3. Ashton #2
I return my attention to the wound. “Makes sense. I’m sure it’s part of his job. I’m almost done here.” And then this gorgeous man can be on his way back to his Hollywood high life, and I, well, I can face my failings from this morning’s mishap.
I lean forward to read the microchip scanner. It still hasn’t picked up anything. Griffin’s soft breath touches the delicate bare skin on my neck. Goosebumps erupt on my forearms. Good gracious mercy.
“It, uh, it appears this girl isn’t microchipped. I can have you fill out some paperwork, and you can take her home.”
He stiffens, his calm and cool demeanor disappearing. “Come again?”
“You can take her. With you.” I repeat the words slowly, as though he’s the one recovering from the shock of nearly being hit by a vehicle.
“Oh, um…” He rubs the back of his neck. “I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
“Because you’re busy. And on a tight schedule?”
His cheeks color slightly, and by golly if my insides don’t flop from the adorableness.
Though, I do recognize discomfort when I see it.
I give him a moment and turn my attention to the dog, who’s patiently allowing my ministrations.
If I had to guess, her calm disinterest is due to her sheer exhaustion, probably from walking for hours.
Once cleaned up and on a regular diet, she’ll be a beautiful girl.
“I wouldn’t mind taking her. It’s just…well, I have this thing to get to. And honestly, I’ve never had a dog before. I know next to nothing about taking care of one.”
“They’re not all that complicated. They just want love and attention—just like the rest of us.”
He opens his mouth, but pauses, then licks his lips.
I don’t want to offer this option because, frankly, it’ll be a miracle if I can find someone else, but I also get it. He’s just trying to get the poor animal some help. He didn’t intend on adopting one.
I heave in a deep breath. “The fact is, our shelter is full. Beyond full, really. And I cannot accept this dog today. However, if you’re willing to foster her overnight, I’ll do my best to make some phone calls and see if we can find her a more permanent foster home.”
His shoulders relax. “Okay. One night. I can handle that.”
He makes me think of a teenager given their first set of car keys, knowing the weight of responsibility. It’s endearing.
His phone rings just as Lynn appears in the examination room doorway.
“I’ve been looking for you.” She stops when she realizes I’m not alone. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
Griffin’s back is to her. He presses the answer button on his phone. “Hello?”
Lynn mouths, In the hall , and points.
I whisper to Griffin, “I’ll be in the hallway.”
He nods his understanding. “I know. I know. We’re almost done.” Just as I’m about to exit the room, he says, “He can wait five to ten more minutes. We’ll still have plenty of time.”
The moment I’m in the hallway, Lynn pulls me to her. “I’ve been looking all over the shelter for you. Where were you?” Despite her stern tone, her persistent hug tells me she’s just concerned.
She spent a lot time this morning talking me through my anxiety and working with me on what to say in the interview about my rescue center.
Then I botched it all. “I went to my car to…calm down. Then we had someone bring in a dog. I didn’t want to disturb you, so I went ahead and brought them into the examination room. ”
She releases me from the hug and holds my shoulders. “Are you okay? I’m sorry if it seemed like I pushed. Did I push? I know how important this is to you.”
“I know. I know. You didn’t push. I’m sorry I couldn’t do it.” I smile despite my own failure eating at me. I have no one to blame but myself.
“Oh, honey, none of it matters. You’ll find another way. You’re sure you’re okay?”
“I’m sure.”
Griffin slips into the hallway and says, “Sorry, ladies, I’m done with my phone call. I just wanted to make sure you weren’t waiting?—”
Before I can turn around, Lynn gasps, and then squeals in a high pitch that has me wincing.
“You’re Griffin Ford. From that TV show…” Her eyes widen, and she snaps her fingers. “The one with the beach, the lifeguards, and the whole teenage drama thing. Like Baywatch meets Gossip Girl , right?”
I turn to see Griffin smiling but with a slight grimace. “That’d be the one. Malibu Shores .”
She flutters around me like a moth to a flame. “I knew it!” She takes his hand and shakes it vigorously between both of hers. “A pleasure to meet you. How can we help you?”
His lips quirk to the side, amused. He leans around her for direct eye contact with me. “I believe—Ashton, was it?”
“Yes.”
“I think we’ve worked something out.”
“Lynn, would you mind getting the foster paperwork ready for Griffin to sign?”
Her eyes widen. “Oh, wonderful. Absolutely, I will. Let me just go grab that.”
I swear it looks like she resists the urge to pat his cheek as she grins up at him. She turns and heads down the hallway.
“She’s…friendly.”
I laugh. “Yes. She rarely meets a person she doesn’t like.
Unless they’re some kind of animal-hater.
Then you do not want to mess with her.” I gesture for him to reenter the examination room.
“I’ll just wrap up this girl’s leg to keep it clean.
We’ll get that paperwork signed, and I’ll have you on your way. ”
“Okay. How will tomorrow work? Will you give me your number?”
My cheeks turn pink, and my eyes meet his.
“I mean, am I supposed to call you? Do I call the shelter?”
Oh, right. Of course. “I’ll be sure to give you a card with the shelter’s number on it.”
“Great.” He tugs on his ear, looking at the dog. “And if I have any questions before then?”
“You mean in the less-than-twenty-four-hours you’ll have the dog?”
He clears his throat. “Yeah, well, you know, in case there’s an emergency or something.”
How could this gorgeously confident TV star be so charmingly adorable? Then again, I know all about charm. Charm is deceptive. And I’m not eighteen anymore. I won’t be fooled.
“I think you’ll manage just fine. She’s exhausted. I imagine after a good meal and plenty of water, she’ll sleep the majority of the time she’s in your care.”
Lynn bustles in, waving the paperwork. “I’m back! Here’s everything you need.”
“Great.” I pull off the latex gloves with a smack and toss them in the trash. “Lynn will get you all taken care of. Thanks for bringing her in. I’ll be in touch tomorrow.”
“If you’ll just sign here.” Lynn points to the bottom of the document.
I turn to leave.
“Ashton?”
I spin back around to face him.
Griffin’s hand is poised over the document, a smile playing on his lips. “Til tomorrow then?”
“See you then.” I smile and tap the door frame with my hand before exiting. My heart palpitates to a new upbeat rhythm, but I tell the dumb thing to quit it.