Page 84 of I Knew He Was Trouble
She’s definitely right about one thing: I’m the luckiest man in the world because Kelsey flips my hand over, wrapping her fingers between mine, and she doesn’t pull away for the remainder of the drive into town.
When I park at the local dog shelter, Kelsey gasps. “What are we doing here?”
“I know how much you love dogs.” I hop out of the car and jog around to her door, opening it before she can. The excited look in her eyes makes me feel like I just won the lottery. “So, I couldn’t think of a better way to start our date than volunteering at the shelter.”
“You thought right.”
We head inside, and the volunteer coordinator leads us to the back. She talks through the volunteer form I filled out in advance and gives us leashes before taking us to the dogs.
Kelsey grabs my hand and squeezes tight. “They’re so cute.” It almost looks as if she might cry. I don’t have anything against dogs, but I don’t think they could ever bring me to tears. Okay, except for sad dog movies—I’m convinced you’re not human if you don’t cry during those.
The coordinator motions to the sign on the kennel in front of us. “We use a number system for our volunteers. Ones are the easier, more mild-tempered dogs, and fives are the harder ones to walk, usually reserved for the repeat volunteers. A five doesn’t necessarily mean they’re aggressive; it could just be because they’re strong and pull hard on walks.”
Once she’s given us the tour of the rest of the facility, she asks, “Any questions?” Kelsey and I shake our heads. “Wonderful. Just make sure you note on the dog’s chart once you’ve walked them and sign out at the front desk before you leave.” She waves over her shoulder. “Yell for me if you need anything.”
I leash up a level two dog that looks like a lab mix, but Kelsey walks up and down the aisles until she finds a level four dog who doesn’t have many walks noted on his list.
She kneels on the ground and pets him. “You just want a walk like all the other dogs, huh? Isn’t that right, Romeo?”
“With a name like that, he must be a little lover boy.” I lean down and pet the boxer.
Kelsey leans down and pets his face. “He is the sweetest boy. Yes, he is.” She has a real way with dogs because this “difficult” dog is like putty in her hands, wagging his tail and licking her hand.
We head outside and walk through the park area behind the shelter.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do on dates?” She shoots me a wry smile.
“Hilarious.” I clear my throat. “Why do you work so many jobs if dogs are what you’re the most passionate about?”
“How do you know they’re what I’m the most passionate about?”
“You’re good at everything I’ve seen you do, but it’s written all over your face.”
She stops walking, looking out at the falling leaves around us. “If I tell you something, do you promise not to make fun of me?”
“I can make no such promises.” I nudge her arm when her face falls. “I’m kidding. You can tell me anything.”
“My dream is to open a dog rescue.”
“Why would I make fun of you for having a dream?”
“You don’t think it’s a stupid childhood fantasy?” Kelsey looks up at me through her lashes, her vulnerable eyes searching mine.
“Stupid?” I scoff. “You want to help dogs in need. That’s incredibly selfless.” I intertwine my fingers with hers. “You’re never too old to chase your dreams. In fact, I think it’s one ofthe bravest things you can do. To never stop believing in your dreams, to never give up on them even when they may seem out of reach.”
Kelsey swipes at her eyes, lifting her wrist with the leash. “You think I can do it?”
I shake my head. “Iknowyou can.” She smiles, and it’s like a straight shot of serotonin to my heart. “Is that why you’ve worked yourself to the bone? You’re saving money to open a dog rescue?”
“Yeah, and I’m close to having the funds I need now, thanks to this handsome, generous doctor who hired me to be his niece’s nanny.” Kelsey flips her hair over her shoulder.
“Is that so? He sounds like a swell guy.”
“Swell?” She nudges my side with her elbow. “What is this, the 1800s?”
“Maybe I’m just trying to be a gentleman for you.”
