of respite from fear and stress. Her strength and courage tugged at him. So did her beauty. He was a guy, after all. He’d have to be dead not to appreciate her picturesque features. “I kissed her,” he admitted. “I haven’t kissed a woman since I lost Callie.”
Deke squeezed Rafe’s shoulder. “Don’t pass up the opportunity to see if you two have something special together.”
Maybe. Although he still felt tied to Callie, she was gone. Did he have the courage to risk his heart again? Provided, of course, that Kristi was interested in something beyond a kiss or two and an offer of friendship. Just because Callie overlooked his upbringing didn’t mean Kristi would be willing to do the same. Society princesses didn’t normally form relationships with street rats from the wrong side of town.
When Oliver dropped the frisbee at Kristi’s feet and sat, panting heavily, Deke led the dog to the watering station.
As Oliver drank his fill, Deke turned to Kristi. “What do you think of him?”
“He’s wonderful.”
“Would you be interested in giving him a home?”
Kristi’s eyes widened. “Me? I’ve never owned a dog. I don’t know the first thing about caring for one.”
“I’ll be glad to give you dog whispering lessons.” He smiled. “Really, all you need to do is give him food, water, exercise, and a ton of love. He’s house broken. Oliver will do the rest of the work in your relationship.”
She sat on the arena floor and hugged Oliver. The dog leaned against her and gazed up at her with adoration in his brown eyes, occasionally licking and nuzzling her face while he rested. “I love him,” she said, running her hand over his head and down his back. “But if I take him now, he might be hurt. The kidnappers weren’t gentle with me. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to Oliver.”
“I’ll keep him here and do more training with him until Wolf Pack resolves your problem. After you’re safe, you and Rafe can return to Otter Creek and pick up Oliver. When you do, I’ll teach you how to care for this sweet boy.”
She looked at Rafe, hope in her eyes. “What do you think?”
“I think you and Oliver are already a matched pair. If you want him, go for it. I’ll give you a hand with him when I’m in town. I’d enjoy playing with Oliver when I’m not on a mission.” And spending time with this beautiful woman.
A gorgeous smile curved her lips, tugging at his heart. “I’d like that.”
“Great.” Deke rubbed his hands together. “Oliver will need a good veterinarian to keep his shots up to date. You won’t have to deal with that for nine months or so. I’ll give you the names of vets we trust in and around the Nashville area. I’ll see if I can find one in Bakerhill before you come for him.”
“What do I owe you?”
“Nothing, Kristi. I’m just happy Oliver will be with someone who loves him.”
“What would have happened to him if I didn’t agree to take him?”
“I would have returned him to the animal shelter.”
Horror filled her eyes. “Dog jail?” She hugged Oliver close as though protecting him from that fate. “No way. I’m not sending him back to jail.”
Deke laughed. “It’s not quite that bad, but Oliver wasn’t a fan of the shelter.”
She rested her cheek on top of Oliver’s head. “Where will he stay until Rafe and I return?”
“With me and my family.” He winked. “No dog jail.”
“I can’t thank you enough for introducing me to Oliver. I promise that I’ll take good care of him.”
“I wouldn’t have offered you the opportunity to adopt Oliver if I believed otherwise.”
“We need to find the rest of Wolf Pack,” Rafe said. The operative bringing Kristi’s tracker jewelry should be arriving soon.
Kristi sighed and hugged Oliver close for a moment before getting to her feet. “Would it be okay if I stopped to see him before I leave town, Deke?”
“If you have time, sure. Don’t worry, Kristi. He’ll be waiting for you when you return to Otter Creek.”
“What if he forgets me?”
“Won’t take him long to fall for you all over again. Go take care of business, then come get your furry boy. I’ll keep him safe and happy for you. He might even know a trick or two when you return.”
Rafe walked with Kristi from the training arena to the main building. He stopped by the office.
Gloria, one of the office workers, brightened when she saw Rafe. “Back for a