She jerked her hand away. “Of course I do. It’s my job to prepare these dogs for their happily ever after. Why wouldn’t I want him to go?”

  “Because you love him and you think of him as your dog?”

  “Oh, and you know this how? Because you’ve spent all this time with me? Because you know me? Well, let me tell you, Lincoln Kennedy. You don’t know anything about me. I will take Boo to meet his potential new people tomorrow and I’ll be damned happy about it.”

  She walked away, feeling righteous in her anger.

  How dare he presume to know how she felt or what her motivations were. She headed outside and found Boo happily gnawing on his bone, so she pulled up a spot next to him and ran her fingers over his smooth, silky fur.

  “Guess what, my Boo baby? There are some people who want to meet you and maybe take you home, and we’re going there tomorrow. Which means you might just be the luckiest pup in the whole world. Wouldn’t it be great to have forever parents who are gonna love you and take care of you for the rest of your life?”

  Boo ignored her because bone, of course. But she could tell he was happy about it. Because, dammit, she was happy about it. Or she was going to be.

  No matter what Linc thought. After all, he didn’t know anything about her or how she felt.

  She wiped away the tears that she couldn’t hold back.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Despite having a full day of work that he needed to do, Linc couldn’t help but think about Hazel the entire day.

  She’d gotten up early and made breakfast, fed and walked the dogs, and after that she’d gone upstairs to shower. A little while later she asked Linc if he wouldn’t mind keeping an eye on the other dogs today while she took Boo to meet his potential new family. He’d told her he’d take care of them. She thanked him, then she’d harnessed Boo and left. She’d seemed subdued this morning, and the rest of the dogs had definitely picked up on her mood. They’d been especially confused by her leaving with Boo, but he’d distracted them all with toys, and they’d seemed fine, so he’d gone back to doing his thing, occasionally stopping to check on the pups.

  Gordon liked being inside most of the time, especially on hot days like today. Linc was doing some electrical work that wouldn’t generate a bunch of dust, so he’d piled up some blankets in the corner of the dining room, and Gordon had made a little pallet there. Then Lilith started pacing in front of the back door, so he opened it and she came in and curled up with Gordon. Before long, Penny and Freddie were whining at the door, so he had to stop what he was doing again to let them inside. They ended up lying next to the pile of blankets, close to Gordon and Lilith.

  Maybe they all knew something was off since Boo wasn’t with them. Dogs were pack animals, after all, and when one of the pack was missing, they weren’t a complete unit. But since they all finally settled in the corner for a nap, he could go back to work.

  He had the wiring done in the ceiling for the new LED can lights. He’d thought about maybe a chandelier in the dining area, but it being right off the main door leading outside, it seemed too fussy, so he decided he’d wire that for cans as well. If the buyer wanted a chandelier there, it would be an easy fix.

  By the time he broke for lunch, the dogs were ready to go out as well, so he opened the door and they all piled outside, while Linc made his way to the guesthouse.

  The new AC unit had been installed, which meant the guesthouse was now livable again—or at least you weren’t going to die when you walked in there.

  Before she left this morning, Hazel had told him she’d fixed him a sandwich for lunch and tucked it in the fridge. The one thing he liked about her—okay, there were a lot of things he liked about her, but this was on the list—was that despite having her own worries, she still did her job. He wished some of the people who had worked for him in the past had done that as well.

  Which was partly the reason he enjoyed working on houses by himself. He knew what he was doing, he did the job well, and he didn’t have to rely on anyone else. Sure, on occasion, he’d have to get an expert to come in or he’d need to hire a few assistants to help with a job. But otherwise, if he could do it himself he would.

  He grabbed the bag Hazel had packed for him, pulled a soda out of the fridge, and took it outside to eat on the back porch. The humidity had lifted a little, not a lot, and the wind had picked up, making it tolerable to be outside. The dogs all came over and lay at his feet while he ate, no doubt hoping for some crumbs.

  “Not a chance, kids,” he said. “I’m hungry.”

  He checked emails while he ate. There was one from his investment broker about a house up for sale in Phoenix. He scrolled through and looked at the pictures. It was a decent-sized house, definitely needed some upgrades, but it was only twelve years old, so plumbing, electrical, and HVAC should be okay, and he wouldn’t have to put on a new roof. It was a lot like this house. Some cosmetic changes, and in a good area. The only problem was that he wouldn’t be able to get started on that one until he finished this one, and that would mean a longer turnaround and less profit.

  He replied to the email with a “not right now.” But if the house was still available when he finished this one, he’d definitely consider it. Spending late fall in Phoenix wouldn’t be a terrible idea. The thing he liked best about doing what he did was the ability to travel, to spend time in new locations with every house he worked on. And he could still monitor his investments no matter where he was working and living at the time.

  He’d enjoyed this nomadic lifestyle for a few years now. Maybe someday he’d find a place he liked enough to settle down and stay there, but right now he was happy doing this.

  He went back to work and had the light switch in the dining room finished when Hazel walked in. The dogs were outside, so she waved to him and went out there. He shoved his screwdriver in his pocket and followed her.

