Hennessey's Handler (Protect and Serve #4) - Pandora Pine Page 0,35
family dogs,” I said absentmindedly. I knew my father had a litter of puppies that would be ready to whelp soon. Maybe Saxon and Dallas would be interested in getting the girls a dog. “Do you think the girls are old enough to help take care of a puppy?”
Nate nodded. “Especially if you train the dog ahead of time. Teach it commands and housebreak it. After that, the girls could feed and water the pup. The dads would have to deal with the scat, trips to the vet, and all the rest. If the little one is still dealing with a bit of anxiety, a puppy would give her something else to focus on, aside from her parents and their rules.”
It wasn’t the worst idea I’d heard. “I’ll talk to my father and then get with Hennessey before I make a decision.”
“How are things with your old man?” Nate asked carefully.
“Hell if I know. I haven’t spoken to him in months.” We each had our own lives to lead. At least that was what Dad had repeatedly told me.
“Would he be interested in this new relationship, or is he still struggling with the gay thing?” Nate’s grin soured as if he already knew the answer to his question.
“It’s complicated.” It wasn’t. Not really. Drummond was too busy with his own business interests to give much credence to my sexuality. “I can’t imagine Dad being interested in my dating life or the idea of grandkids.”
“Has he told you that specifically?” Nate prodded.
“Well, no.” My father and I never had a conversation about my future beyond me working at the kennel and showing dogs for him.
“Maybe this could be a second chance for the two of you. Hennessey is a good man with standing in the community. The same goes for his family. Your father might be impressed with the McCoys. He might even give little Lola a puppy on the house.”
I wouldn’t go that far. My father never gave anything away for free. “I’ll talk to Hennessey about it.” I was sure Lola and Sophie would be over the moon. Dallas and Saxon might have a different opinion. Both men looked like they could use a week’s worth of naps.
“Are things progressing with Hennessey?” Nate batted his eyelashes.
“I don’t know.” I sighed. I really didn’t. “We had a little time to chat at lunch last week and then we were baiting and hauling lobster traps on Saturday.”
“What about yesterday at the party?”
“We didn’t really have any alone time. With the girls mobbing him and his entire family there.” I shrugged. “Don’t get me wrong, I had a great time. Everyone was happy to have me as a guest. It’s interesting getting to know Hennessey the family man, although this relationship is sort of in reverse.”
“What do you mean?” Nate’s gaze had moved to Ahab, who was napping.
“Usually, you get to know the man and then his family. We’ve barely gotten to know each other at all.” What I was looking forward to was snuggling on the sofa and kisses. Lots of long, steamy kisses. I couldn’t wait to feel his scratchy beard against my skin.
“So, change things. Ask him out and plan the date yourself.” Nate seemed sure his idea was a good one.
“What the hell do people even do on dates anymore? Dinner and a movie?” It seemed so bland and common.
“What about doing an escape room or a night at a video arcade and a walk along the beach? Hampton Beach in New Hampshire has a great strip with restaurants, candy shops, arcades, and souvenir stores. They have a bandstand with live music and the beach is beautiful.”
“That’s not a bad idea.” If we went up to New Hampshire we might be able to avoid Stan. Especially if I planned the date and kept it all a secret. “I’ll look it up online.”
“You’d be able to have a quiet dinner and stroll the beach hand-in-hand.” Nate sighed before fanning his face.
I couldn’t help but feel a bit romantic myself.
“Now that your love life is under control, how about we get back to work? I’m putting together the next class of handlers. Do you have room in your schedule? Class is going to start two weeks from tonight.”
I looked through my phone and saw that I’d be available. “Yeah, I’m good to go.” I missed being back in the classroom. Working with Ahab was great, but training new dogs and their handlers was what made me the happiest.