I finally kicked back into gear and ran to open the door as I clicked my key fob to close my car hatch. I scurried behind him as he made his way into the back. As we went through a short hall, I heard a few other dogs barking. I craned my neck and saw two rooms on either side. One was small and had cats roaming around. The other was larger and I could see another door on the other side that seemed to lead to a small field. I could see a few dogs running around, playing with each other.

  “Those are the ones I have up for adoption or fostering.” His voice brought me back to the room appearing in front of me. I watched as he set Izzy on the metal table and began caressing her head. He dropped down to her level, looking deep in her eyes. “Okay, sweet girl. Let’s get this chocolate out of you. I know you think it tastes good but it’s tearing up your stomach.” He gave a sweet smile, as if trying to calm Izzy down just by gazing at her.

  And it did. She laid her head down on her paws and let out a small huff. I slowly made my way over to them, mouth dropped in awe.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so calm around someone she’s never met before.” I whispered, not expecting him to hear me as he began rooting around in a drawer.

  “She’s a sweet girl with a great heart. She’s protective of you.”

  “They say dogs are a great judge of character.”

  “That they are.” He nodded as he went to work, helping Izzy to undo her—and my—mistake.

  “I really didn’t know she’d get into the donuts. She never gets into anything. And I never leave anything like that out, but my friend brought them over and then I had to go shower and get ready and when I came out, she’d already ate them.” I rambled, wringing my hands together. I felt so guilty that Izzy got sick over something I should have thought about.

  He paused and looked up to me. “It happens. And you did the right thing bringing her here.” He gave me a soft smile meant to help soothe my nerves. It did a bit but I still couldn’t relax.

  I gulped and nodded.

  “Would you like to wait out there? You can go play with the dogs or cats if you’d like while I’m taking care of her.”

  “Okay.” I gave him a weak smile and excused myself. I was of no use pacing back and forth here. I’d only cause more harm than good and right now, my sweet girl was sick. I needed him to stay focused on her, not on the chaotic mess of a human standing behind him.

  “Okay, Izzy is good as new and just resting.”

  I snapped my head up and saw the veterinarian leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed. I’d been so consumed with the kittens running around me, chasing each other that I hadn’t heard him come in. I started to stand up when he held his hand up and shook his head.

  “Thank you.”

  “Of course. It’s what I’m here for.” He pushed off the doorway and came to the middle of the room to sit across from me. He stretched his arms out and danced his fingers, immediately catching the attention of two of the kittens.

  “I notice there aren’t any cages in here for the cats. Do they get to roam around all the time?”

  “Pretty much. When they first come in, they’re slowly introduced. But as long as they all get along, they stay together. It gives them the companionship they need while they’re waiting for their forever home.” He smiled when he said it, eyes lighting up.

  “Is it the same with the dogs?” I peered around his shoulder, curious.

  “Not exactly. I do have some separation with some of them. They still socialize and I don’t keep any of them completely alone unless I absolutely have to. I just can’t have fifteen dogs running around all the time together.”

  “Do you run this place by yourself? I haven’t seen anyone else here.”

  “No, I have some help. But it is just me today. I run the clinic, of course, but I have a couple people who help run everything else, including a couple volunteers that usually help more on the weekends.”

  “It’s truly amazing what you’re doing here.”

  “I wish I could do more. But for now, I can only house about ten to fifteen of each.”

  “It’s still amazing. It seems like you sacrifice so much of your time to take care of these animals.”

  “It’s not a sacrifice when it comes to something I love more than anything in the world.”

  They way he said it made my heart melt. I could see by the way he was playing with the kittens that he truly meant it. This place was his life.

  “You know, I could use something a little more fulfilling in my life if you need more volunteers.” I shrugged, letting the offer spill from my mouth before I could stop it. I worked full time and didn’t really have much spare time on my hands but for some reason, I couldn’t hold back on offering.

  “I’m always happy to use more help. Although, I’m going to have to ask that you leave the chocolate donuts out of reach of the pups. You can leave them for me though.” He smirked, letting me know he was joking.

  I held up my hands. “I swear, that is never happening again. Izzy will never get the taste of sweet chocolate again.”

  He let out a light laugh. “She’s alright. And you are too. It happens far more often than you’d think.”

  I brushed my hands on my thighs. “I guess that makes me feel a little better.”

  He pushed up to his feet. “Well, I’m sure she’s anxious to see you.” He held out his hand, helping me to my feet. When my hand met his, I felt the warmth spread through. His hand was soft but firm, and he pulled me up with ease.

  He led me back to the room and I saw Izzy laying on a large dog bed, chewing on a soft bone.

  “It’s a special mixture that is supposed to help settle down upset stomachs. I’ve got a couple more in a bag here for you to give her.” He held out a small bag and in it, I saw a collection of treats.

  “This is amazing. Thank you so much.” I beamed up at him. “I’m so sorry, I never did catch your name.”

  He broke out into a wide grin. “I’m Luca. Dr. Luca Dinelli. But everyone just calls me Luca.”

  “That sounds very Italian.” I blushed, wondering why I felt the need to say that out loud.

