Page 39 of Colton On Guard
“Looks like you’re all set to go,” she said, still beaming. Then she crouched down and kissed the top of Revis’s graying head. “Have a great rest of your life, sweet boy.”
After Parker drove off, Genna sat down on the couch, still holding June Bug. Gazing down at her scruffy little dog, she had a brief moment of panic. What had she been thinking? She’d wanted to get a big, loud dog for protection. Instead, she’d let her heart overrule her common sense.
Just then June Bug raised her head and licked Genna’s chin, her large brown eyes luminous. And Genna knew she’d done the right thing. She and this scruffy little dog belonged together, no matter what.
Next to her on the sofa, with her head on Genna’s leg, June Bug fell asleep. All of her previous tension appeared to have vanished from her small body. She felt, Genna realized, secure.
Then, curled up with her dog sleeping beside her, Genna allowed herself to doze off, too.
The sound of Parker opening the front door had her sitting up, rubbing her eyes. June Bug lifted her head and yawned, but apart from that, she barely stirred.
“Here we are,” Parker said, grinning. “Revis, meet Genna and June Bug.”
A stately black Lab with ancient eyes and silver sprinkled on his muzzle, walked at Parker’s side. “I checked to make sure he likes other dogs,” Parker said. “The lady at the shelter said he does. She also mentioned June Bug does, too.”
The sound of the larger dog’s toenails clicking on the wood floor finally got June Bug’s attention. She sat up, her gaze locked on Revis, who was easily ten times her size. She whimpered, though judging by her alert posture, the sound was not from fear.
Immediately, spotting June Bug, the giant dog let out a low woof. Tail wagging, he took a few steps closer until he and the tiny dog were nose to nose. Parker kept him leashed, just in case, though Genna didn’t fool herself by thinking he could do much if Revis decided to eat the smaller pup.
But both dog’s tails were wagging and they genuinely seemed excited to meet one another. After a moment or two of sniffing, June Bug climbed back on top of Genna and fell back asleep. Revis sighed and laid down on the floor, his gaze fixed on the other dog.
“I think he’s in love,” Parker commented, smiling.
“Maybe so,” Genna replied. “But who could blame him?” She grinned, petting June Bug’s head. “If this first meet is anything to go by, I think they’ll be getting along just fine.”
“I agree.” Parker sounded relieved. It dawned on her that he’d been really concerned that the two dogs wouldn’t like each other. Since she and June Bug were simply guests in his home, if that turned out to be the case, she’d simply have no choice but to try to return to her own house. Even though the idea terrified her. Luckily, she didn’t think that would be happening.
“My sister is probably going to be calling you,” Parker said, his gaze alternating between the two dogs and her. “She seemed a little surprised to learn that you’re staying here.”
Genna couldn’t help but laugh, imagining Lakin’s reaction, especially after practically having to beg Genna to even consider working with Parker. “I bet she was,” she said. “But I also have a feeling she understands. There’s not a single woman in town who wouldn’t get why I don’t want to stay alone in my house when someone keeps trying to break in. And there also happens to be a serial killer lurking around town.”
He nodded. “I agree. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to tease you. She would have with me, but I told her I had to go and hung up.”
“If I don’t hear from her, I’ll give her a call tomorrow,” Genna said.
They had sandwiches for dinner. Genna ate on the couch with a very interested June Bug watching her every move. Revis stayed close to Parker, who’d announced his plans to keep the bigger dog in his room at night. She wondered if he’d be allowing Revis to sleep with him in his bed, like she planned to allow June Bug.
Either way, having two dogs would help make sure one wound up in the other’s room at night. Though Genna supposed this was a good thing, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret. But when she went to bed, having her little dog curled up by her helped.
The next day, though Parker had to go in to RTA since he’d been scheduled for a couple of tours, Genna had the day off. Two days in a row, which made her feel both decadent and guilty. She couldn’t help but worry about how things would run while she wasn’t there. Even though it had only been a short time since she’d started working there, she’d implemented a system.Everything ran like clockwork. Both the guests and all the other employees seemed happy.
As for Genna, she couldn’t imagine a better job. Or better coworkers. If not for the break-ins at her house, she’d have to say her life felt pretty damn perfect.
Since she had the day to herself, she decided to stop by her house to make sure it was still secure. Since she’d activated the alarm system, she knew she’d get a notification if anyone set it off, but she’d feel better seeing everything with her own eyes.
Then she figured she’d go into town, maybe have lunch at one of the places with outdoor seating. Usually that meant dogs were allowed. And since she intended to take her new pet with her, finding that kind of place to eat would be necessary.
Getting up from the kitchen table, she carried her coffee mug and cereal bowl to the sink. June Bug immediately trotted after her. Everywhere Genna went, the little dog went, too. Genna had taken to calling her JB for short.
Which was why she totally understood Parker’s decision to take Revis into work with him today. While the aging Lab might not be able to take part in some of the more strenuous hikes, she’d bet he’d be fine lounging around the office.
Once she’d cleaned up her dishes, Genna went to her bedroom and emptied out her largest tote bag. One of the benefits of June Bug being so small meant she’d be able to carry her around with her.
“This tote should do nicely,” she said out loud. June Bug immediately began wagging her tail. With the bag on the bed, Genna picked up her little dog and set her in it. JB sniffed around and then sat. When she did that, she wasn’t visible at all.
“Perfect,” Genna said. “Are you ready to go downtown with me?”
Grabbing the backpack she used instead of a purse, she slung it over one shoulder and picked up the tote and her dog. Whenshe looked inside, she saw JB had fallen asleep. Obviously, she just might have the most perfect dog in the universe. With a sappy grin, she headed toward the door.