Chapter Nine
CHAPTER NINE
Allie watched the doors all afternoon, telling herself she only agreed to dinner. A girl must eat, right? At precisely three, Bryan entered the training area. He picked up a ball and waited as Allie worked the same drills as the night before. When she finished, he attempted to distract the working dog.
“Thank you for the help,” she said, handing over the treat for the day and releasing the animal to play.
“It’s my pleasure. Now you get to fulfill your part of the bargain,” he challenged.
“Give me a minute to change,” Allie said as she signaled to her dog.
A few minutes later, she wore a pair of slacks and a green sweater. She held a blanket in her hands with a leash. “I’m ready.”
Bryan unlocked the car and watched as she covered his back seat. “Sorry. I forgot to mention, goldens come with hair. I brushed him, but…still.”
“I’m not worried,” he assured her as he held the door open for her. “Did you have a good day?”
“I did. Did you accomplish what you needed to?” she asked as they drove toward the city.
“It might take a few weeks. I guess you have a volunteer until then,” Bryan said as he glanced at her.
Allie laughed. “I won’t hold you to a few weeks’ work for one night of dinner.”
“Then I guess we’ll have to make a new arrangement. How about a tour of Seattle? I’ve stayed over but never found the time to sightsee.”
“You have a deal. Do you want the tourist or local version?”
“How about both?” he suggested as he pulled into the parking garage.
Allie opened her door and put Hemi on a leash while Bryan waited. Unlike Greg, he didn’t tap his foot or sigh impatiently as she readied them.
“Why does he need a leash? He seems to follow you perfectly,” he asked as she fell in step beside him.
“We aren’t on the mountain. I don’t take chances with him getting startled and running in an unknown area,” she replied.
“How are his wounds?” He glanced down at her four-legged friend.
“He’s healing. Jake checked him today and gave him the all-clear,” she replied as they entered the restaurant. “We keep it covered to discourage him from licking the wound.”
“I’m sorry. We can’t seat your dog here,” the hostess approached her.
“It’s a service dog,” Allie explained.
“Why do you need a service dog?” the woman smirked.
“By law, you can only ask if he’s a service dog and what he’s trained for,” Allie informed her. “He’s an alert dog.”
The woman glanced between Allie and her companion before leading them to their seats. An older couple across the aisle frowned upon seeing her lead Hemi under the table.
“It’s probably a fake service dog. She doesn’t appear sick to me,” the woman whispered loud enough for the couple to hear as she shook her head. Bryan turned to glare at the older couple as Allie took his arm.
“Don’t,” she said quietly. “I’m used to it. It’s best to ignore them.”
His brows furrowed together. “You hold an important job and work extremely hard training these dogs for people. If anyone knew how you use your personal time to continue working with this animal for someone who needs it, they might learn a thing or two,” he grit out.
“Because you can’t reason with ignorance. I want to enjoy my dinner,” she reminded him.
Bryan continued to glare at the couple as he sat down.
“I’ve never eaten here before, have you?” she said, trying to distract him.
“Yes. Usually, Samantha and Whiskey invite me to their gatherings. If I come in a day early or leave late, this place does the trick.”
“I’ll take you to my favorite place. Do you like pho? There’s a ma and pa place around the corner. It’s the best.”
“We can try it next time. How about a tourist view first? I’ve never done the Space Needle or Pike’s Place.”
“We’ll definitely see those. You must tour the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. It’s stunning,” she informed him as the waiter dropped off water. “What do you recommend?” she asked as she perused the menu.
“I’ve tried everything. It’s not as good as Ty’s, but the steaks and fish taste good,” he suggested.
Allie laughed. “I’m afraid Ty and Bear have spoiled me on both. I’m going for pasta. The mac and cheese sounds good.”
“If you like lobster, order it with the mac and cheese. It’s incredible,” he said as he set his menu down.
“May I ask about your business? I know you work with Samantha. I love her skincare line. It came in handy this winter,” Allie said as she gazed at him.
“I’m considering expanding our business here and focusing on Samantha’s lines,” he confessed.
“Wow. She must be over the moon. I’m happy for both of you,” she exclaimed.
“I’m excited. I’ll need to find a place to stay. Hotels get old fast.” Bryan frowned.
“Sometimes Kassie allows visitors to use the hospital cabins if available,” she suggested.
“Good idea. I’ll ask Whiskey,” he said as the waiter returned to take their order.
“Do you like living in the dormitory?”
“They’re nice. I love waking up and watching the sun rise over the mountain. I’m saving up to buy a house.” She pierced the cheesy goodness and bit into it. She closed her eyes and hummed as she chewed, making Bryan smile.
He watched as she enjoyed the meal. Bryan tried to recall the last time he felt this relaxed with a woman. The women he dated before Samantha seemed more interested in his money and family business than him. It felt refreshing to let his guard down. He enjoyed watching Allie in her element working with the dogs.
He reached for her hand and slid the sleeve of her sweater up to see the bandage. Goosebumps appeared where he touched her silky skin. “Do the bites still hurt?”
“No. What about yours?” Her thumb gently brushed along the edge of his bandage.
“No. I only covered it because Samantha and I inspected a prospective farmer’s field, and she insisted she didn’t want anything irritating it. Did you get the information about the other dog?”
