Page 45 of Make Me Trust Again
“I think he could be a good K9, or if not, maybe a search and rescue. He has a lot of energy, and I think with proper training, he could be a good working dog.”
Maisie tilts her head to the side, mulling over my words. “I can see that. He’s really energetic, so he’d need an active family, but if you wanna give it a try…”
“I’ll look into it. Now, if you don’t need me, I think we’ll get out of here.”
“Actually, I was thinking…” There is no missing the hope shining on her face. “A few of us are going to grab dinner. You could join us?”
I wince inwardly. “I’m not really the best company, Mae.”
“Because you’re not trying. You can’t hide forever, Chase, you know.”
I can damn well try.
She must see the determination on my face because she sighs. “We’ll be at The Hut if you change your mind.”
I nod noncommittally. “Call me if you need anything.”
Putting the car in park, I kill the engine and get out. I turn around to wait for Shadow, but she’s already jumped out of the open window.
“Show-off.” I close the door and walk around to find her waiting for me. “You know, one day you’ll face-plant, and I’ll just point out that I told you so.”
Shadow huffs, clearly calling my bluff.
“C’mon, we’ve still got work to do.”
I stop by the counters that are still outside, the dark gray wood shining in the late afternoon light. It took a few coats of paint to get the color just right and have it dry properly, but it’s finally done, so I’m hoping to put it all back in place tonight.
I start for the door when I notice Shadow’s not following me. Glancing over my shoulder, I find her gaze locked on the woods. She tilts her head to the side, her ears standing at attention for a second before she looks in my direction and lets out a soft whine.
Running my hand over my face, I let out a sigh. “Don’t take too long.”
She doesn’t need to be told twice before she dashes between the trees. Usually, she liked to chase squirrels, but now, I wasn’t so sure what got her attention, squirrels or our new neighbors.
My gaze darts toward the direction of the cottage. Were they home? From here, I can’t see anything, so I can’t be sure, and it’s not like I’ve noticed any kind of pattern to their comings and goings.
It’s none of your business.
Shaking my head, I turn around and go inside, not bothering to close the door. Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge that is still standing in the hallway, I take in the space. This morning, I took off all the protective tape I’d put down before painting the walls and mopped the floors, so I can bring in the cabinets inside and put everything together once again. Tossing the used bottle, I first move the fridge back in place before making my way outside.
“What’re you doing?” a voice asks me just as I’m lifting one of the cabinets.
My fingers tighten around the wood as I straighten to my full height, and sure enough, Kyle and Shadow have snuck up on me on my right side, which is why I haven’t heard them approaching.
“Bringing these inside.”
Kyle nods, his tongue sliding over his teeth. Or better said, the gap in them.
He notices my gaze and grins. “My tooth fell out yesterday.”
“I can see that. And we didn’t even have to pull it out.”
“No.” He giggles, shaking his head. “And I got ten dollars for it!”
My brows shoot up. “You should introduce me to that tooth fairy of yours.”
“I didn’t see her, silly. She sneaks into your room late at night, takes your tooth, and leaves the money and fairy dust.”
“The best kind of visitor.”