  The dogs had all rushed to greet her and, more specifically, smell her. She bent down to say hello and pet them.

  “I know,” she said. “I didn’t bring Boo back with me. But he’s doing just great, so don’t you worry about him.”

  “How did it go?” he asked after she took a seat next to him.

  “It was awesome. The couple looking to adopt Boo absolutely loved him. And the feeling was mutual. He adored them. They have a two-year-old Labrador that they’d brought with them for a meet and greet with Boo, and the dogs hit it off like they’d been besties forever. They lost their senior pittie six months ago, and they’ve been searching for another dog. When they saw Boo online, they knew he was the one.”

  “So, now what?”

  “Boo will spend a week with them as a test run, but it’s mostly a formality. I could feel their connection with him right away. It’s a done deal.”

  “That’s good, isn’t it?”

  She lifted her gaze to his and gave him what he considered the worst fake smile he’d ever seen. “It’s fantastic. I couldn’t be happier that Boo has found his forever home.”

  He could tell she was down and upset. “I’m sorry. I know you love him.”

  “I love all of them. And, yeah, it’s hard, but letting them go is part of the job. Otherwise they’d never end up in their happy places. Boo was so happy today. Once he met Savannah and Leo, he never once ran over to me for comfort. It was like I had ceased to exist.”

  He was sure that had to have hurt. “You know it’s because you gave him confidence and so much love that he was capable of feeling that free to love other people.”

  Her smile this time was genuine. “Oh, I know. And thank you for saying that. It means a lot.”

  “Hey, it’s true.”

  She stood and called the pups. “I’m going upstairs for a while. Thanks so much for watching the dogs.”

  “We had a great time.”

  He watched her walk inside, the dogs happily following her.

  She was upset. Sad. Her heart had been broken. She probably did want that alone time. He knew if it had been him, that’s what he’d want.

  He walked upstairs, intending to wash up, but then he heard her crying.

  Well, damn. He went to her door and knocked softly. “Hazel, can I come in?”

  It was a few seconds before she answered with, “Okay.”

  He opened the door. She was on her bed, sitting with the pillows propped up behind her. Her legs were crossed, and the dogs were on the bed with her. Her eyes were red rimmed and swollen, and tears ran down her face.

  “Is it okay if I sit here with you?”

  “You don’t have to do that. I just need to cry it out and then I’ll be fine.”

  He untied his boots and kicked them off, then climbed onto the bed next to her, much to Lilith’s irritation, which she addressed with a low growl. Hazel scooped her up and put the dog on her other side.

  “You might be fine tomorrow, or next week, or next month, but I get how much you love your dogs, and it’s okay to not be fine today.”

  She choked out a sob. “I really am happy he’s found his forever family. You have to understand that.”

  “I do.”

  “He’s just the best boy and I’m going to miss him so much.”

  “I know you will.” He put his arm around her, and she laid her head on his shoulder and cried while he comforted her the best way he knew how—just holding her.

  Eventually, Gordon climbed onto his lap and curled up into a ball, immediately going to sleep. Penny stretched out alongside his legs, and Freddie lay next to Hazel. This all felt . . .

  Comfortable.

  Weirdly comfortable. Even with Hazel crying, though eventually she stopped and sighed and blew her nose, but still lay there with her head resting against him. And until she decided she wanted to move away, he was going to stay just like this.

  Because sometimes you needed someone to offer comfort while you felt miserable and shitty. And this was one of those times.

  So he was going to be there for Hazel for as long as it took.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Hazel had barely gotten any sleep last night. How could she, when Boo had always managed to wriggle his way into the bed and press his chunky little body next to her?

  She’d warned Savannah and Leo about his propensity for sleeping in the bed. They had just happily smiled and said it was no problem at all. She’d told them he was a toy gatherer and carried one around with him all the time. In fact, he’d brought along the bunny that Linc had given him.

  Leo and Savannah said he was adorable.

  Of course they’d said that, because it was true. She’d truthfully lined out all of Boo’s bad habits, including the occasional backyard digging. They said he was a pup and they’d certainly work with him.

  Dammit, they had loved him. How could they not love him? He was sweet and cuddly and had the best smile.

  The problem was, Hazel had loved him, too, and giving him up had taken a piece of her heart. But she knew going into this job that every time she had to give up one of her babies, it was going to be painful. And every time she’d happily smiled and given that last hug to one of her foster dogs, it had hurt. It had also made her heart soar with happiness. And wasn’t that a conundrum.

  She’d get over this. She had before and she’d do it again. It was her job, and she loved it, even when it hurt.

  She got dressed and went downstairs to make breakfast. She was surprised not to see Linc already in the kitchen working, since he was usually up well before her. She let the dogs outside, then went to the guesthouse to make coffee.

  Linc was there sipping his coffee and brewing another cup for her. When it finished, he handed it to her.

  “Thanks,” she said, going to the fridge to grab the cream. She poured a small amount into her cup, then took a few life-affirming sips. “Did you sleep in this morning?”

  He shook his head. “No, I just had some calls to make. What are your plans for today?”

  “Plans?”

  “Yeah. It’s Saturday, Hazel. It’s the weekend.”

