Page 23 of Pick Your Spot

Thea’s laugh was full of joy as the dog wiggled down and trotted over to Knox. He set down the cooler and squatted to greet and rub down the dog.

“He does it the first time he sees me every day. When we cross paths later on, he only asks for a rubdown. Just like what you’re doing now. He’s a friendly guy.”

Knox ruffled Fox’s fur. “You sure are, Fox. My Fox would have liked you. He loved all animals, and you’re a pretty great dog.”

Fox wagged his tail hard enough to ruffle Thea’s bags. She picked them up, and Knox grabbed the cooler, thankful for the dog. Both because he filled Thea’s life and for the protection he provided her.

As they walked through the orchard, Knox realized he had more insight into Thea now. An intelligent, sexy, and intriguing woman who wasn’t aware of her worth.

He wanted to kick the ass of whoever had caused her lack of confidence.

Thea led the way to her cabin, grateful to Fox for appearing at the right moment. As Jay had said, the dog always fixed whatever ailed her.

The cabin wasn’t far and she smiled when it came into view. It felt more like home than any of the places she’d lived before. While she’d had more than one fantasy of living in the farmhouse one day, this was a cozy, safe place. A place that was all hers.

Fox raced ahead and flew around the cabin like he always did. She didn’t know if he was excited for the treats she kept inside or if he was ensuring her home was safe.

Knox laughed that deep, sexy chuckle of his. “That is some dog. Is he always this happy?”

She bumped open the door with her hip. “Pretty much. Fox loves living in the orchard and seems to care for anyone who helps tend it.”

“I’m hoping I’ll be one of those people.”

She turned to find him watching the dog with a soft smile.

“Me too.” Oops, she hadn’t meant to say that aloud. The even softer smile Knox aimed in her direction made her glad she had.

Being in such close quarters in the truck meant her body was alive and alight. The man exuded pheromones and sexiness. Add in his kindness, intelligence, and the fact that he was a real-life hero, and he was irresistible. It was a really great fantasy and would keep her warm at night.

Thea led the way inside. At least she didn’t need to worry about her space embarrassing her. Growing up in other people’s houses meant she knew how to be neat. No dishes sat in the sink. No dirty clothes were visible.

Fox bounced inside the cabin and toured the small space while Knox set the cooler down beside her mini-fridge. He looked around the room and it wasn’t even a moment before he was grinning. “This is great. It’s cozy and homey.”

He moved to the photos she’d tacked to her cork board along with her grocery list. As always, seeing Jay and knowing he was gone made her eyes misty.

Knox pointed at the one of her and Jay posing with Fox beside the compost. “He looks so happy, so proud. And he looks a lot like my Fox. It’s obvious they were brothers.”

The other photos were ones Jay had taken. Even a selfie of the two of them laughing at one of his lame jokes. It always made her smile.

“Even Fox giving you his morning hug. That’s my favorite.”

She smiled. “Fox likes that one, too.”

The dog sat beneath the shelf where she kept his treats. She didn’t know what the dog ate during the day. Jay had tried leaving dog food around the property but the dog ignored the bowls. The food attracted other wildlife, so he had stopped. Fox was well-fed and healthy so she tried hard not to think about what he ate.

But he liked his treats. Salmon, beef, chicken. And especially peanut butter. He even took peanut butter right off the spoon.

Thea opened the container and held up the treat.

Keeping his eyes on her, Fox sat up as high and pretty as he could. “High five.”

Fox reached up his paw and slapped her hand.

“Roll over.”

He did.

“Dance.”

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