“You should bring Cissy over to play,” Isaac said. “I bet they’d have a ball.”
“I will.” He nodded. If he didn’t know any better, he’d think Isaac was using the long way to ask him out.Nah.“If you’re sure about Stan, we can go inside and do the paperwork. I’ll get his things and meet you in the conference room. The girls will take you and Stan in there to go over the papers and such. It gives you more space to play with him too.”
“No one is going to give me a hard sell to adopt the dog?”
“Nah. The conference room is laid out so you can play with the dog or cat while we’re getting your papers together.” Len shook hands with Isaac. His skin tingled from the touch. He sucked in a ragged breath and hoped he didn’t look nervous. He hadn’t felt giddy and confused like this with anyone in a while. Was it just Isaac? Or Len’s nonexistent libido finally coming out of hibernation?
“Oh. Sounds good.” Isaac stayed beside Len. “Thanks. You made this so easy. If I were left to my own devices, I’d end up adopting everyone.”
“I know. I’m the same way. That’s why I volunteer. I can see them all and make sure they go to good homes.” Len nodded, then opened the door for Isaac, Cissy and Stan.
“Smart.” Isaac ducked into the building. Stan happily trotted beside him.
Cissy followed them, leaving Len behind. Pride swelled within Len. He loved his volunteer jobs and the critters at the shelter. He made a difference. Being there kept him busy and healthy. Plus, he didn’t have to think about being lonely. “I’ll meet you up front.”
Isaac waved. “Thanks.”
He stood just inside the building with Cissy. He shouldn’t look at Isaac with such longing, but he couldn’t help himself. He watched the sway of Isaac’s ass as he walked and the pull of the denim on Isaac’s hips. The T-shirt pulled across Isaac’s back like a second skin and showcased the muscle on his taut body.Oh, shit.Len couldn’t help how he felt—lonely, aroused, confused and longing for someone. Christ, he was too old for this. He had at least twenty years on Isaac. Besides, Isaac was probably with someone.
He shook his head. He needed to think about someone or something else besides Isaac and his luscious ass.
Chapter Four
Isaac filled out the last of the paperwork.Good grief.He’d dealt with less red tape and confusion at his office. Most of the questions could be done on a tablet and answered faster if they could be typed. The shelter would use less paper and maybe save money.
A girl strode into the room. “I’m glad you’ve adopted Stan. He’s been here a long time,” she said. “I thought Len would end up taking him home. Len must like you if he recommended Stan. He’s protective of the dogs…and cats.”
“He’s good with personalities,” Isaac said.Good with personalities? Oh boy.Who was he kidding? He’d wanted Len to notice him and wanted Len to see the veiled come-on as a blunt one.
“Uh-huh.” She finished the paperwork. “Let me get your tags and the file on Stan.” She left him alone in the conference room.
He scooped Stan into his arms and petted the dog. He was glad he’d stopped at the shelter. Finding Stan was a boon. The dog was a good boy, and he needed someone as much as Isaac needed Stan.
He could imagine Len adopting Stan. The guy had a big heart.Len…He sighed. He should’ve been blunt with him. Should’ve come right out and said he liked him. They had chemistry. They fell into conversation easily, and the heat in his belly wasn’t a fluke. He knew Len’s age. For fifty-nine, the guy looked hot. Len took care of himself and kept busy. With the color back in his hair, he appeared easily to be ten years younger than his age.
But Len didn’t seem remotely interested.
“Here you go.” The girl returned and handed Isaac an envelope. “The tag, the veterinarian files we have, his shot records and your proof he’s up to date on his rabies vaccinations are in there along with the license. You’re ready.” She patted Stan. “Good luck, pup. You’ve got a good one.” She smiled, then turned her attention to Isaac. “You’ve got a good pup too.”
“Thanks.” He placed Stan on the floor. “Let’s go, Stan.” He stood while Stan shook and wagged his tail. He danced around Isaac’s feet.
“He’s so happy.” She clapped. “I didn’t think he’d ever brighten up. I’m so glad.” She waved. “Bye, guys!”
“Thanks,” he said again. Isaac led Stan through the building out to the parking lot. Len stood by his car and helped Cissy into the back seat of the compact vehicle.
His heart leaped and he ogled Len’s ass. The jeans fit him well, and from a distance, he seemed younger.
“Hi,” Isaac called. “Best decision ever.”
Len grinned. “Told you.” He rolled the windows down in the car. “It’ll be a little chaotic settling in, but it’ll work out.”
“I’m sure.” He wanted to say more, but he didn’t know what. “Do you ever go to Bark Place? The coffee shop for pets and people?” He’d never been to the coffee establishment, but that didn’t matter.
“Have you been there?” Len asked.
“No, I usually get my coffee from the hospital, and they never have good coffee. It’s strong and will keep you awake, but it doesn’t taste good.” Was he rambling? “Would you want to go tonight? Cissy and Stan seem to like each other and would enjoy going there. It might be a nice place to just talk.”
Len smiled. He didn’t speak right away and instead scratched Cissy behind the ears. He chuckled. “Why not?” He met Isaac’s gaze. “I’d like to. How about right now?”