side, she noted the strong lines of his face as Joseph stared out over the water. It struck her that the listener felt right, but it definitely wasn’t the time. Heavy stories were best shared by people that would help carry the burden, not walk away.
They continued to sit quietly for a few moments, the gulls laughing in the distance and the herons walking on stilt legs as they hunted for their evening meal of crabs.
“Can I ask you something?”
She resisted the urge to quip that he just had asked a question and nodded instead.
“I saw Liam talking to you after the AL meeting and heard that he’s asked about some wild dogs around… maybe wolves or hybrids?”
Her forehead scrunched. “I know some of the local farmers have claimed to see something around, but there are no wolves in the Eastern Shore. They aren’t indigenous. Now, wild dogs? If they mean un-owned, running-loose dogs, that’s possible. But from what I’ve been told, it’s not like a pack has been seen. So, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. Well, I wouldn’t want an unvaccinated dog around children or other animals, but as to wolves and coyotes, we’re safe.”
“Good,” he mumbled, looking down at his hands.
Sucking in her lips, she wondered if there was something else on his mind.
“Liam seems like a nice guy,” he ventured.
“Yeah…” she agreed. “I don’t know him well, but he seems nice enough.”
“He’s single.”
She sniggered. “Are you interested?”
His head jerked around, his eyes wide. “No!” He hesitated, then dropped his eyes to her upturned lips and scowled. “I just wondered if you were.”
Her mirth eased as she witnessed the intensity of his gaze. Placing her hand on his arm again, she shook her head. “No, Joseph. Liam is a nice guy, but I’m not interested in him in any other way than friendship.”
He ducked his head and grinned. They continued to sit in silence for a few more minutes until Frodo came back over and looked at her with his soulful eyes. “I guess I’d better feed him.” They stood, dusted the sand off their butts, grabbed their boots, and walked back toward the camper. “I really appreciate you bringing me here.” She glanced toward the door before swinging her gaze back to him. “Would you like to come in? I know there’s beer in the fridge.”
He narrowed his eyes for a second, his head swinging around as though looking for something. “Um… sure. Don’t reckon I’ll turn down a free beer.”
They walked toward the camper, and she pulled a key out of her bag. Turning the lock, she swung the door open, giving Frodo a chance to bound inside first. Stepping in, she moved to the refrigerator and pulled out a beer. “I’ll call someone to get a ride into town when my truck is ready tomorrow.”
As he followed her inside, he said, “I’ll take you home tonight and will pick you up—” His words halted as his gaze shot around the interior of the camper.
Her brow lowered as she cocked her head to the side. “Home? But you did bring me home.”
His gaze continued to scan the small space before landing back on her. “You live here? I thought this was just a place where you checked on the dog.”
“Frodo is my dog. This,” she said, swinging her hand out, “is my home.”
“You live in a camper?”
Trying to ignore the incredulity in his voice as well as assumed derision, she propped her hands on her hips and stared up at him, eyes glaring. “I don’t live in a mansion, Joseph. I work all the time and most of my money goes right back into the business or one of the area shelters. Hell, I’ve forgiven more fees from people that can’t pay, but I’ve got to make sure my staff is paid. I’m sorry my accommodations don’t meet your approval!” She plopped down onto the small sofa, blinking to battle the gathering of moisture in her eyes, hating that she even felt like crying.
10
Joseph stood inside the camper, not knowing where to look first. Frodo jumped up to the bunk over the driver’s seat, so that’s where his gaze first landed. The area was long enough for two narrow mattresses, and from the looks of it, one was where Frodo made himself comfortable. Directly in front of him was a section that pushed out, housing the two-seater dinette set and sofa, both with overhead cabinets. Samantha had plopped onto the edge of the