  “It is?” She’d kind of lost track.

  “Yeah. I thought it would be fun to drive to the beach with the dogs. You know, relax and have some fun.”

  She couldn’t quite comprehend the idea of taking the day off and going somewhere with Linc and the dogs. “Why would you want to do that?”

  He shrugged. “You had a rough day yesterday, and the beach is fun. Besides, I could use a break, too. What do you say?”

  Her mind was a jumble of thoughts, and a lot of emotion only added to the mix, so she didn’t answer him.

  “Say yes, Hazel. We’ll all have a good time.”

  Would they? Would she? More importantly, would Linc? She didn’t think he was fully aware of what a road trip with her—and more importantly, the dogs—would truly entail.

  “You know, it’s not easy maneuvering five—I mean four dogs.”

  “I think we can handle it. We’ll take my truck.”

  She winced. “My car is already dog proofed. How about we do that instead?”

  “Sure,” he said with a shrug. “If that makes you more comfortable, we’ll take your car. And I’ll drive.”

  She cocked her head to the side. “No you won’t. It’s my car.”

  “But I’m the guy.”

  She snorted out a laugh and walked past him, cup in hand. “Now I know you’re joking. I’m going to feed the dogs, then start breakfast.”

  After feeding the dogs, she made a quick scrambled egg and bacon wrap for them for breakfast, then they both went upstairs to get ready for their trip. Hazel didn’t truly understand why Linc would take a whole day off just to spend it with her. She was fine.

  Okay, she wasn’t exactly fine. She missed Boo. But that was just something she was going to have to get used to. It wasn’t the first time she’d fostered a dog who ended up leaving, and it wouldn’t be the last. Eventually, she’d get better at letting go.

  Hopefully.

  She should probably stop thinking of these dogs as hers. But how could she not fall in love with them and bond with them since they so clearly needed her? How was she supposed to maintain an emotional distance when they relied on her for everything, including love?

  She couldn’t. So she’d just have to suck it up and take the heartache whenever they left.

  Heartbreak should be something she was used to by now.

  She stood in front of the mirror and brushed her hair, then wound it up in a bun on top of her head while she glared at herself.

  “You sure are feeling sorry for yourself today, aren’t you?”

  Why, yes, yes, she was.

  Maybe she did need a nice day out at the beach. It would help clear her head—and her mood.

  She packed her backpack with essentials for the day, then headed downstairs and went into the garage to grab all the dog leashes and harnesses. She got those ready and tossed her backpack in the trunk.

  Linc came downstairs wearing shorts and a sleeveless shirt, looking tan and delicious and, wow, did he ever smell good. She had the sudden urge to follow him around and just breathe him in. Or maybe lick his neck. Maybe hump him a few times.

  She stopped and inhaled and exhaled.

  Fine, so maybe she needed to take a weekend off sometime and have awesome sex, because she was so easily distracted by good pheromones right now. And Linc? His were outstanding and definitely calling to her. Spending time in the car with him should be delightfully distracting.

  Maybe she should let him drive. Then she could take her time looking at him. And breathing him in.

  Deciding to focus her attention on the dogs, she called them inside and put on their harnesses, took them on a walk to wear off some of their excited energy, then, after they all got a post-walk drink, loaded them up in the back seat of the car.

  “How do they do in the car?” Linc asked as he peeked his head into the back seat while Hazel was getting them all tethered to the seat belts.

  “Mostly fine. Gordon has his blanket and will go to sleep. Penny and Freddie will look out the windows, and Lilith will want to be on my lap because she still gets a little nervous in the car, but she’ll be fine after about five miles.”

  “You’ve got this all down to a science, don’t you?”

  She nodded. “Pretty much.”

  “Then let’s go.”

  “Okay.” She scooped Lilith up in her arms, then handed Linc the keys. “You drive.”

  He arched a brow. “You sure?”

  “Yes. It’ll be easier for me to keep my eye on the pups.”

  “You got it.” He clutched the keys in his hands, immediately making an oof noise as he slid in. “I could have sworn you had long legs.”

  She got into the passenger side, rolling her eyes while he grunted and made adjustments to the driver’s seat.

  “Oh, come on,” she said. “It’s not that bad.”

  “You wouldn’t say that if your balls had just gotten crammed up your ass.”

  She laughed. “Well, when you put it that way, it does sound that bad. Sorry about your testicles. I hope you’ve stretched out enough now. Though when you put your seat far back like that—”

  Before she could warn him, Penny licked the side of his head.

  He swiped away the slobber. “Aww, come on, Penny. That’s gross.”

  Hazel turned around and smiled. This trip was going to be so much fun.

  * * *

  • • •

  Fortunately, it only took a little over an hour to get to the beach. But really, the dogs were fairly chill. Freddie was excited at first, and Linc could see why they were strapped in, because between Freddie and Penny, if they’d had the full run of the vehicle they might have been jumping into the front seat. But they finally settled after about twenty minutes and spent most of their time looking out the window. Freddie occasionally barked at a car next to him, which then got Penny’s dander up so she had to bark at whatever she saw out her window.