Searching for Always(78)

He turned the corner and almost bumped into her.

Stone stopped short. God, she was beautiful. With her hair snagged in a casual ponytail, she wore jeans, boots, a loose jersey, and a purple scarf wrapped around her neck. Ever since their dinner that turned into pizza and a rousing game of Pictionary, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He should be obsessed with the prospect of sex, which he was, no doubt, but the fact that he had actually enjoyed himself on a date with her grandfather and senior neighbor bothered him. It screamed of an intimacy he hadn’t experienced in years.

“Hi,” he finally said, keeping cool. Better off to twist the truth with fiction. “Just wanted to check on Pinky. How’s she doing?”

Her brow lifted. “That’s nice of you. Actually, we have a big problem. I don’t know what we’re going to do.”

“About what?”

“She can’t stay here much longer. They lost the behaviorist and ran out of foster homes. She’s not good with other dogs, so most other shelters are out because of the overcrowding issue.”

“You can take her in, right? You said you always foster dogs.”

“Usually I could, but I’m watching my friend Kate’s dog for the next two weeks. She’s going on her honeymoon and she needs me. His back legs are paralyzed, so he needs careful watching.”

Concern hit him. “So, what happens?”

“Anthony may need to send Pinky away to a shelter out of state. It could be traumatic, but we may not have any choice. Maybe you can ask around? See if there’s someone you know who could take her in?” Her voice softened and she moved closer. Her body heat shimmered and pulled him in like a wicked spell. “I can take her back after Kate returns. I need your help, Stone. Pinky deserves a shot, but she won’t have it unless someone amazing steps up and helps her.”

It took him a while, since his dick was in play and his response was purely physical. He opened his mouth to tell her he’d do anything for her, as long as she kept that pleading siren expression on her face that promised him the moon, the stars, and nirvana on her knees.

Then it hit him.

He was being played.

Stone hadn’t graduated from the academy and worked in law enforcement by being stupid. His brain clicked back on, and he realized this whole scenario was to get him to take in Pinky.

No. Fucking. Way.

“You saw me, huh?” he muttered. “You think now I’m a big pussy and I’ll take a damn dog into my house because we’re into each other?”

The sexy look was wiped off her face. Besides the cute sulk on her lips, her green eyes spat fire and smoke. He fought back a grin. Damn, he liked her spunk. “Why do you have to be so crude?” she hissed. “Why do you have to do something nice and then wipe it away with a smart remark?”

“Oh, you’re good. Trying to turn this one around on me so I look like the asshole. I helped cover your crime, and my role is done. It’s up to you to find the rat fink a proper home.”

“Don’t call her that! I’m asking you to take her for just two weeks. Two lousy weeks to give her a chance at survival. Why can’t you be reasonable?”

“Me? Reasonable? Woman, you didn’t even ask me. Just tried to do your female mind tricks on me so I offered to help.”

She huffed out a breath, shuffled her feet, and gave him the words. “Will you watch Pinky for two weeks?”

“No.” She clenched her fists and squeaked. “Don’t forget to breathe.”

“Forget it; I was an idiot to think this could work. I’m outta here.”

She turned, but he jumped in front of her, lowering his voice so no one could eavesdrop. “This works just fine. Me and you. Not me and Pinky cozied up night after night. I don’t like dogs. I don’t do dogs.”

Her brows snapped together. “Oh, I know what you don’t do, Officer. You don’t do commitments. You don’t do future or long-term. You don’t do anything that’s not easy. Forget this.”

Her words stung like pebbles hitting his naked body. Is that how she saw him? Was she right? And if so, was it so wrong? He was only trying to be honest and protect them both. “Listen, I’ll help you find someone. I’ll ask around at the station. There are plenty of wives and girlfriends who may want to help. I just can’t be the one to take her in.”

“I only have two days left.”

Ah, shit. Her voice did that wobbly thing that left him vulnerable. He cursed under his breath. “I’ll find someone. I promise.” He regretted the words the moment they left his lips, but relief flickered in her eyes, and Stone realized she trusted him. Somehow, someway, she believed him. Most didn’t. Only Devine. There was no one else, and wasn’t that kind of sad and pathetic? He wasn’t about to let down that trust. He’d done harder stuff before. How difficult could it be to find a nice, quiet home for a small dog for two weeks?