needed the clientele. I had picked up more hours at the bakery lately, when I’d rather be around dogs.

Ever since I was a little girl, I remembered loving them, filling my room with stuffed dogs of all kinds. I collected different ones and constantly begged my parents for a dog.

Finally, the Christmas I turned ten, they surprised me with a puppy, a happy, energetic, furry doodle breed they knew was one of my favorites. I named her Curls and instantly fell in love. Sadly she passed away a couple of years ago, before I moved here. She would’ve loved the big fenced-in yard. I have my other two with me, a husky named Luna, and a smaller pug named Bam. Both I adopted when I moved to Appleridge.

They kept me busy, and when I walked other client’s dogs, I walked them too. I trained both of them, just how I had trained Curls with my parents, going to every class and soaking it all in.

My small apartment in the city wasn’t the place for lots of dogs. I wanted to spread out, quit my boring nine to five corporate job, and open my open dog walking business. Adopt more of my own dogs and have a yard for them to run free. I managed to pull it off and here I was.

After finishing my shift at the bakery, I headed home to my dogs, took them for a long walk, and then soaked in the tub before fixing dinner for all three of us.

As I sat down to eat, my phone rang, the noise echoing throughout the kitchen.

Unknown number.

I pressed accept. “Hello?”