  “It is. Mia Madre is from Italy. And what is your name? I saw Izzy’s on her collar, but you don’t have one.” He joked, hinting at my neck. “I’m sorry, that was a horrible attempt at a joke.”

  I laughed. “No, it was good. My name is Rhys Calleto.”

  “Rhys.” He repeated and suddenly, I wanted to hear him say my name over and over. “I like that.”

  I like the way it rolls off your tongue. I thought to myself, instantly blushing.

  “Thanks, my mother wanted something a little different.”

  “It fits you.”

  CHAPTER 2

  By the time I loaded Izzy back into my car, I’d had Luca’s phone number programmed into my phone and he’d done the same. He’d had a volunteer that had to move away and lucky for me, he had some shifts open that he could really use some help with. It worked perfectly with my schedule. And the best part? Izzy could come with me.

  I took my sweet girl home, making sure to give her extra attention as I programmed Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings into my phone for the foreseeable future. I couldn’t place my finger on it, but something told me this was exactly what I needed to do.

  I’ve always loved my job. For the most part, it was fulfilling. But it wasn’t like I felt a specific calling to it. It was just that—a job. This seemed like a chance to add that extra little something in my life. Plus, it would get me off my couch at least a couple days a week.

  I’d just curled up on my couch when I heard my phone ding. I leaned towards the coffee table, causing Izzy to huff. She’d just gotten comfortable with her head in my lap, body stretched out over the couch.

  Becca: Hey, how’s Izzy doing?

  Me: She’s fine. Resting now.

  Becca: Good. I’m so sorry about the donuts. I promise, I’ll never do anything so dumb again. I’ll even pay your vet bill if you want.

  I smiled to myself. Becca spent almost as much time with Izzy as I did. The moment I told her Izzy got into the donuts, she was freaking out—maybe more than I was. I was surprised she didn’t meet me at the vet.

  Me: It’s fine. She got great care and I actually ended up signing up to volunteer at the vet clinic.

  Becca: Oh? What made you do that?

  I thought for a moment. What was it exactly? The feeling of something missing in my life? The fun of being surrounded by animals? Or did it maybe have something to do with the admittedly handsome vet with the sweetest eyes and warmest smile?

  Me: He just lost a volunteer and I could use something to fulfill my time.

  Becca: He???

  I grimaced. I should have known better. Ever since Becca moved in with her fiancé, she was determined to help me find my one and only. She wasn’t about to let me become the old spinster dog lady—her words.

  Me: Yes, the vet is a he.

  Becca: And?

  Me: And what?

  I don’t know why I was encouraging her.

  Becca: You know what.

  Becca: Anywho, when do you start volunteering there?

  Me: Thursday.

  Becca: Oh, that’s soon. Are you volunteering on Monday nights too?

  I could feel her concern all the way through her text. Monday nights were our nights. She would come over to my place and we’d just watch movies, eat junk food, and usually pass out somewhere after midnight. She even kept a few of her clothes in my closet for this particular reason. It had been our night for years and I couldn’t see it changing any time soon. We both needed it far too much.

  Me: No, our Mondays are still sacred.

  Becca: Good.

  I was about to set my phone down when I felt it vibrate again.

  Becca: So, any chance I can “accidentally” meet this vet?

  I rolled my eyes and sent her the emoji to match.

  Becca: Oh, come on.

  Me: You’re acting like this was a date or something. It wasn’t. It was me taking my dog to an emergency vet appointment because she found the chocolate donuts even more irresistible than we do.

  Becca: Touché.

  But I could tell this conversation wasn’t over. It was just on the back burner, simmering until she could bring it up again.

  I turned off the screen to my phone and squished down further into the fluffy pillows, pulling Izzy further on top of me. I didn’t need a blanket when I had her. And she was more than happy to oblige. This dog still had no idea just how large she was, thinking she could curl up in my lap like she was still just a small puppy.

  CHAPTER 3

  I hurried home from work Thursday evening to switch into a pair of jeans, t-shirt, and sneakers. Izzy was hopping all around, following me, and running between me and the door, like she knew something was up. I’d barely opened the front door before she barreled out, bounding down the steps and launching herself into the back of my open SUV.

  “Alright girl, I get it. We’re both excited.” I called out to her, trying to hide my nerves.

  I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew it wouldn’t be all fluffy cuddles and dog kisses. I knew there would be some hard work involved.

  I also knew there would be a ridiculously attractive Italian guy with sun-kissed skin, deep eyes, and a smile that warmed my soul that I really knew nothing about and couldn’t seem to get my thoughts off of.

  ”Come on, Rhys. For all you know, he’s married. Or gay. Or just an awful human being.” I mumbled to myself as I started the car and put it into gear. But there was no way he could be awful. He ran a vet clinic and shelter nearly by himself. Anyone who loved animals that much could never be awful. I thought to myself as I made my way down the street to the clinic only a matter of minutes from my house.

  I pulled into the lot and saw a handful of cars. Luca was lifting a small poodle out of the backseat of an older woman’s car as someone who looked like his assistant was carrying two cat carriers to the front door. As I got out of my car, I heard one of the cats let out a deep growl, obviously not happy with whatever predicament they were facing.

