Page 37 of Beyond the Badge: Crew

With a soft cry, the big dog leaned into him and he had to adjust his stance so he wouldn’t be knocked over. His fingers automatically dug into the fur at Murphy’s neck to give it a good scratch.

“Aw, Murph, he wasn’t talking about you.”

“Jesus, he’s heavy enough to knock me over.”

“He weighs more than me.”

He didn’t doubt that.

She pulled in a deep breath. “Anyway, thanks for this.”

He tipped his head.

“I’ll put a good word in with my dad.” The corners of her lips twitched.

“Great,” he muttered.

It was time for him to go. This was officially her space and he was considered a guest now.

“See you at 0800 in the morning.” He headed toward the door.

“Hey,” she called out just as he reached it.

He paused and turned.

“I still need to find a local dog walker I can trust. Do you mind if I bring Murphy with me tomorrow?”

“It’s a task force headquarters, not a stable.”

“He sleeps most of the day.”

His gaze dropped to the dog at her side, then returned to her face. Was she holding her breath?

That dog must mean a lot to her. Almost as much as his kids meant to him.

He pinned his lips together and nodded. “Fine. As long as he doesn’t create chaos and a mess.”

A smile lit up her face, making his heart thump wildly.

What the actual fuck?

“Murphy and I appreciate it. He’ll be an angel, I promise.”

“He better be,” Crew muttered and pulled open the door. “Lock up and set the alarm.”

“Yes, boss,” was the last he heard right before it closed behind him.

For fuck’s sake.

ChapterSeven

As soon ashe opened the door to the third floor, he did a double-take. He had forgotten it was “bring your pony to work” day.

Cabrera’s Irish Wolfhound took his time getting up from the dog bed next to her chair. Murphy stretched his huge body, yawned, then lumbered his way over to Crew.

When the dog got to him, the canine nudged his hand and gave him “poor me” eyes.

“He wants you to pet him,” the dog’s owner explained, as if Crew wasn’t already aware of that.

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