Chapter 19
“The rear entrance to the hotel is over here,” Lauren called over her shoulder, veering left. “We can get in with my key.”
“My room is straight ahead,” Mike replied. “The one with the sliding glass door completely open.” He glanced down at the stray. “Our buddy here is limping. I’ll bet he’s got snow packed in the pads of his paws.”
Lauren changed direction immediately and headed toward Mike’s room. “I know the hotel is pet-friendly,” she said, her breath freezing into crystals, “but I’m not sure they’ll welcome a large stray.” She hesitated, then added, “What’s the saying? Ask forgiveness, not permission?”
Mike huffed a quiet laugh. “I think that’s the best course of action. I’m also not eager for anyone else to see me in these pajamas.” He and the stray caught up with Lauren and Pumpkin.
She glanced at his red flannel dog-print outfit. “All I see is shining armor.”
The teasing remark sent heat flooding from Mike’s collar to the tips of his ears. He was grateful for the darkness.
They reached the short retaining wall surrounding his ground-floor patio. On the exterior side, the drop was steep. On the hotel side, it was manageable.
Lauren eyed it. “I don’t think our friend here can clear that.”
“I’ll lift him,” Mike said. “It’s not as far down on the patio side.”
The dog didn’t resist when Mike crouched and slipped one arm under his chest and the other beneath his hindquarters.
He was heavy, but cooperative. “Okay, buddy,” Mike murmured as he set the dog’s paws on top of the barrier.
“Take a minute. Get your balance. Then hop down. I’ll be right behind you.
” The dog steadied himself, then jumped neatly onto the patio as if he’d practiced the maneuver a hundred times.
Mike turned to Lauren. “Do you and Pumpkin want to come this way too? I promise I’m not trying to lure you into my room.”
Lauren laughed, despite the cold. “This would be an unlikely way to do that.” She studied the wall. “I’d like to,” she said, “but I’m not sure I can climb that.”
“No problem,” Mike said, already on the patio side. “Hand me Pumpkin.”
Lauren passed the small dog up. Mike lowered Pumpkin to the patio, where the stray waited. The reunited dogs trotted into the warmth spilling from the open door.
Mike extended his hands down toward Lauren. “Grab both of mine,” he said. “Walk your feet up the wall. I’ve got you. I won’t let you fall.”
Lauren’s teeth chattered. She nodded, put her hands into his, and placed one foot in front of the other. His grip was firm and steady. She reached the top and swung one leg over the wall. He guided her the rest of the way. They both hurried inside.
Mike slid the glass door closed behind them, sealing out the cold.
“What a miserable night,” Lauren said, catching her breath. “Thank you for rescuing us. I don’t think I would’ve found him on my own.” The large golden dog pressed his muzzle against her thigh. She stroked his ears. “I can’t think about what might’ve happened to you.”
Mike disappeared briefly into the bathroom and returned with a thick bath towel. “Let’s get you warmed up,” he said. He knelt and began rubbing the dog vigorously but gently, working from his shoulders down his back, then along his flanks. Snow melted on the carpet.
The dog leaned into him. Mike lifted one paw and examined it.
“Snow’s packed in here,” he said. “See that? It forms ice balls between the toes.” He used the corner of the towel to loosen the packed snow, then gently flexed the paw pads.
“They’re pink,” he said with relief. “Cold, but not white or gray. That’s good.
I don’t think we’re dealing with frostbite. ”
“We got to him in time,” Lauren whispered.
Mike carried the dog into the bathroom and set him in the tub. “I’m going to rinse his paws with lukewarm water,” he called. “Not hot—you never want to shock cold tissue.”
He tested the temperature with his wrist before guiding one paw under the gentle stream. The dog flinched once, then relaxed as the ice melted away.
Mike massaged each pad and carefully checked for cuts. “You’re a tough guy, aren’t you?” he murmured. The dog’s tail thumped against the porcelain. He lowered his muzzle into the water swirling the drain and lapped up a long drink.
“I’ll bet you’re hungry, aren’t you, boy?” Mike asked, confirming the stray’s gender.
“I have two of Pumpkin’s bowls in my carry-on,” Lauren said. “You can use one. I’ve got extra kibble and treats, too.”
“That would be helpful. The pantry was nearly cleaned out earlier. There may not be anything substantial left for me to buy to feed him.”
“My room’s across the hall at the end,” Lauren said. “I’ll grab everything.” She and Pumpkin stepped toward the door, then she stopped, patting her pockets. “My phone—”
“Sorry,” Mike said, pulling it from his pajama pocket. “I forgot I still had it.”
She took it, smiling.
“You can leave the door open a crack,” he said. “I’m going to dry him thoroughly and then check his legs.”
“You know a lot about dogs,” she observed.
Mike shrugged, focusing on the dog’s back leg. “I grew up with them. There’s never been a time in my life when I’ve been without one.” His voice softened. “Until now.”
“What will you do tomorrow?” Lauren asked.
“My flight was supposed to take me to Charleston,” he said.
“The cold front is predicted to pass by noon tomorrow. Roads heading south ought to be clear. It’s a beautiful ride.
” He glanced at the dog. “I decided earlier tonight to rent a car and drive the rest of the way. I’ll take him with me and stop at a vet to see if he has a microchip before I hit the road. ”
Lauren watched his hands, steady, careful, and warm against the golden fur.
“A good boy like this has to have a family,” Mike murmured. “Right, buddy?”
The dog wagged his tail and gave Mike an enthusiastic lick across the chin. Mike chuckled, wiping his face with the towel. He didn’t see the tenderness in Lauren’s expression as she watched him.
“I’ll be right back with supplies.” She returned moments later, carrying a bowl, a generous portion of kibble, several treats, and the squeaky Grinch toy she’d planned to give Pumpkin on Christmas morning.
She’d bundled everything into the complimentary laundry bag from her closet and set it inside the door.
Water ran softly again in the bathroom as Mike continued speaking in low, reassuring tones.
Lauren closed the door behind her and returned to her room, Pumpkin padding at her heels.
Her intuition assured her of one thing. Mike wasn’t just rescuing a stray. He was getting himself a dog for Christmas.