Checking my watch, it’s only three in the afternoon and already everyone is packing up to leave. Bella is right, the majority of the dogs have been adopted today, and the few stragglers left behind seem to be attached to someone who isn’t a volunteer.
A smile blooms across my face. “Nearly one hundred dogs found a home today.”
“Because of you.”
My gaze cuts to Bella and suddenly I hear myself blurting, “Come home with us.” Her head rears back, making me go on to explain myself. “Help Bambi get settled for the night. She seems enamored with you.”
She isn’t the only one, I want to add.
Bella’s lips part and I have a feeling it’s to say no, but Laylasuddenly cuts in. “I can go check on your mom. You should go. Grayson’s right, Bambi hasn’t left your side all day.”
The look Bella sends her best friend would have me cowering, but Layla simply pats her on the head like a dog and smiles. “Off you go.”
Bella’s lips thin. “You and I will be having a word later.”
She grins. “I can’t wait. Grayson, take care of my girl while I’m gone.” At my nod, she turns to Kieran who’s leaning into her personal space. “Stop trying to spread your germs. I have no doubt you’re contagious.”
Kieran smirks. “Let me and my germs walk you to your car.”
Bella’s eyes widen. “Shoot, I drove her here. Let me just?—”
Kieran winks. “I got it.” Before Layla can refuse, Kieran is placing his hands on her shoulder, making her leap forward.
“Stop trying to infect me!”
“I’m not trying to infect you. I’m trying to drive you home.”
She deadpans, “You can do that without touching me.”
“Sorry, not sure I know how to stop.”
“Figures,” Layla mutters under her breath before waving bye to Bella and taking off.
It forces Kieran to chase after her. “Stop making me run, god damn it!”
Bella and I are quiet for a moment as we watch Layla pick up her pace, making Kieran full out jog.
“They’re going to kill each other,” Bella says.
“Most likely.” Shaking my head at our best friends, I stand. “I’ll go deal with the paperwork for Bambi, then I’ll meet you at the house? I shouldn’t be too long.”
“Sounds good. I’ll take her with me in my car.”
She takes the lead, Bambi all too willing to go with her.
At the sight of Bella and Bambi watching me walk away, something settles in my chest. A rightful feeling, one of warmth, comfort, and safety. It’s oddly familiar to how my home makes me feel.
I also have a sense that Bambi will never go back to Safe Haven Trails, and I would bet my life that the glint in Bella’s gaze has something to do with that gut feeling.
Chapter 40
Grayson
KIERAN ASHFORD
please
GRAYSON
