He sounded so resigned that I couldn’t resist leaning in for a quick peck, even if my heart started beating faster. I’d meant what I’d told him though. No hiding. I kissed him again, a little more thoroughly, until we sighed in unison. “There. That can hold you until later.”
“I’ll start the countdown.” He beamed at me, a grin that lasted all the way up the short walk to Jase’s house. Jase and four or five dogs of assorted sizes and breeds greeted us. Leaning on his cane, Jase led us to the backyard, where a few more dogs were playing. A newer high fence surrounded the well-kept yard, which seemed like a canine paradise with a ton of balls, toys, wading pools, obstacles, and plenty of spots for lounging or napping. Not that any of them were sleeping as they crowded around the three of us.
“Oh, my goodness!” Danny made a series of delighted noises as he greeted all the dogs. “It’s a whole pack!”
“Cash said you want to take pictures. Any chance I can get copies?” Jase asked. He was a little older than me, closer to Harley’s age, although he’d processed out sooner. He had on shorts, and his latest prosthesis was some high-tech silver deal that gleamed in the sunlight. “I’m crap at remembering to take photos, as the folks who run the rescue keep reminding me.”
“Maybe you want to keep the pack all for yourself.” Danny laughed as he pulled out the camera we’d bought back at that little store, and the click of the case was enough to have me smelling mountain grass and remembering his sunny kisses. Funny how he seemed to inspire more imagination in me than I’d ever managed on my own.
“Nah.” Jase waved an arm boasting enough tats to rival Harley. “I want them to go to good homes. Each time one leaves, that’s another I can take on. I’m pushing what this city will allow in terms of numbers as it is.”
“Well, then, I’ll take a ton for you.” Danny stooped down to better pet the bossiest of the dogs, a shaggy shepherd of some kind. True to his word, he proceeded to explore the yard while clicking away on the camera, dogs at his heels.
“He’s good with the dogs.” Jase nodded approvingly. “Thought you said he’d never had a pet? Most people get intimidated around this many at once.”
“He’s braver than he looks.” I couldn’t help the pride that laced my tone. Across from us, Danny knelt near a patio chair, getting down to his belly to approach a small dog that I hadn’t noticed in the earlier pack. “What’s the deal with that one?”
“Linus? He’s new here. Super shy. We’re working on manners still.” Jase turned as if he might be about to go assist Danny, but he relaxed as Danny scooped up the homely little creature, which seemed to have gotten the worst looks of several toy breeds, sparse wiry fur, big eyes, bigger ears, spindly legs, and a too-long tail. But Jase smiled fondly as Danny started to pet the dog. “Damn. Look at him warm up. I foresee a life of luxury for Linus. Gonna be one of those designer bag accessory dogs.”
I groaned because he wasn’t wrong. I’d been thinking mainly about making Danny smile with the prospect of a dog, but now I totally saw the shopping potential for him too. I had a feeling more than one pet superstore was in my future. “Danny said he was only going to look…”
“Ha. That’s what they all say. You’re going home with that dog, trust me.” Jase clapped me on the shoulder. “Your guy is totally taken with Linus.”
“Ah. Yeah.” My face heated all the way to the tips of my ears. I hadn’t exactly come right out and said that on the phone, but Jase wasn’t an idiot either.
Raising an eyebrow, he gave me a knowing look. “He is, right? Pretty clear he’s as taken with you as with Linus.”
“Yeah. It’s mutual,” I admitted, having to work to keep my voice from stiffening up. This wasn’t as nerve-wracking as telling Duncan, but it was still coming out to someone who’d known me a good twenty years. “That cool?”
“You thought I’d have an issue?” Jase made a scoffing noise.
“Nah.” I hadn’t really expected him to freak out, but I breathed a little easier nonetheless.
He shook his head at me. “You could have fessed up sooner, but sure, we’re cool.”
“I…uh…maybe didn’t know myself.” I scratched at my still-warm ear. I remained stunned at how I’d gone from the vaguest of inklings to absolute certainty, all in the space of a single smile from Danny.
“Well, congrats on figuring it out then.” Jase gave a booming laugh, clearly enjoying my discomfort, and his easy humor made any lingering awkwardness dissolve. “You’re a real one, Money. I’ve got your six. Others will too.”