Chapter 4
Liam waited for Saint to bring the keys to his borrowed car. He imagined Addyson owned a cute little poodle, or one of those short, long-haired dogs complete with a bow in its hair and polish on its toes.
Taco walked in and grinned. “Hey, bro. Saint ran home to help his wife. I’m dropping off the keys to the car.”
“Thanks. You don’t happen to know where the nurse Addyson Parker lives, do you?” he asked. “I left her room and forgot to get her address after promising to feed her baby dog,” Liam said.
Taco pulled out his phone and texted someone. “No, but I know people.” Five seconds later, his phone dinged. “Let’s go. I have it. It’s on one of the backroads, and if you don’t know your way around, you’ll miss it.”
“Great, thanks. I’ve tried getting the woman to relax a bit. I’m hoping by taking care of her puppy, she’ll let me in,” he admitted.
“Oh, ya got the hots for one of the nurses,” Taco said, surprised. “Be careful. We may be a way from the base, but we still tend to get a few base bunnies even on the mountain with all these veterans around here.”
“I’m afraid it’s one-sided. Every time she sees me, she scurries in the other direction. The car accident gave me my first chance to talk to her. I knew her husband. She doesn’t know he died saving our team,” Liam confessed. “I didn’t know it until yesterday, and I can’t tell her.”
Rubbing the back of his neck, Taco agreed, “Damn, it’s a tough situation. If you decide to make it serious, maybe Leo will come up with a workaround, and you can tell her.”
“We’ll see how it goes. First, let’s go take care of her little darling. She didn’t get the bump on her head checked out because she ran late due to the accident,” Liam said, shaking his head.
“Women get all kinds of crazy over their animals. I can’t really say anything. Tess has Tamale. He’s done wonders for her. I’d give my life for him.”
“Cole set me up with Apollo. We’ve trained a few times together, and I already feel a connection with him,” he said as the two men headed toward the hospital’s entrance.
“The team can’t wait to see you in action with him. Cole took him on the practice op, and the dog scared the crap out of people,” Taco told him, pointing toward a black SUV. “Original, isn’t it? Nothing says surveillance like it.”
“Ha,” Liam barked out a laugh. “It’s a good thing I’ll only be using it for a few weeks until I find one of my own.”
They drove off the mountain and Taco showed him the gravel road which led to Addyson’s home. He parked the SUV, and Taco followed him to the front door. He took out Addyson’s key and turned the lock. They entered the house to find it deadly quiet.
“You sure she didn’t hallucinate when she told you about a dog?” Taco teased as he glanced into her office. They heard a thunderous sound above them, and then the animal flew down the stairs.
“Shit,” Taco said, jumping back at the sight of the Great Dane’s massive size. It growled and pinned Taco against the wall.
“Easy, Zeus,” Liam said, catching the dog’s attention. “Easy, boy.”
The dog growled menacingly at him.
“Shit,” Taco exclaimed. “He’s not a dog. It’s a damn horse.”
“She actually called it a baby,” Liam chuckled. “Addy sent me, boy,” Liam cajoled. The dog’s ear perked up at the sound of her name. “Calm down and I’ll get your dinner,” he promised.
It acted as a magical word as the dog sat on its haunches.
Taco clutched his chest as he stared at the massive animal. “How have we not seen her with him? It’s not like she can hide him.”
“I don’t know. How far does Whiskey live from here?” Liam asked as he located the dog’s bowl and his food.
Seeing Liam as his friend, Zeus followed him around while he held the food bowl, scooping the food and setting it on the floor.
When he finished, he turned and gazed at the men expectantly.
“Oh, no. You keep your eyes on him. I saw your teeth,” Taco said, holding up his hands. “He’s the one with the hots for your owner.”
Zeus galloped toward Liam and barked in his face. Recalling Addy’s words about the back porch, he walked to the back door and opened it. The dog bounded into the backyard, did his business, and then waited.
“What the hell’s he doing?” Taco exclaimed.
Liam searched the porch until he spotted the big rubber ball. He threw it, and Zeus bounced on all fours and went after it. Liam threw it repeatedly, but the dog never tired.
