Sunset Bay Sanctuary by Roxanne Snopek

Author:Roxanne Snopek [Snopek, Roxanne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2017-10-06T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“I’ve never seen such well-cared for animals. Don’t come looking for fancy living quarters but if you are looking for a great getaway, fresh air, exercise and maybe a bit of personal growth, you won’t regret visiting the ranch.”

—Kelly Ridgeway

Haylee smoothed her Sanctuary Ranch T-shirt over her denim shorts as she looked over the obstacles she’d arranged in the yard. It was going to be a warm one today and she was glad Aiden had agreed to see her on his day off this morning instead of this afternoon.

To see her dogs, she amended. Not her.

That kiss had been a mistake, a product of oysters, overactive imagination and an awakening libido. She needed to stay focused. Fortunately, she had a session with Athena Fiori scheduled before he arrived. That ought to get her mind back on business.

She let the dogs out, a barking, tumbling mass of energy and joy, bracing herself as Hannibal launched himself at her. Cleo popped around as if her legs had springs in them. Buddy, the Border collie, greeted her politely, and then moved to check the fence line. They all needed to work off some steam before she let them meet Athena. She bent down, ruffling coats, stroking ears, rubbing, patting, thumping.

As she waited for Athena to arrive, Haylee thought about their latest guests. The Fioris were proving to be a challenge for everyone. The father, Daemon, considered himself an expert on everything from organic gardening to horseback riding and shared his knowledge freely, accompanied by numerous suggestions on how the ranch could be improved. This meant a lot of gritted teeth and careful word wrangling to correct the information he was giving his children, without making him look like an idiot in the process.

Angel, the mother, had spent the first two mornings walking in circles in the yard, checking the step count on the activity tracker she wore on her wrist. Olivia quickly had enough of that; today Angel’s job was to assist Gideon in bringing in the horses from the west pasture, for their fall veterinary care. On foot.

The kids seemed normal enough, for children cursed with the handles Athena and Xerxes. That ought to be considered child abuse, according to Daphne. The cook had taken to calling the girl “Tena” but for the boy, she stuck with “honey,” “sweetie,” or “young man.”

Athena called him “Jerk-Face.” But only when her parents weren’t around.

Haylee had realized almost immediately that Athena’s interest in animal behavior was about on par with her father’s knowledge of horses. But she’d signed up for Dog Training 101, so that’s what she’d get.

“I’m here,” said Athena, from behind the gate.

Haylee quickly put everyone but Jewel back inside. “Come on in.”

She waited to release the dog’s collar until Athena had latched the gate. Jewel bolted toward the girl as fast as her legs would allow, delighted to meet a new friend. Athena’s reaction made Haylee suspect her underwear was in peril.

“Stand your ground and don’t look at her until she settles.

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