Page 103 of Notorious

“You didn’t have to?—”

I kiss him again to silence his protest. “I know. Wait here. Or, actually, come inside. I have to get it out of the garage.”

“Okay,” he says, looking dubious but interested despite himself. Maybe he’s picking up on my enthusiasm. I tell him to take a seat on the couch and head downstairs.

In the garage, I open up the puppy crate and pull out the wriggling bundle of fur, holding her securely in my arms as I climb the stairs. I open the door and call out, “Close your eyes.”

“Sure, darlin’,” Johnny says, and as I walk up to him, I can see he’s obeyed.

The squirming puppy yips as I drop her into his lap.

Johnny’s eyes fly open, and his hands go around her immediately, as she jumps up and starts licking his face.

His face softer than I’ve ever seen it, he looks up at me and asks, “Who is this?” as if he daren’t hope she’s for him.

“Your Christmas present,” I say with a smile.

Johnny’s expression is indescribable. He seems so bowled over he’s about to cry. “Is she …”

“Yours. Ours.”

“I told you that y’all didn’t need to get me a dog,” he says, but he’s grinning.

“Yeah, I heard you. I just ignored it, because if there was ever a man who needs a dog, it’s you.” I pause. “She’s a rescue. Jules found her, actually. He said she’d be one you liked. They say she’s likely part golden retriever, part German shepherd, which makes me think she’ll be sweet and loyal.”

Like you, I think.

“I’ve always wanted my own dog,” he whispers, as he pets her floppy velvet ears and lets her climb up his chest.

“I know. And I think when she’s a little bigger, she’ll be able to go with you to work.”

I wouldn’t have thought he could get more excited. “Oh, yeah, she can definitely come with me to the ranch. You’ll be a help with the horses, won’t ya, girl?” he coos, stroking her belly and playing with her paws.

“You keep an eye on her. I’ve got more stuff to bring in,” I say, and go out to the garage.

When I return with my arms full, he laughs. “What didja do, buy a whole pet store?”

Grinning, I shake my head as I empty the bags on the table: a collar and leash, puppy chow and dog bowls, toys and treats.

“What do you want to name her?” I ask, coming over and scratching her ears.

“She doesn’t have a name yet?”

I shrug. “Whatever they called her at the shelter, that doesn’t matter. You’re her dad, so you get to name her.”

Johnny studies her, his face soft and happy. “Well, I reckon she’s a little lady, so I think that’s her name, isn’t it? Lady. I know it ain’t an unusual name, but it seems like her.”

“Then Lady it is.” I go to leave, but Johnny reaches out and snags my wrist, tugging me to him for a kiss.

“Thank you,” he whispers fervently. He snuggles his nose into Lady’s fur and inhales what I know is that sweet clean-puppy smell. “This is the best thing anyone’s ever done for me. I’ve just always … I’ve always wanted a dog.”

“And now you have one.”

“I’ve always wanted a boyfriend, too.”

“You have one of those, too.”

I kiss him again, and he whispers, “Thanks,” against my lips.

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