Pawliday Love

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

JASPER

T he scent of wet fur and disinfectant fills the air as I step into the animal shelter with the rest of the team. It’s a far cry from the crisp chill of the rink, but I don’t mind. The Tornadoes are all about giving back, and today, it’s about helping these animals find homes.

Simon immediately gravitates toward a yapping Chihuahua, holding it up like Simba in The Lion King . “This guy’s got attitude. I like him,” he says, grinning.

Ryan rolls his eyes. “That dog’s smaller than your skate and I promised your wife you wouldn’t bring anything home.”

Spike’s already kneeling beside a crate of kittens, cooing like a doting uncle, while Viktor and Jasper debate which dog would make the best team mascot. Meanwhile, Duke’s busy charming the staff.

And me? I’m just trying not to step in anything I’ll regret.

Then she walks in.

She smiles hesitantly as she walks through the door. For a second she looks like she’s going to turn around and leave, then she’s looking around at all of us making fools of ourselves over the animals and her smile spreads.

“Hi,” she says, her voice soft but clear. “I’m…I’m looking to adopt a pet. Maybe a dog?” She shakes her head. “Or a cat? I’m not sure yet. I need to meet them first.”

The shelter volunteer behind the desk glances at me. “Jasper, can you help her out? It doesn’t look like you’re busy.”

Before I can answer, Spike claps me on the shoulder. “Go on, help the pretty lady.”

“Sure,” I say, stepping forward. “I’m Jasper. Let’s find you a furry friend.”

She smiles at me, brighter than the sun, and I know I’m in trouble.

We start in the dog kennels. As soon as we step in, the barking starts. She winces at the noise, her hand tightening on the strap of her purse.

“It’s a bit overwhelming at first,” I say, raising my voice over the chaos. “You get used to it. The first time we were here I heard dogs barking in my sleep.”

She laughs. As we walk by the different kennels she looks up at me, her brow furrowed. “How am I supposed to choose? They all need a home.”

“Yeah, that’s the hard part.” I gesture to a friendly-looking lab mix wagging its tail so hard its whole body moves. “This guy looks like he’s ready to run home with you.”

She crouches by the kennel, her fingers curling around the fence. The dog licks her fingers through the gaps and she smiles. “He’s sweet.”

“Are you looking for a jogging buddy or more of a couch potato?” I ask, leaning against the wall.

Her laugh is soft. “Maybe a little of both.” She glances up at me. “What about you? Do you have a dog?”

“Not right now. My schedule’s too crazy and any pet would be with a sitter more than with me. I did have a dog growing up. A golden retriever who was the best teammate I ever had, but don’t let any of the guys know I said that.

Her laugh is louder this time, and I can’t help but grin.

We move on to the cat room next. It’s quieter here, the air warm and filled with the soft hum of purring.

Avery

The cat room is quieter than the dog kennels, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. The walls are lined with cages, but the cats are roaming freely about the room. A calico kitten bats at the strings on my bag, her tiny paws swiping with the focus of a determined hunter.

“You’ve got her attention,” Jasper says, his voice warm and smooth.

I glance up at him. He’s leaning against the doorway, his broad shoulders barely fitting through the frame, a lazy grin tugging at his lips. He looks out of place here, with his sharp jawline and athletic energy, but somehow, he’s the most approachable guy I’ve met in a long time.

“She’s adorable,” I say, scratching the kitten under her chin. “But I don’t think I’m a cat person.”

“There’s no wrong choice,” Jasper says, crouching down next to me. “Cats are sweet but sometimes standoffish. Dogs…” He tilts his head, his grin softening. “Dogs give you that unconditional, all-in kind of love.”

I bite my lip, considering. “How do I choose?” I honestly thought I would walk in today and know exactly what pet was meant to be mine. I didn’t think it would be hard.

“You let them pick you,” he says simply, and the sincerity in his voice catches me off guard.

We leave the cat room and circle back to the kennels. It’s a little quieter now, the dogs settled after the initial excitement of new visitors. My heart tugs when I spot the lab mix from earlier. He’s sitting at the front of his kennel, his tail wagging slow and steady, his brown eyes locked on me like he’s been waiting.

“This is Max,” the shelter volunteer says. “He’s about six months old, has a great temperament, and loves people.”

I crouch down, reaching through the fence. Max leans into my hand, his tail speeding up.

“You’re perfect, aren’t you?” I murmur, my chest tightening.

“I think he’s already claimed you,” Jasper says, standing just behind me.

I glance back at him, nerves bubbling up in my stomach. “You think I can handle a puppy?”

“I know you can,” he says, and there’s so much certainty in his voice that I believe it too.

After the paperwork is done and Max’s leash is in my hand I hesitate by the front door. I don’t want to leave Jasper. I know I just met him and that it’s crazy to feel any sort of attachment, but it feels like Max picked us both.

“This might be asking too much, but…” I stop, this is crazy. “Never mind.” I open the door and start to walk out with my new friend, Max.

Jasper follows me. “Avery, stop, what were you going to ask?”

I take a deep breath and just spit out the words, “Would you help me pick out supplies for him at the pet store? I don’t even know where to start. I’ve never had a pet.”

Jasper looks surprised for a moment, then smiles. “Sure. Let’s go get Max set up.”

From behind us, one of his teammates —Ryan, I think— calls out, “Take your time, Rook! We’ve got this covered.”

I glance at Jasper. “Rook?”

“Yeah,” he says, rolling his eyes. “Like rookie. I’m the new guy.”