Colton 911--Soldier's Return by Karen Whiddon

Author:Karen Whiddon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-01-08T12:21:35+00:00

* * *

After stopping by the kitchen to grab a handful of dog treats, Carly walked quietly into her bedroom. She could see the shine of Bridget’s eyes from her spot under the bed. Carly sat down on the floor, making no move toward the still-terrified animal, and simply began to speak softly to her. She repeated the same words and phrases, even though the dog most likely didn’t understand them, telling her over and over again that she was safe, she was loved and everything would be all right.

She placed a dog treat in the space between her and the bed, where Bridget could see it, and continued talking. Eventually, as Carly had expected she might, the dog inched closer, her nose twitching.

Careful not to make any sudden moves, Carly placed another dog treat on the floor, closer to her this time. After Bridget scarfed down the first one, she came all the way out from under the bed, got the second and crawled into Carly’s lap.

Carly gathered her close, still crooning, and stroked her silky fur. At first, the dog trembled, but eventually even that stopped.

The front door opened, which meant Micha had returned from his chat with her younger brother. At the sound, Bridget stiffened and raised her head. “It’s just Micha,” Carly told her, hoping her new pet understood. When the dog gave a quick thump of her tail, Carly thought she might.

When Micha appeared in the doorway, Bridget let out a low woof. More of a greeting than a warning. Micha got down on his haunches and Bridget wiggled her way over to him on her belly. “Such a good girl,” he said, scratching Bridget behind the ears. He glanced at Carly over the dog’s head. “Still okay?”

She nodded. “Still okay.”

“Do you need help getting up?”

“No, I’m good.” Though she felt stiff, Carly climbed to her feet. “Is everything all right with you and Jones?”

“Sure.” Micha rose, too, beckoning her to follow. “He didn’t read me the riot act, if that’s what you’re asking. He just asked me to try to talk you into staying somewhere else until this mess is figured out. Which you have to admit does make sense.”

They’d reached the kitchen. Bridget went immediately for her water bowl. Carly eyed Micha, trying to think. “Both the car exploding and having my house shot at are terrifying,” she admitted. “But I hate to let some crazy person drive me out of my own home. Plus, where would I go? I don’t want to stay with Heath or Jones. You live in a hotel. And my dog needs an outdoor space like I have here.”

“I could rent a place,” he offered, dragging his hands through his longish, wavy brown hair. Two years ago, he’d worn it short, in a military cut. She liked it better this way, she thought. The longer cut made him look sexy, almost roguish. More like a pirate than a soldier. Though bad boys had never been her type, Micha made her want to change her mind.

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