It’d definitely be easier to just put gas in a Harley.
And a Harley would never pee all over my shoes.
I’d pulled out my phone to text as much to Alice when someone knocked on my window.
Alice.
I rolled down my window and held up my phone.“I was just going to text you.”
“Well, now you don’t need to.”She gave me a smile.“Come on.The door should be open.”
“I…” Realized I couldn’t disappoint her.She looked so happy and hopeful.
Shit.
I was a schmuck.
I didn’t have to actually adopt a dog.People probably left all the time without a pet.That could be me.Going inside didn’t mean I was adopting a dog today.
I climbed out of my car, took a second to lock it, and by the time I’d turned back Alice was already halfway across the parking lot, heading toward the government looking building.But it wasn’t the sandy bricked building with the green metal roof that grabbed my attention.It was the slight sway of Alice’s hips and the way her tiny little butt bubbled out behind her.
I closed my eyes with a muffled groan.Christ.This might be harder than I’d thought it would be.
Once I’d opened them, I found Alice standing on the sidewalk with an expectant expression.
“Did you change your mind?”
Christ.If she only knew.I’d changed my mind about a whole long list of things—her being at the very top.
But I couldn’t admit as much.I was trying to be a better man.Or less of a douche anyhow.So I headed across the parking lot as my answer, and Alice watched me walk the whole way.
When I got to her side, she tilted her head and looked up at me.“Don’t feel like you have to commit today.It’s a little overwhelming just walking into this building.It’s probably best you sleep on any decision you want to make.Jumping in with emotion can lead to regret later.Believe me.”
I chuckled wryly.“Oh you don’t have to tell me.I have the war wounds to prove it.”
Alice’s eyes searched mine like she was testing my sincerity, and her suspicion had me flinching inside.Had I been that big of an ass to her?She couldn’t even tell if I was being a jerk.
Fuck my life.
Since it was only us standing in the parking lot, I decided to lay it out there.“I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.Before you knocked on my window, I was thinking about bailing.Maybe get a motorcycle instead.I don’t know if I can do this.I’m having a hard time keeping myself upright and functioning lately.”
“Preach.”Alice smiled slightly.After a beat, she tipped her head toward the building.“I meant what I said.I don’t think it’s a good idea if you jump in and adopt a dog today, especially if you’re on the fence on the whole pet ownership thing from the start.But we can always use another set of hands around here, so come on in.Maybe some pet therapy will help you decide which way to go.”
Despite my doubts, I docilely followed Alice into chaos.
Chapter 14
Still Noah
We walked into a regular looking lobby, but the sound coming from behind the desk was pure cacophony of chaos.Barking echoed off of cement mixed with occasional howls and yips.It wasn’t a welcoming sound.Honestly, it sounded more like torment and sadness.
A knot tightened in my stomach as a sense of unease crawled over my skin.I didn’t want to do this.How could anyone go back there and not leave with a dog?
But Alice didn’t pause to even see if I was following.
She headed for the door to the left of the empty reception desk.
And like a moron, I followed.