  I hurried towards the door, grabbing it just in time for the other person in scrubs to enter.

  “Thanks.” She mumbled, exacerbated already.

  I looked over my shoulder to see Luca cradling the poodle and the worried woman hot on his tail. “Oh Gigi. It’ll be okay.” Luca crooned to the dog as he pressed his forehead into hers.

  I had to stifle a laughter, having not anticipated the cute, child-like tone to come from him. He looked up just as he got to the door, eyes catching mine directly.

  “Oh, Rhys! Hey, how are you?” His voice was normal again, not showing a hint of embarrassment or anything.

  “I’m okay but it looks like you guys have your hands full.”

  He swung his head back and forth. “Just a normal Thursday. Are you here early?”

  I followed him back towards the same room he’d carried Izzy into—suddenly remember that Izzy was still in my car. “No, not really.”

  “Oh, wow.” He looked up at the clock. “It’s already four o’clock.”

  “Yeah, uh. What would you like me to do first?”

  Luca looked around. “Ah, can you catch up with Hilary? She’s my vet tech assistant. She can give you a crash course on how to help anyone walking in the front door. Gigi, here, and the two hellions—I mean cats—are the last appointments of the day but people can still come in at any time.”

  “Okay.” I spun around, making my way to Hilary before halting. “Oh, wait, I have Izzy in the car. Is it still okay to bring her in?” I scrunched my forehead, worried it was too hectic in here.

  “Oh yeah, of course. You can keep her behind the counter with you.” Luca responded without even lifting his head from eye level of Gigi.

  The next four hours flew by. Hilary bounced back and forth every time the door opened, making sure I wasn’t abandoned at any point. Izzy got more attention than she ever had, lavishing up every second of it. Luca stayed in the back mostly. The moment he finished his exam on Gigi, he was on to the two cats who hadn’t stopped their crying from their carriers. There was a walk in that brought his golden retriever just in time for closing—although, I was getting the drift that Luca wouldn’t turn anyone away.

  I was helping close the front area when Luca finally emerged from the back, pulling the collar of his scrubs up to wipe his face. As he did so, I saw the slightest hint of what looked to be a tattoo peaking out from his side, as well as a well-toned stomach. “Hilary, thanks for staying late. You can get going now. I’ll close up the back tonight.” His voice was muffled, still covered by his scrubs.

  Hilary looked at me, silently asking if that would be okay. “You guys sure? I don’t mind staying.”

  Luca came around the counter, bringing his warm smile into place. “No, no. You were here bright and early. I appreciate it. Go home and get some rest. I’ll see you on Tuesday.” He broadened his smile, but I could see the exhaustion clouding his eyes.

  “I’m here to help too.” I jumped in, offering a weak smile.

  “Okay. Have a good weekend, Luca. And thanks for your help, Rhys. It was great to meet you.” Hilary stepped towards me, pulling me into a quick one-armed hug. “I hope I get to see you again soon.”

  “You too.” I muttered and nodded as she made her way out the door.

  “You really don’t have to stay.” Luca offered but I could tell he secretly wanted the help but wouldn’t ask. I didn’t get the feeling he was too proud. It felt more like he was too nice. He didn’t want to infringe on my personal time.

  “No, no. I’m here to stay. I don’t have anywhere to be.” The moment the words left my mouth, I realized how sad that sounded. “You know, it’s a Thursday night.” I tried to recover and brush it off before stepping forward and straightening an already straight stack of papers.

  “This is where I spend every Thursday night, so I totally understand.”

  “Well, what else do you have to do so you can get out of here?”

  “Who says I need to get out of here?” He smirked.

  “Okay, okay.” I countered.

  “But, if you’re up to it, I could use a little help wrangling the dogs outside for another bathroom break.”

  I followed him down the hall and into the room with nearly a dozen overly excited dogs. He opened the two doors that separated the dogs and they all barreled towards the back door.

  “Do you need leashes?” I paused, indicating the rack full of leashes that he’d walked straight past.

  “Nope, there’s a fenced enclosure. Those are mostly for potential adopters.”

  “Oh.” I watched in awe as he opened the back door, letting each dog run out into the enclosed yard. I could see a wooden fence that started from each side of the building and went back a few hundred feet. It was tall enough that no one on the outside could see over, creating a perfect little sanctuary in the middle of our town. “How did I never know this was here?” I whispered to myself.

  “Because I worked really hard to hide it from the world. Back here, the dogs get to be themselves. They get to pretend this is their little slice of uninterrupted heaven. They don’t have to worry about the distractions of cars or strangers. They get to just be dogs. On the slower days, I’ll just let them all run around out here for as long as I can.”

  “That’s amazing.” I watched as the biggest dog of them all—a German Shepherd—was nearly tackled by a cocker spaniel mix.

  “You could bring Izzy out here and let her run around for a bit with them, if you’d like. There’s a small couch over here.”

  “She would love that.” I turned and bounded back into the clinic, calling for Izzy. She came barreling around the corner, tongue lolling out of her mouth and huge grin on her face. She barely stopped at me long enough for a head scratch before she raced to meet her new friends. “Well, I’m chopped liver now.”