“Take the batteries out of him. How does little Addyson handle a dog his size?” Taco asked.
“She must have spent a lot of time working with him,” Liam said, tossing the ball again. “Addy mentioned she rescued him.”
“At a horse farm?” Taco suggested. “She doesn’t need a new car. She can saddle him.”
“Can I ask you something?” Liam asked Taco.
“Sure.”
“If Addyson called Whiskey for a ride, would he suggest she walk to his house?”
Taco made a face. “Hell, no. Whatever gave you that impression?”
“Addyson said she walked to Whiskey’s house, and I’m trying to figure out why. If she called him, he’d drive over to get her,” Liam surmised.
“I haven’t spoken with her a ton of times. She’s always reserved and professional,” Taco said. “Maybe she didn’t feel comfortable asking him.”
“It’d make sense if she didn’t walk there and ask for a ride before he left for PT,” Liam mused.
“She’s crazy. What if she passed out while walking to his house? No one drives back here, and it’s still chilly this time of year,” Taco exclaimed.
Whistling for the dog, he brought him back inside and filled his massive water bowl. He saw a jar on the counter labeled “Zeus’ Treats.”
He reached into the jar, and the dog danced around excitedly. “Sit,” Liam commanded. When Zeus placed his butt on the ground, Liam handed him the treat.
He waited to make sure he didn’t choke as he ate it, then examined the rest in the jar. He didn’t recognize them, and they smelled delicious.
“I think she makes his treats, too,” Liam said, impressed.
“He swallowed it whole,” Taco said, mesmerized by the dog. “I bet he’d eat a man’s fist in two minutes.”
“Let’s not take chances,” Liam joked. Checking the time, he’d return in a couple of hours and take him for a walk.
“What do you have planned for this evening?” Taco asked.
“I have an appointment in an hour with Doc. I’ll find out when he plans to release me,” Liam said. “Then I’ll check on Addy and return to take him for a walk.”
“It’s Addy, now? “ Taco said, arching his brow.
Liam grinned. “I’m hoping it lasts long enough for me to get to know her.”
“You’d better make it quick. Leo says we’re spinning up soon,” Taco advised him.
“I’ll be ready. He saw me today and offered me a bunk at the facility,” Liam told him.
“If you need help moving in, let us know,” Taco offered.
“I didn’t bring much stuff. I only planned to stay long enough for treatment and fell in love with the place,” Liam said as he locked the door and returned to the SUV.
“You’ve got our numbers. When you get your release, let us know, and we’ll meet you for a congratulatory beer at the facility. We’re happy to have you aboard.”
“I appreciate it,” he said, driving Taco to the facility and returning for his appointment with Doc.
Entering Doc’s office, he found him with his wife, Kassie, reviewing his records. “What’s the verdict?” he asked impatiently. After spending two months there, he felt ready for a change.
“I’m booting you out of here,” Doc said. “Leo told me he’s offered you a bunk room. Kassie wants to see you back next week about your leg. If you experience any issues, we want you to return immediately,” Doc informed him.
“When can I leave?” he asked, grinning.
“You can pack today. Kassie’s already ordered your discharge paperwork,” Doc said, grinning.
“Congratulations, Liam,” Kassie said, shaking his hand. “Good luck. You’ll need it with Leo,” she teased. “Seriously, you won’t meet a better set of men.”
“Thank you for your exceptional care,” Liam said. “When I arrived here, I didn’t hold out much hope of doing what I loved. You’ve made it possible for me to have a second chance.”
Kassie smiled and glanced at her husband. “You did all the hard work, but we’re happy to have helped.”
“I’d better get packed. You probably have another sucker ready for my room,” he joked.
“You bet, now get your ass over to the facility,” Doc said, putting his arm around his wife and shaking his hand. “Good luck.”
Liam left the office, anticipating his move. Packing would take no more than ten minutes. Then, he planned to check on Addy.
When he returned to his room, he stuffed everything in his bag, got rid of his garbage, and waited impatiently for the nurse to bring him his freedom papers.
