It wasn’t Pepper Jack’s fault. Not really.
Who walks around with a BLT sandwich in their suit pocket, anyway?
When our newest and highest contract client walked in with one in his suit pocket, it was like a shark smelling blood. Or Pepper Jack smelling bacon. He went right for it. Yes, he did jump on the client. Yes, the client did fall to the ground. And yes, Pepper Jack did eat the sandwich in two bites. But he tried to give the client a sloppy kiss afterward, to make it better.
It took Roman, Emilo, and me to pull him off of Mr. Nguyen. He was still a puppy, but strong and tenaciously determined when he wanted to be.
Okay, it was Pepper Jack’s fault.
Mr. Nguyen was a good sport about it. He laughed it off and scratched behind Pepper Jack’s ears as Pepper Jack grumbled in approval. His affectionate noises sounded like growls, but I’d quickly learned he made those noises when he was content, and his real growl was unmistakable.
Since he’d been banned, I’ve been coming home to a different surprise every day. I needed Dr. Conroy. Whether she liked me or not, I needed her to help me with Pepper Jack before he ate the entire house.
I slid out of my truck in the parking lot of a local dog park. According to Hillary, the receptionist, Dr. Conroy reserved the park and the agility equipment for her classes. I turned and grabbed the bit of Pepper Jack’s leash that was connected to his harness. His tail thumped against the seat, and his tongue lolled from his mouth as he smiled at me, proud of the work he’d accomplished on our ride here. He had chewed through the leash, only leaving a few inches.
“You little fucker,” I grumbled, shutting the door to keep him inside as I went to the toolbox in the bed of my truck and pulled out a length of rope. I opened the door again, grabbed Pepper Jack’s harness, and created a knot where his leash should connect. It wasn’t ideal, but it would have to work for today.
I wasn’t sure what Dr. Conroy had against me or where she thought we knew each other from, but I’d remember seeing her face and luscious body. Unfortunately, I had a feeling using a rope as a leash would be another mark against me.
I’d shown up early anticipating that she was going to try to boot me from the class. Pepper Jack was a bit crazy, but his large round hazel eyes got him out of trouble with me on a daily basis. I was hoping he could work some of that magic on Dr. Conroy.
“Try to look extra handsome, buddy,” I whispered to Pepper Jack as we approached Dr. Conroy. She was setting up lanes with cones. She wasn’t in her scrubs but in a pair of khaki shorts and a T-shirt with her veterinary clinic’s name across the front. All of her chocolate hair was swept up into a ponytail, and she had a satchel hooked around her waist. I glanced from her to Pepper Jack.
He was sniffing the air and his nose was twitching. I followed his gaze to the satchel and gripped the rope more tightly. If she had treats in there, I really didn’t want Pepper Jack to tackle her to the ground in the same style as he’d taken down Mr. Nguyen.
“Dr. Conroy,” I said and took a step closer to her while keeping an extra tight hold on Pepper Jack’s rope. She looked up and her eyes rounded to the same size as the last time she’d seen me. Her surprise was quickly masked by annoyance.
“The park is closed for a private class.” She turned her back to me, walking over to a box of items. She bent and my gaze shot directly to her ass. I silenced my groan and redirected my eyes to the ramps dogs practiced agility on before she could catch me checking her out and kick me out before I could even plead on Pepper Jack’s behalf.
“I know. I’m here for the class. I’ve paid for the full twelve weeks in advance, and I’m begging you to help me.” I rubbed the back of my head, the short hairs rising and falling with the motion.
She turned, planting her fists on her hips and glaring. The wind kicked up, and a piece of her hair stuck to the side of her face. She brushed it away with a finger, never breaking her glare. “Why my help?” At that moment, Pepper Jack almost yanked free from my hold to go straight toward what I was almost positive was a treat bag on her hip.
Her glare went from me to Pepper Jack. She held up one hand in the stop sign motion and spoke loudly, clearly, and with more conviction than she had the two times we’d met. “Stop.”
Pepper Jack skidded to a halt on his hind legs. His body shook with anticipation, and his tail thumped against the ground. His eyes moved from her hand to the treat pouch. Back and forth, back and forth.
I motioned to Pepper Jack. “That’s why! That’s why it has to be you. I can give you a rundown on the daily activities he’s been up to in the few weeks that he’s been with me, but I promise you, I need this class and Pepper Jack needs this class. Don’t turn me away. If you do, I’m sure by the end of the week I will come home to a house that is only splinters of wood and bricks that have been turned into rubble. Then
