Tanner was crouched down next to Rex. He planted a kiss on the dog’s head and stroked him gently. “Meet Rex.”
Strangely, the two made an adorable pair. I snorted at the thought, earning me a raised brow from Tanner. It seemed like a bizarre word choice for him. Sexy, rugged, those rolled easier off the tongue, but still—
I took a slow step toward Rex and Tanner. While Rex was neither growling nor cowering, the breed was known for their stubbornness and protectiveness. Since Tanner had never mentioned picking up a dog, I could only assume he’d been this morning and had then collected Rex. That being the case, the dog wouldn’t have formed an attachment yet, but he was bound to be nervous.
“So, what’s this guy’s story?” I kneeled in front of them both and flicked my gaze at Rex and then Tanner. I didn’t attempt to reach out to Rex, waiting instead for him to give me a good sniff and then approach me.
Tanner’s eyes filled with excitement. “I got a call just as I was starting work on the drywall saying this guy had arrived and was in need of a home and ready to be collected.” He scratched the dog’s ear as he continued, “I’ve been on their list for months now, so had already been approved. He was literally brought in this morning, and since they had all of Rex’s paperwork and background, they wanted to rehome him immediately.”
Joy surrounded every word he spoke. It was impossible not to get caught up in his enthusiasm. I smiled, my focus fixed on him.
“The dog’s owners just split. They’re both leaving their area, a couple of towns over, and were due to drop Rex off with his new owners. It seemed the new owner they’d had in place had a change of heart. So here he is.”
“And here he is indeed.” Smiling, I immediately considered the positive ramifications of Tanner having a pet. It meant he was settled, right? With no immediate plans to uproot and leave town? I glanced at Rex as he stood and edged closer to me and gave a good sniff. Since his tail wasn’t lowered between his legs, I assumed he was feeling calm and more comfortable in his strange environment. Rex then nudged my hand. I stroked behind his ear, happy I’d passed his inspection. “He’s gorgeous,” I said. “Were you wanting him checked over?”
Tanner nodded. “Yeah, please. His paperwork says he’s up-to-date with his shots and stuff.” He pulled folded papers from his back pocket and handed them to me. Before I took them, his thumb caressed my hand. My eyes shot to his and I grinned, my skin flushing from the contact. I opened the paperwork, skimming the information as he continued, “I just wanted you to check him over and make sure everything is fine.” My gaze lifted at his words. He shrugged, looking decidedly sheepish. “Fuck, I feel like a new dad or some crap. I’m all nervous and excited.” He chuckled.
A little piece of me melted. Tanner had already proved over our weekend together he could do gentle and caring just as well as he could do rough and protective. ButthisTanner, the man filled with nervous, excited energy, was a whole new ballgame. My heart flipped. I was already en route to falling hard for him, not unexpected considering all the time we’d spent together. But Christ, after he admitted his feelings, after witnessing his emotions for the unwanted Rex, I was unable to deny that I’d arrived at the destination of being hopelessly in love with the man.
Swallowing back my emotions, I took the time to get myself in check. After just one weekend of being more than friends was hardly the time to be declaring myself. My smile was genuine when I finally got myself under control. “I get it.” I reached out and squeezed his hand. “This is wonderful.Rexis wonderful. You’ll be a great team.”
Tanner didn’t try to contain his excitement. His eyes were bright, and a buzz of energy surrounded him. It was a look I could happily get used to. He tugged my hand gently. Not enough to make me take a step forward, but enough to extend my arm closer to his body. Then he turned my wrist and pressed his lips to my sensitive flesh.
“Thank you.” While a smirk chased his words, his voice had lowered, and more serious eyes peered over at me.
I cleared my throat, tried to calm my fluttering heart, and pressed my lips together, a grin still tugging at them. “Okay”—I reluctantly pulled my arm away—“let’s have a look, shall we?” I eyed Rex with a quirk of my lips. He eyed me right back as if trying to work me out. I could only imagine the extra scents and tension in the room after I’d all but swooned over Tanner’s words. “You comfortable holding on to Rex?”
I glanced at Tanner, who nodded. “He seems to be already so comfortable with you. Impressive,” I appraised.
Edging back in front of Rex, Tanner moved to Rex’s head and gave calming murmurs of reassurance. While Rex had allowed me to give him an ear rub, it didn’t mean we were yet friends, and I had no desire to be at the end of his growls.
“That’s because he’s a good boy, and I was also told about his weakness for salmon,” Tanner admitted.
I contained my laughter, not wanting to startle Rex, and shook my head. “Salmon, really?” Brushing Rex’s coat, I carried out a basic exam while Tanner responded.
“Yeah, not the cheap tinned stuff either.” Laughter chased his words. “Typical, right? This dog’s going to cripple me.” He ruffled Rex’s ears and placed a kiss on his head. I watched on in wonder as I continued my exam. Their bond seemed pretty immediate. I was so glad for Tanner. He’d mentioned wanting a dog a few weeks back, but I hadn’t realized how much.
I wondered what had driven him to the decision in the first place. I loved dogs; they were my first choice for pet selection. For me, it was definitely the desire for companionship that drove my desire for a pet. Life could get lonely at times, especially in the town I’d decided to call home. Maybe it was the same for Tanner.
I stood and headed to my iPad and entered a few notes from my quick exam, and updated the details from the paperwork Tanner had handed me.
“All good?” he asked.
I turned and nodded. “Perfect.” Grabbing a dog treat from the container on the counter, I offered it to Rex. “Sorry, buddy, it’s not salmon, but it’s all I’ve got.” Tanner laughed, and I threw him a wink as Rex carefully took the treat from my hand.
“Thanks for fitting us in.”
I grinned. “I had an opening, and I have to say, it’s the best surprise of my day.”
He quirked his brow. “Is that so?”
“Yep.” I nodded and then looked at the time. It was lunch.
Tanner’s gaze followed mine, landing on the clock. “Well let’s see if I can up that ‘best surprise’ to a fucking incredible one, shall we?” His smirk was mischievous.
Both my brows shot up. His confidence and playfulness were so sexy.
“Let me settle the bill, and I’ll wait for you outside for—”
