Page 5 of Sit, Stay, Love
She turned to Toby. ‘If it’s getting too late, I’ll let you know and I can pick up Buff in the morning.’
‘You’re not coming back tonight?’ His eyes flicked between her and Ethan.
‘It depends how long this takes,’ she said. ‘Okay?’
Toby chewed his cheek for a moment. ‘I guess.’
She patted Buffy’s head. ‘And don’t give her too much pizza. Remember,youthink she’s fat.’
‘Muscular,’ Toby said.
The dog’s hackles were raised, and it growled as it reversed across the lawn until it was hard up against the pool fence.
Sera carefully approached the brown, big, angry and absolutely not rabid German Shepherd-cross. ‘Come on, buddy. You can’t stay here.’
It barked.
‘Is everything okay?’ Ethan called from the safety of his deck.
‘I think he’s all noise,’ she replied over her shoulder. She reached into the pouch on her belt. ‘Come on, pups. I’ve got a treat with your name on it.’
The dog’s posture instantly changed and it inched forward, sniffed at the treat, then snatched it from Sera’s outstretched hand, gobbling it down in two seconds flat.
‘Hungry, huh? You want more?’ She pulled out another treat. ‘You’ve got to come closer this time.’
Sera cooed to the nervous animal and, when it was in reach, nimbly looped a leash around its neck. The dog thrashed briefly, twisting from side to side, before sitting down with a whimper and gazing up at Sera with soulful brown eyes.
‘Here you go,’ she said, handing over the promised treat. She tentatively scratched the dog’s ear. ‘Aw, buddy. You’re okay, aren’t you? What was all that grumbling about?’
‘That’s impressive,’ Ethan called out.
‘He’s just scared, Mr James. Would you mind getting some water for him?’
‘Only if you promise to call me Ethan.’ He grinned and disappeared into the house, returning with a plastic takeaway container, which he placed on the wooden deck before backing away again.
Sera led the dog to the water, and it gulped thirstily. ‘I wonder how it got into your yard?’ She looked around at the high fences.
‘Beats me. My guess is he was dumped here.’ Ethan reached into his back pocket and drew out his wallet. ‘What do I owe you?’
‘You don’t have to pay me. Rose’s Rescue is a registered charity. We do have a donation link on our website if you really want to help. Just Google us.’ She smiled at him, and he smiled back, dimples popping. She blew out a soft breath.Oh boy, no wonder he’s in the movies.He was beyond handsome.
‘I guess I better let you get back to pizza night with your boyfriend.’ He held out an arm to guide her down the side of the house and back to the street, his eyes never leaving the dog.
‘Toby and I aren’t together. We’re just friends. He does the vet work for the shelter. He was helping me with some kittens I rescued from under a house today.’
‘Oh. Right.’ He pulled back the gate with an outstretched arm. ‘What if you can’t find this dog’s owner? I wouldn’t want anything to happen to him.’
‘Then we’ll find him a new home. Or he’ll stay with us. We have one long-term resident, a scruffy Jack Russell named Harry. No one has ever adopted him because he can be a little shy, and for some reason, people can’t see past that. They expect every dog to love them straight away. But some dogs need time and patience, and Harry’s one of those. We call him our mascot. I hope one day someone comes to take him to his forever home, but until then, he’ll be well-loved and taken care of, and so will this guy.’
‘It’s pretty amazing work you’re doing.’ He flashed her another bright smile, and the glow from the streetlight illuminated his skin as if he was lit from within. ‘You’re obviously a good person, Sera.’
Her cheeks flushed.
‘Siri, call Toby.’ Sera yawned as she waited for Toby to pick up.
‘Petside Vet Clinic.’
‘Why do you always answer like that when you can see my number?’
