Return to Virgin River (Virgin River #19) - Robyn Carr Page 0,29

the porch. The sun was just sinking below the horizon.

“I have an arts festival in Oregon this weekend,” Landry said. “I’m going to stay over but the following weekend I’ll be in Grace Valley for their Art Walk. That’s close enough that I’ll be coming home at night, but late. You should consider checking it out. You might like it.”

“I’ll plan on it.”

“I have four shows in a row. September and October are my busiest months; there’s a lot to get ready and pack up. But with the dogs gone, I hope we can still fit in the occasional dinner. And I think it’s time, Kaylee. Time for you to get a little closer to Otis.”

“Oh, I bet Otis doesn’t mind that I haven’t been in his bubble...”

“Tomorrow. I’ll make spaghetti. My father’s recipe, which is open the jar and heat it up. Can you come over at four? You and Otis will meet and I’ll reward your courage with dinner.”

Her first thought was that she probably wouldn’t have much of an appetite if she was sharing space with a dog.

“Be brave. You’ll be so glad you did.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure.”

In the end, she agreed. But she wasn’t doing it because she wanted to conquer her fear of dogs. She was doing it because she loved spending time with Landry.

* * *

Kaylee knew she was wound a little too tight when she knocked on Landry’s door. He opened it and immediately pulled her hand into both of his.

“Sweaty palms,” he said. “I think we’ll begin to end that now. There is Otis.” He pointed to the mat behind him where Otis sat, alert and patient. “I told him you have a nervous condition and to wait on his mat until he’s called.”

“I’m sure he understood every word.”

“Sometimes it seems so. Now I want you to look at him and say his name and that he should come.” She was frozen silent. “It’s okay, Kaylee. I’m right here.”

“Otis, come,” she said very softly. The dog slowly walked toward her.

“You might want to give him a soft pat and tell him he’s good.”

She did so, though her hand shook.

“Try s-i-t,” he suggested, spelling it. Before she could get the words out, Otis sat, making Landry laugh. “Okay, here’s a better way. I’m going to give him a few training commands and then I want you to do it. Otis, come.” The dog sat at his side instantly. “Heel, heel, heel,” he said, and Otis walked at his knee, even as Landry turned. “Good boy,” he said, petting him. “Sit,” he said, and the dog obeyed. “Down,” he said, and the dog was on his belly. “Stay,” he said, then turned and walked away. From the other side of the room, he said, “Otis, place.” Otis went immediately to his mat. “You are good, Otis.” He turned to Kaylee. “Have a go.”

Kaylee took a deep breath and put Otis through his paces, her voice a little bit nervous, but Otis just looked up at her adoringly and did exactly as she asked. She did that several times. She gave him a pat and told him he was a good boy each time, and when she was ready to be done, she told him to go to his place. But first he lay on his back with his paws up, looking for a belly rub.

“No, Otis,” Landry said. “Go to your place.” The dog got up wearily, probably disappointed. “You can give him a belly rub if you feel like it,” Landry said.

Kaylee sheepishly went to the mat, looked down at Otis and said, “Otis, roll over.” The dog rolled over for her. Her eyes and mouth both got big and round. She reached down and gave him a gentle scratch on the belly. Then she told him to stay and went back to the kitchen. “Wine,” she said.

“You did great,” Landry said with a laugh. “Are you comfortable that Otis won’t hurt you?”

“I guess so,” she said. “But I’m not going to make any fast moves.”

Landry smiled at her. He poured a glass of wine for her and she sat up at the breakfast bar.

“Otis is very smart,” Landry said. “Too smart for his own good sometimes. He knows how to open his door, for example. And even though that door opens into the backyard, which is fenced, he can jump the fence. I’ve pulled up to the house to see him waiting on the front porch. If you see him outside,