Chapter 16 #2
I freeze, caught in the question spoken with harsh truth.
He’s right. I’m running because I’m scared, and usually, I’m not scared of shit.
Find a copperhead on my deck, and I’ll grab the shovel without blinking.
Put me into a situation that requires any of my police training, and I have something to fall back on, so there’s no thought of fear, just action and diffusing a situation or moving toward resolution.
Give me reactive dogs losing their ever-loving minds, and I’m the first to step in to stop the melee.
But Sebastian calling me out for running from him, now?
My tail’s tucked between my legs, and I’m shaking in a corner like a bad dog that shit in the house.
“We don't have time to go through this right now,” he says, rubbing his eyes. “It’s fine if you don't want to be here. I’ll tell Enzo we couldn’t make it work, and he’ll learn a lesson about not promising more than he can deliver.”
“No. We’re not letting anything between us affect your kid.
I’m here, and I have the dogs. I would never disappoint that little boy,” I say softly.
“I’m not gonna go back on my word now. You’re teaching the kid how to follow through, remember?
It would be pretty shitty for me to drive all the way here only to turn around and go home without fulfilling the important part. ”
I turn away from him, open the door to the backseat of the truck, and unlatch the crate door, letting Ivy hop out while I pick up the puppy. I put leashes on both of them and hand the puppy to Sebastian, who takes her with a look of shock.
“You brought two dogs?”
“Go big or go home. That kid promised a puppy, but he’s getting the mom too, and some preschoolers are learning about service dogs today from Ivy and Juniper.”
I end up speaking for thirty minutes while Enzo happily parades the puppy around his class.
I teach the kids how to interact with service dogs out in public, which is to not expect to pet them because they’re working.
I explain the differences between a family pet and a service dog, and let them know what a big job these dogs have.
I tell them that, as cute as Juniper is now as a little puppy, she’ll grow up to help someone in a very important way.
The questions the four-year-olds have are hilarious.
“How can dogs have jobs?”
“These dogs are specially trained to work for people who require extra help, which is very important. They live with their people and every day they make their lives better by helping the people feel normal if they’ve been hurt, or do activities that would usually be harder for them.”
“Can they open doors?”
“Yes, with some special modifications like ropes on doorknobs or handles on the doors. They are very good at assisting their people with all parts of their lives.”
“If they can open doors, do they run away?”
“No, they’re very well trained and know their job is with their people.”
And so on.
I catch Sebastian’s eye a few times as he observes from the back of the room, a mixture of relief and awe on his face when he’s not actively working to hide his expression.
Miss Julie thanks us and sends us on our way when it’s time for the kids’ lunch break, and I collect Juniper from Enzo.
“Thank you, Mr. Tucker! You saved the day and helped me keep my word,” he says, flinging himself into my arms when I squat down to say goodbye.
I catch his little body and hug him back, feeling a little overwhelmed by my emotions, but damn, does it feel good.
This little boy is so precious and has become one of my favorite humans in such a short time.
“Any time, Pup. You remember not to promise anything if it doesn't belong to you, right?” I ask, reminding him of the faux pas that got us here in the first place.
He giggles. “You called me Pup!”
I smile back as he hugs me again. “I did. You’re little like the puppies, and you love them. I thought it was a fitting nickname.”
“I like it. And I promise to remember,” he offers solemnly.
I ruffle his hair and hold my hand up for a high five, which he gives me before bending down to kiss Juniper and then petting Ivy.
I straighten and notice Sebastian next to me as Enzo runs off to join his classmates.
“He likes you.”
My traitorous heart hears way more in those three words than he means.
I nod. “I’m glad. He’s a good kid. I really like him, too.”
We walk out of the classroom in silence, checking out at the front desk and pushing through the glass doors into the parking lot.
“Let me take you to lunch for saving my ass today,” he offers, his strides matching mine as we walk across the asphalt.
I cut my eyes over to him. “I have the dogs.” I don’t remind him of Ivy’s service status and ability to go into any restaurant.
“I know a place with a patio that’s dog-friendly.
Let me buy you lunch to say thank you. It’s the least I can do for taking you away from work, making you drive all the way into the city, and giving a free informative session for the school that I’m sure you hadn’t anticipated and could have been paid for if we’d arranged it properly.
” His dark eyes are pleading when I look over.
My heart stutters at that look, and I know I’m going to give him anything he wants. Turns out my heart is much louder than my brain and my well-meaning friends.
Please don't hurt me.
“What’s a little more time away from the woods if I’m already here?” I capitulate on a sigh.
He smiles triumphantly, and my heart skips at the look. “I’d offer to drive, but I think your truck is better suited. I’ll send you the address if you promise to meet me there. Don’t pussy out, Country Boy.”
My eyes widen at his taunt and the wicked smile curving his pretty mouth. “Are you goading me, Sebastian?”
He shrugs. “Whatever it takes to get you to agree.”
“Fine. Lunch is on you. You better take me somewhere nice with all that hockey money, City Boy.”
He smiles wolfishly. “Only the best for you, of course.”