Chapter 18
“We don’t have to do this, Addy,” Liam said as she drove them into Seattle.
“It’s only fair. You helped me find my vehicle. I’m helping you find yours,” she insisted. “Besides, you know you liked the green one.”
Chuckling, Laim reached for her hand, his thumb caressing her skin.
“Touché. Since you know where we’re going, it won’t take us all day to sign paperwork. What do you want to do?” he asked.
She smiled widely as she glanced at him.
“There’s my little badass nurse,” he complimented her.
“You bring it out in me,” she admitted shyly. “There’s a zoo nearby, and I’ve always wanted to visit it.”
“A zoo?” he asked, surprised.
Addy laughed. “What? You know I love animals.”
“I figured you’ve run a circus on Serenity Mountain; you might be tired of seeing all the critters,” Liam teased.
“Not my circus and not my monkeys,” she threw back. “They’re Kassie’s problem. She runs it efficiently when I’m not there. I want to enjoy the nice weather and…have fun.”
“What’s the matter, Addy?” he asked softly. “Did I scare you last night?”
“No,” she assured him. “It’s like I woke up from a coma and I’ve missed out while life went on without me. Does that make sense?”
“Absolutely,” he said. “What do you plan on doing about it?”
“I’m buying two tickets and watching the otters play. Did you know they hold hands while sleeping to anchor themselves and prevent drifting apart in the water?” she informed him. “It’s sweet.”
“I didn’t know,” he admitted.
“They’re my favorite animal,” she confessed as they drove closer to the dealership.
Liam pretended to pout. “I thought I changed your mind last night?”
“Trust me, you’re an entirely different species,” she shot back.
They pulled into the parking lot, and the same salesman, Tom, greeted them.
Liam took Addy’s hand as they went into the showroom to finalize the deal and complete the paperwork.
As they sat down, Addyson noticed the gleam in Tom’s eye, determined to get the sale. Sliding the paper toward Liam, he leaned back in the seat triumphantly, waiting for Liam’s approval.
She leaned over, entwining her arm around his and laying her head against his broad shoulder. Gazing into Liam’s eyes, she blinked up at him. “Honey, do you really like this one better than the truck at the other dealership? After all, he added a lot of incentives.”
Catching on to her little game. He placed the offer on the desk, giving her his full attention.
“Do you like the red one better?” he asked.
“We can’t keep this green one on the lot these days. It’s in high demand,” Tom rushed, worried he might lose his sale.
“I don’t know. We already have a new dark colored SUV…” Addyson said, letting her statement hang in the air. She saw the corners of Liam’s mouth curl up as he contained his laughter.
“Can you give us a minute?” Liam asked Tom. “I’m having second thoughts.”
Tom glared at Addyson as he rose and hurried into the business office.
“My, my, naughty nurse Addy has some tricks up her sleeve,” Liam whispered against her ear, making her shiver. “You didn’t tell me you liked to play dirty.”
Still clutching his hand, she nipped his fingertip and batted her eyes. “Maybe I recently discovered it,” she said innocently.
Shaking his head, he pretended to go over the figures with her, and she scowled at the numbers.
“Did he see me?” she whispered conspiratorially.
“Oh, yeah,” he drew out. “He’s coming this way.”
“I spoke with my manager. We can go down another three thousand. If you finance it, the company has a special offer for two thousand in cash back,” Tom informed him.
“It’s still a thousand more than the other. I did like the mud mats and the trailer hitch the other salesman threw in,” Addyson said softly. “Of course, it’s up to you.”
Liam pretended to contemplate the idea when Tom suddenly added, “I’m sure we can get the mud mats and a trailer hitch. I can check with my boss.”
Addyson blinked at Liam. “It’s your vehicle. It’s important you like it.”
Liam’s eyes twinkled as he kissed her forehead.
“I’ll take this one,” he told Tom. “Do you think you can have the paperwork ready to sign around five?”
“We can do it now,” Tom insisted.
“I’ll pick it up on our way home. I’m taking Addy to the zoo,” he informed him. “I’ll do everything for the credit check, and you can text me to keep me posted.”
Twenty minutes later, he rose from the chair, still holding Addyson’s hand. She drove them to the zoo, and they stood in line as Liam purchased two tickets.
“I believe I underestimated you,” Liam said, pulling her close.
