Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
LIAM
L ark is quiet. Too quiet. I realized I fucked up telling her I took the day off to essentially take her on a date, but by the time my brain caught up with my mouth it was too late. The words were out and it’s been nothing but silence for the last several minutes.
A riot of emotions play across her face in dizzying flashes. Confusion, worry, excitement, but most of all fear . I don’t know if it’s me she’s afraid of or just dating in general, but from everything I’ve heard over the years I can make an educated guess.
I don’t want to backpedal and make her think I don’t want her, but pushing right now would be a huge mistake. The feisty ball of fluff in my arms wriggles, giving me an idea. Clearing my throat, I force a smile. “I was actually going to see if you wanted to accompany me to the shelter to meet some dogs, but that seems kind of redundant now.”
Her mouth parts, eyes darting from me to the dog and back. “You took the day off so we could go look at shelter dogs?”
“Mhm. But then you brought home this sweet little dogfish so now we have a vet appointment instead.”
The lie slips off my tongue a bit too easily, but if she’s not ready to admit she feels the chemistry between us too, then I won’t push her.
Yet .
Smiling at the confused blonde, I hold my free hand out for hers. The vet’s office is only a few blocks down the road, so I figure we can walk and let Fish explore a bit. “You coming?”
She nods, still seeming slightly dazed, but she also takes my hand, so I’m counting it as a win.
“As far as I can tell, there’s no microchip, and he doesn’t have any diseases, fleas, or ticks. His weight is right around average for his age and overall, it seems you’ve found yourselves a very healthy pup! Congratulations, kids, you just became dog parents,” Doctor Wilde says. “The first thing I would recommend is a bath.” He chuckles, and I can’t help but laugh with him.
Spending who knows how long down by the docks has given Fish a very distinct… fishy smell. We probably could have bathed him as soon as Lark brought him home, but getting him checked out was more important.
Doctor David Wilde is the only Veterinarian in Echo Cove, but his office also has the best ratings in three counties, so bringing Fish here was a no-brainer. Reaching out to shake his hand, I offer a genuine smile. “Thanks so much for getting us in, Doctor Wilde. I just have one last question if you don’t mind.”
“Of course. ”
“Lark and I have a road trip this weekend that we can’t reschedule. It’s not a long one, maybe only four hours with no traffic, but do you think it would be better to find a sitter for this guy for the weekend since we’ll be out of town for two days?” I ask, hooking a thumb at the sleeping puppy on the exam table.
Out of my peripheral vision, I can see Lark watching me with wide eyes once again, but I’m not sure why she looks so surprised. Keelan’s concert is this weekend and we both promised we’d be there. Plus, like hell am I letting her drive into Seattle alone on a Friday night.
Doc tips his head back and forth, considering the question. “Normally I recommend people bring their dogs with them whenever possible for socialization, but because we don’t know his circumstances around ending up at the docks and because he hasn’t had any formal training, I would recommend leaving him with a trusted friend or family member until you get back. I wouldn’t personally recommend boarding at this age due to the higher risk for Parvo or other contamination until he’s fully vaccinated.”
“Gotcha. Thanks, Doc.”
“Anytime, you two. He may be sleepy for a day or two while the meds work their way through his system, but if you notice any of the symptoms on this list, bring him in immediately. If it’s after hours, call me at that number there,” he says sternly, pointing to the phone number on the first page of the packet in his hand.
“He’s okay though, right?” Lark’s quiet voice surprises me because it’s the first time she’s spoken since explaining how she got the dog. Turning to face her, I see a genuine look of concern in her eyes as she stares at Fish.
She’s been so attentive with him since we left the house, and it’s only strengthened my resolve to make this girl mine. Every new thing I learn about her makes me want her even more, and I wish she could see just how deep my feelings have gotten.
I’m hoping this weekend will give me a chance to talk to Keelan before I bring up the idea of a relationship with Lark, because knowing she has her brother’s full support might just be the push she needs to fully let go and give us a try.
She says all she wants is some no-strings fun, but I think if that were true we wouldn’t be acting like a couple even when there’s no one around. Maybe I’m way off base and she really doesn’t want anything more than friendship from me, but my gut is telling me that’s not it.
By the time I realize I’ve zoned out daydreaming about the gorgeous blonde again, we’re alone in the exam room and her hand is on my arm. “Liam?” she asks softly. “You okay?”
Pushing all those thoughts aside, I smile at her. For real this time. “I’m good, Red. What do you say we grab some takeout and get this little guy home to rest?”
She smiles back, tucking a lock of bright red hair behind her ear. “Yeah. Let’s go home.”