I snort. “Aren’t they all?”
“That’s one way to look at it. Anyway, like I said, I just wanted to let you know I’m headed there now.”
I know Pete has seen some rough cases over the years, which likely explains the tinge of cynicism I’m hearing. “I’ll meet you there.”
“Bymyself.”
His emphasis on that last word isn’t lost on me, but I’m not sure he comprehends how determined I am to help Bandit have a better quality of life. “Aww, come on, Pete? You may need help with this guy.”
“The owner or the dog?”
“Both?” I laugh. “The dog, of course.”
“How about I update you?”
“Afraid I might get hurt?”
“No, I’m more concerned about the owner at this point.” He snickers.
“I promise I’ll behave. Please?” I hold my breath.
He sighs. “Fine. Just stay in your car or on the sidewalk. We have protocols for a reason. The last thing you want is for this guy to take you to court.”
“I have pictorial evidence. He’d lose.”
“I’m talking about him going after you, Hannah. Seriously, if you can’t control yourself?—”
“All right, all right. I’ll park across the street and stay in my car. Okay?” I grab my keys.
“Fine. See you soon.”
Finally, Bandit will have a chance at a better life. And if I have to sacrifice my nights and weekends to help this dog, I’m all in.
Just as I’m about to leave, the door swings open. Nick’s now familiar scent—a mix of spicy musk and coconut, as if he came straight from the beach—hits me first. Every cell in my body comes alive when our eyes connect.
It takes a concerted effort to check my watch. “Did I forget we had an appointment?”
He tucks his hands into the top of his jeans pockets and gives me a sheepish look. “I wanted to see if I could get the next level band so I can work with it over the weekend.”
I tilt my head. “You really thought I’d say yes to that?”
He draws his shoulders up and slides his mouth into a lopsided grin that sends my pulse into overdrive, finishing the job. “I figured it was worth a shot.”
“Consider your shot fired, but you missed the target.” I lock the door, then turn around to face him again.
He’s still watching me as if he’s waiting for a different outcome.
“Did you need something else?”
He shakes his head like he’s coming back to the present from some distant thought. “No, that was it. Sorry I bothered you.”
I’ve been told that when I’m on a mission, I can be brusque. I’m guessing I’ve done it again. “Sorry if I sound rude. I’m just in a hurry. Animal Services is about to make a house call, and I want to be there in case Pete needs help with Bandit.”
Nick drops his hands to his sides, and there’s a flash of something in his eyes. “Mind if I tag along?”
“You sure you want to go? I’m under strict orders to stay by my car and not interfere. It might be boring.”
“Count me in. I’ll be your wingman.”