“Yes. The owner decided to cooperate fully and sent a copy of his vaccinations. Jake took pictures of his dog’s leash and collar and explained the laws regarding service animal rights, fines and jail time. He’s paying for any medical bills incurred. I’m not happy about getting attacked, but I’m grateful it didn’t hurt a child or end up far worse.”
“You’re amazing. You always manage to find the good in things. I notice you do it when you train with the veterans. You always correct the behavior and then compliment them twice afterward,” Bryan said as his fingers played with hers.
“For some, they already struggle enough. Service animals require responsibility and sometimes provide the only reason to rise from the bed in the morning. If they can’t connect, it doesn’t work. It’s my job to ensure it does.”
“And you’re great at it,” he complimented her.
Allie smiled and glanced down at her lap, suddenly shy.
When they finished, he grabbed the check.
“I can pay my half,” she insisted. “After all, I didn’t lose the game.”
He shook his head. “You didn’t win it either. You cheated.”
She giggled as he laid down the cash. “I prefer to say I played masterfully.”
“Ha.” He shook his head as he waited for her to rise and lead the service animal from the table.
The older woman gasped as the golden trotted by. “It’s rude when people bring fake service dogs for attention. I wish I could take mine out with me everywhere.”
Bryan’s hand clenched into a fist. Allie didn’t hear her, although the woman spoke loud enough. “Some people should mind their own business,” he growled as he walked by. Bryan held the door open for Allie and the golden to pass. Then he took her hand and led her to his car. A little girl ran up to the dog, but Allie stopped her. “I’m sorry, sweetie. He’s a working dog. You can’t touch him.”
The little girl’s father scowled. “She only wants to pet it.”
Allie smiled. “I know the temptation’s hard. He’s working right now and can’t be distracted.”
“It’s a dog, lady. She’s not gonna hurt it,” the man sneered.
Allie went around the little girl and continued to walk, pulling Bryan with her.
“What a bitch,” he yelled. “I bet it’s a fake.”
Bryan stiffened and turned when she tightened her grip on his hand. Allie never acknowledged the idiot. After he settled the two, he slid into the driver’s seat. “What an asshole.”
Allie reached for his hand before he put the car in gear. “Thank you. Please don’t stick up for me. Unfortunately, people with service dogs endure this behavior all the time. People will say stupid things like ‘I wish I could bring my dog here’ or ‘I bet it’s fake’ all the time. It’s hard when kids want to greet them, but the adults end up causing the problem more than the child. I’m extremely grateful for the parents who take the time to educate their children. They don’t realize how often I get stopped in a grocery store by someone who wants to tell me about their dog who died or ask how they can get their pet signed up to take it everywhere. They’ll even volunteer how they purchased a fake vest online.” Allie sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get on my soapbox.”
“I never realized how much work it must be. It must get frustrating at times. Chase and Kassie are lucky to have someone who understands how people who require these dogs must feel. I find it interesting you train them in public when you’re not working. Do the other employees do it?”
Allie kept quiet for a moment before she spoke. “No. Some of the veterans help train at the hospital. They teach dogs basic manners and help maintain their focus.”
Bryan started the car and drove them to Serenity.
“Shall I meet you at the training facility tomorrow?” he asked.
“You bet. I’m sending Star home with a veteran. We’re throwing a little party,” she said as he turned onto the mountain.
When they arrived at the dormitory, Bryan shut the car off. He turned toward Allie and she smiled shyly. “Thank you for a wonderful evening.”
“Thank you for dinner,” she said as she hopped out of the car. Bryan jumped out, determined to walk her inside.
Allie took Hemi out and grabbed the blanket before closing the door. When she saw him approach, she stepped back and he saw her take a deep breath. Bryan took her hand and walked her to her room. She allowed Hemi inside and stood outside her doorway.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said softly.
His focus stayed on her mouth as her tongue slid across the delicate skin. Bryan’s hand circled her neck while the other tilted her chin until she gazed into his eyes. “I like you, Allie Parker. May I kiss you?” he whispered.
She slightly nodded as he put his arm around her waist and pulled her close.
Between his woodsy scent and the seductive voice, her body melded with his as his tongue glided across her lips and explored her mouth. Their tongues tangled together as his hands gripped her waist. She moaned into his mouth as her hands settled on his tight abs. Her fingers traced every single muscle.
Bryan growled when her hands landed on his waistband. She never considered herself a confident woman who made the first move, yet she’d happily explore his territory.
He pressed her against the door as their kiss grew hotter and heated her to the core before Bryan pulled himself away, panting.
“Good grief. I feel like a college kid waiting for the RA to catch us,” he laughed.
Her chest rose rapidly as her tongue swept along her lip where he nipped it. The smile disappeared and his eyes darkened as he stared at her mouth.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she reminded him.
He grinned like a schoolboy, backed away, and pressed the elevator button. When the doors opened, Bryan stared at her until he disappeared from sight.
Bryan sighed deeply as he returned to his car, the kiss replaying in his mind. Their conversation flowed all evening and it seemed like he had known her forever. Kissing her felt like coming home. Allison Parker didn’t know it, but she made his heart skip with how she cared about people and service animals. Something about her compassion drew him to her. He only hoped she felt attracted to him, too.