“Hi, Liam. Congratulations,” the nurse, Harriet, said as she handed him the paperwork.
“Try to behave yourself. Those security men can be troublesome rascals sometimes. Leo manages to get hurt every time he turns around with some ridiculous stunt. Last time his wife delivered their son, he fell and hit his head on the desk. Scared the poor woman to death. But we love him around here and you won’t find a better bunch. ”
“Thanks, Harriet,” he said, jumping off the bed and heading to Addy’s room.
He knocked on the door and peeked his head around the corner. Addy bit her nail as she concentrated on her computer.
“Hey, there,” he greeted.
She glanced up and smiled. “Did you feed my baby?”
“Excuse me while I retrieve the doctor and tell him you’re hallucinating. Madame, you lied. You don’t have a dog. It’s a horse.”
“Oh,” she giggled. “I tend to forget. He didn’t give you any trouble, did he? He’s a big baby at heart.”
“There’s the magic words, ‘at heart.’”
“I’m sorry,” she said, appearing contrite. “Did he scare you?”
“You wound me, Addy. I’m a Navy SEAL. Do you think a mere dog can make me run?
Taco, however, might have peed his pants when he cornered him against the wall.
I didn’t realize the word ‘dinner’ made him listen until a little later.
We played ball in the backyard, and he got a homemade treat.
Did you make them? They smell incredible. ”
“Yes. When I’m not working, Zeus and I like to meal prep and make treats,” she said, blushing. “I know it’s silly, but I don’t know many people here, and we’re homebodies.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that,” he assured her. “Speaking of home, I got kicked out of this place. I’m heading to the facility to start my new job.”
“Congratulations,” she said. “I hope Doc will let me take a couple of days off when I get out of here. I’ll have to use a car service and go shopping for a new one.
I hate going. Salesmen seem to think women lack common sense and try to talk over our heads.
I admit, I don’t know much about cars, but I know what I like and how many horses I want. ”
Liam chuckled. “You mean how much horsepower?”
“Yeah, that’s it. I tried to read up on what to search for in a vehicle. Unfortunately, it bores me.”
“Did you like the car you drove before?” he asked.
Addyson flinched in pain before saying, “It’s Samuel’s old car. I couldn’t bear to part with it.”
“How about I go with you to Seattle and help you car search? Leo says I have some time off to get situated,” he said, seeing she made a list of different car parts and their definitions.
“Do you mind?” she asked. “I’ll take you to lunch as compensation.”
“I’ll take you for lunch. You’ve ensured I’ve gotten the best care during my stay. Consider it two friends out for the day, car shopping,” he insisted.
“It’s my job to care for you. It feels wrong to have you spend money on me,” she explained.
“I’m joining the K-9 team. If you’ll make me a batch of those treats for my K-9, Apollo, I’ll call it even,” he bargained.
“You got it.”
“I’m heading to your house later to take Zeus for a walk. Did you forget to tell me anything else or where you keep the saddle?” Liam asked her.
“You’re too kind. I didn’t want to ask you to take him for a walk,” she stammered.
“Zeus will love you forever. I keep his leash in the mudroom. Tell him you’re taking him for a walk and hold out the harness.
He’ll stand still while you put it on him.
He’s great at walking and stays one step ahead of you. ”
“I’ll take good care of him and will drop by in the morning,” he said. Taking the pad, he scribbled down his cell number. “Call or text me if you hear from Doc before I arrive. I’ll take you home.”
“Oh, Liam. You don’t have to do that,” she said. “I can find a ride.”
“I’m coming to get you. You already said you don’t know many people here,” he insisted. “It’s not a problem, I promise.”
“Thank you, “ she said as he rose from his chair.
“Wish me luck. If I don’t answer my phone, Zeus has decided to eat me,” he teased, making her laugh. “Goodnight, Addy.”
“Goodnight, Liam,” she murmured.
He nodded before closing the door. The way she bid him goodnight sent his motor running. He threw his bag into the SUV and headed to the facility to start his new life, hoping Addy was part of it.