Lena’s Lucky Charm by Tami Franklin

Author:Tami Franklin [Franklin, Tami]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Calava Press
Published: 2019-03-17T04:00:00+00:00

Gage had forgotten how much work a new puppy could be. In their first twenty-four hours together, she'd chewed up three of his shoes—all lefts, by the way, she apparently didn't care for the rights—peed on the carpet, howled all night until he allowed her to sleep curled up on his bed, and ripped open the dog food bag while he was in the shower, leaving the kitchen floor covered in kibble.

And a bloated puppy.

He hadn't come up with a name just yet. The ones he'd been calling her probably weren't safe for mixed company.

On Monday, he brought her to the station with him, unwilling to risk leaving her in his house alone. He had too many things that he didn't want chewed or peed on, and he figured it would be good for her socialization to hang out with him at work.

She did pretty well, all things considered. For the most part, she lay in her little bed in the corner, chewing on the sneaker she'd claimed as her own, between trips out behind city hall to let her do her business.

But by lunchtime, the puppy was restless, and Gage figured he could use a break as well. So he headed over to the diner to pick up a sandwich, parking a few blocks away to allow the pup some exercise.

It was a complete coincidence that he ended up on Main Street, walking right past McKenna's Creamery.

Gage faltered a bit when he spotted Lena outside the shop, using a drill on a huge, wooden ice cream cone. He thought for a moment about turning the corner and going down the next street before she saw him—then mentally slapped himself, wondering why he'd even consider something so ridiculous. He was back to wanting to run when the pup let out a yip, and at the sound, Lena turned toward him.

Too late, you big coward.

He continued toward her, acting like he hadn't just been having a crisis in the middle of the sidewalk, smiled and nodded. “Lena,” he said.

“Sheriff,” she replied before dropping to her knees. The puppy flopped into her lap, wriggling wildly and licking her face.

She laughed. “Who is this?”

Gage cleared his throat. “I'm not sure.”

“She's not yours?” Lena looked up at him, the dog chewing on her hair. She pulled it gently away.

“Oh, she's mine,” he said. “But I've only had her for a couple of days. I haven't figured out a name yet.”

“Oh no,” she said, pursing her lips at the pup and speaking in a low voice as she squished her face. “You don't have a name yet? But you're so cute. Yes, you are.” The puppy licked her nose in agreement. “How about Deputy?” she suggested.

He frowned. “Why would you name a dog Deputy?”

“Well, you're the Sheriff, so . . .” She grinned.

He glared at her without heat. “Chief.”

She shrugged and got to her feet. “How about Outlaw?”

“Nope,” he said. “My pup is a law-abiding citizen.”

“Oh, that's no fun,” Lena said with a smirk that made his breath catch.

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