“I believe we’re even,” she said. “I returned the favor of you saving me money.”
Liam stopped at the concession stand and ordered two hot dogs and drinks. “Shall we review the map and decide where to go?”
“No. Sometimes, I think you can let go and see what happens,” she said, biting into her hot dog.
Liam used a napkin to wipe the mustard from her face. “I’m enjoying this,” he admitted. “You surprise me on a daily basis.”
“I’m surprising myself,” she confessed. “Why don’t we start with the monkeys?”
Liam sipped his drink as she finished her food. Taking her hand, he said, “Let’s go. I heard these otters have something special.”
* * *
The following day, Cole brought Apollo, Liam’s K-9, into the training area. As soon as he unclasped the leash, the dog ran toward Liam.
“Hey, boy,” he said, giving him a warm pat on his butt. “Let’s show Cole what we can do,” Liam said as he gave the dog a hand signal.
Immediately, he obeyed, sitting and peering up at Liam for his next command.
“Wow, I’m impressed,” Cole said as he closed the gate. “You’ve practiced the signals.”
“We can’t afford to waste time when we spin up. I want him under my command by the time we leave,” Liam explained.
“I hoped you might say that,” Cole admitted. “It’s time you took him home and practiced with him around the clock. We need to see any weak areas.”
“I’m game. What about him hanging around other dogs? I’ve spent some time with Addy, I mean Addyson, and she has Zeus returning home today. She’s picking him up after she gets off work. They called her in to handle a difficult admission,” Liam said, passing Apollo a treat for good behavior.
“Introduce them slowly. Zeus has an injury. He might not take kindly to having a new dog in his territory when he’s feeling vulnerable,” Cole advised as Liam prepped Apollo to find the hidden items.
“How are Brody and Brownie doing?” Liam asked.
Shaking his head, Cole pushed from the gate and walked toward him.
“I give up. Brownie won’t be joining the ranks of K-9.
I’m training her to become a therapy dog for Stormy.
She senses when Stormy’s having panic attacks.
Leo gave her permission to bring her to work.
Brody has become a traitor. I swear, I have to use my commanding voice to get him out of bed with my fiancée.
Every morning, we feed them and take them out.
If Stormy goes back to bed, he joins her.
If I try to get on the bed, he scoots closer to her and refuses to let me get near her. ”
Tilting his head back and laughing, Liam imagined the scene. Brody brought the couple together, and he knew Cole carried a soft spot for the dog. “I bet you’ll miss him when we spin up.”
“You aren’t kidding,” Cole said under his breath.
“I’m working with Striker, and he’s caught up to Apollo.
I’ll be bringing him with us. Stormy has solemnly vowed to stay strict with Brody while we’re gone.
Archer will continue to train Tank and Zipper.
I have four other dogs at various stages of training.
Archer will act as the lead with them, and we have four veterans working on commands, cleaning stalls, helping with outdoor play, and watching them at night. ”
“You’ve done a good job with them,” Liam complimented him. “Ready, Apollo?”
The dog gazed at him as he signaled for him to search. Apollo ran through the various scenarios Cole set up before they arrived. A minute later, he sat, indicating he discovered something. Liam checked the area and pulled out the first of many hidden tests.
“Good job,” Liam said, rubbing his head before he sent him searching again.
“Don’t talk. We’ll be in an area where it may be necessary for him to rely on your signals,” Cole instructed, watching them.
Nodding, Liam went silent as Apollo sniffed and sat again. Fifteen minutes later, he uncovered all the hidden targets.
“I can’t expect any better,” Cole said, congratulating them.
“He’s ready. Spend the rest of your time creating your bond.
Take him everywhere with you. If you’re picking up Zeus, bring something scented with Apollo and take something to Zeus.
I’m not concerned about Apollo obeying. I’m worried about an unknown dog.
I take it you’ve made some headway with Addyson? ”
“Yeah, we’re enjoying spending time together,” Liam said, not wanting to gossip about the woman who held his heart.
“She’s a good egg,” Cole said. “Take Apollo out for some free time and then meet me in my office.”
Liam signaled for Apollo to follow and let him outside, where one of the veterans threw balls and refreshed the water.
Cole sat behind his desk as Liam entered the office. He gestured for him to have a seat and slid some paperwork toward Liam.