“You got it. We’re about fifteen minutes away.” The connection crackled and soon disappeared. Of course it did.
Charlie glanced at the dog. “He has a thing about running in front of pickups, doesn’t he?”
Hailey swiped away the moisture on her cheeks. “It paid off once. Hopefully it works a second time.”
When they reached the vet clinic, the lights were on inside. The glass door flew open at the same moment Hailey’s feet hit the pavement, and Noah bolted toward her and skidded to a stop. Two emerald orbs staredat her. A single teardrop slipped over his long, dark lashes and tracked down his cheek.
“I thought I’d lost you,” he whispered.
Her voice came out strangled. “You don’t get off so easy, barkeep.”
“Thank the god of mud pies for that.” Suddenly, one of those strong hands was cradling the side of her head while those wonderful lips pressed themselves against hers. He rested his forehead against hers and smiled. “Hey, surfer girl. Welcome back.” Then he drew her against his solid warmth and held tight. Love and safety wrapped around her like a warm blanket.
I’m home.
In the background, Chance whined as Neve and Charlie maneuvered him out of the front seat. Noah lifted his head. “I need to go and—”
“Yes, go. Chance really wants his dad.”
Minutes later, they stood together in the sterile exam room while Neve checked Chance. She’d given Hailey a quick once-over and declared her sound but warned she needed a more thorough assessment. Hailey quickly reassured her, then forked over her independent-woman card and burrowed into the sanctuary of Noah’s strong arms. He seemed as reluctant to let go of her as she was of him, banding his arms tightly around her and dropping kisses on her head. Charlie’s expression and gestures were pure animation as he filled them in on how Chance had darted onto the road, how Charlie had nearly run him over, and how Hailey had followed on his heels.
A chuckle rumbled through Noah’s chest. “Where have I heard this story before?”
Charlie gawped. “Seriously, what were the odds they’d be right there when I came along?”
Hailey lifted her head from Noah’s chest. “I think he recognized the sound of your truck and knew you were our best chance. He has some kind of doggy sixth sense.”
“For which I am extremely grateful,” Noah added. “Not to mention he’s a total badass. Any idea what he tangled with, Neve?”
Neve pulled out the stethoscope’s ear tubes and lowered the instrument to her collar. “Judging by the puncture marks and some of these lacerations, I’d guess it was a juvenile mountain lion, but there’s noway to be sure. What I do know is he fought hard, and he needs to be cleaned up, get some stitches, and start on antibiotics.”
“But he’s going to be okay?” Hailey sniffled. “There was so much blood.”
Neve gave her a reassuring smile. “Not all his. He’s going to heal, and he’ll be fine.”
Noah quirked an eyebrow. “Kinda like last time.”
“Yes, but less severe and better in one sense because he sustained these injuries protecting Hailey. They weren’t inflicted by a human who was supposed to take care of him.”
Fresh tears spilled from Hailey’s watery eyes. “He saved my life.” Her voice broke on the last words.
Chance thumped his tail, and Hailey left Noah’s side to run a light hand over the dog’s furry flank.
“All right, folks. Everybody out so I can take care of our pooch.” Neve glanced up at Charlie. “You’re good at fixing things. Care to help me sew him up?”
Charlie’s complexion took on a green hue. “I think this goes way beyond our plus-one arrangement. If blood is involved, I’m out.”
“You big sissy. Can you at least help me get him back to the operating table?”
Charlie slid Noah a look. “You two okay to hang out for a minute before I drive you home?”
“I’m not sure where home is right now,” Noah admitted.
Hailey laced her fingers with his, trying to siphon off some of his distress. “How about you buy me a cup of coffee, and we’ll figure it out together? Amy should be opening about now.”
“Are you sure you’re up for it? We’ll need to walk. It’s cold.”
“It’s only two blocks away, and I bet you can help me stay warm.”
