Page 39 of Survive the Night
“To work? Every day?” Sarah stared at him. That sounded strange and uncomfortable and frankly unworkable. How would she tell a potential employer that she couldn’t be separated from her bodyguard? It would be like trying to get a job with Jeb in tow, except that Otto was much more attractive, and kinder, and, Sarah assumed, a much better kisser.
At the thought, her face grew warm with what she was sure was a bright-red blush.
“No.” His word came out grudgingly, as if Otto was wishing there was a way he could follow her around all the time. “Tomorrow. I’m going with you tomorrow. We’ll work something out for the rest of the time. One of us needs to be able to get to you quickly if you need help.”
“Okay.” It was such a relief that she hadn’t gained a new constant bodyguard that she didn’t even argue. Honestly, she didn’t really want to argue. It’d be reassuring to have Otto around as she ventured into public for the first time since Aaron had appeared, and she was perfectly happy having multiple cops close by. “We can go right after breakfast so we’re back before your bedtime.”
After Otto’s grunt of agreement, they ate in silence for a few minutes. Finally he said, “There’s a new dog in the barn. I’ll introduce you after breakfast. If she does okay with you and the other animals, we’ll move her into the house.”
“A new dog? From where?”
“A rescue from Nan’s. She’s out of space and getting more dogs.”
“It’s sad that there are so many homeless dogs.” Sarah was perfectly fine with having another companion for the lonely nights, although she’d have to push two cots together if they all ended up in the bunker again. It had been tight enough with only Mort and Bob joining her. “Are we going to pick up the puppies while we’re in town, too?” As much work as they were, she’d missed them.
“Yeah.” The word came out as a sigh. Otto looked tired. “The kids have school tomorrow, and Theo and Jules probably want a full night’s sleep.”
As she finished her breakfast, a warm curl of excitement pushed away the nerves that had been wearing at Sarah’s insides since fleeing Texas. It was fun—thrilling, even—to be staying with Otto and his ever-expanding collection of pets and the possibility of more kisses and the prospect of a job—her first ever. Best of all was that she’d stood up for herself, and he hadn’t slapped her down or insisted she stay at home or anything.
Despite everything, her new life was starting to take shape, and it was amazing.
* * *
“She’s very shy,” Otto warned a little bit later as they walked toward the barn. “I’ve been working with her for a couple of months, and it still takes a lot of time and treats to get her to come to me. She’ll let Sam approach her and leash her—Sam has a way with all the dogs—but she’ll still try to run from Nan if she’s able.”
“Okay,” Sarah said. “I’ll try not to scare her.”
“I don’t want you to be upset or think that you’re doing something wrong. It’s just how Xena is. Her previous owner caused a lot of damage.”
“What happened to her previous owner?” Sarah ducked into the barn with a shiver of relief. The wind seemed even sharper than it had the previous day.
“County jail.” Otto closed the door behind him and flicked on the lights. Despite the multiple bulbs, it still took Sarah’s eyes a moment to adjust to the dimness. “He was denied bail, since he’s skipped out on it before, so he’ll be locked up until his trial for dogfighting and a number of other charges. He’s a…” He paused. “He’s not a nice guy.”
“At least he’s paying for his crimes.” Sarah peered at the opening to the wooden doghouse and saw the quick flash of a light-colored muzzle as Xena peeked at them and then disappeared back inside. “I imagine that doesn’t happen often with these cases.”
“No, it doesn’t.” Otto gestured toward a few hay bales stacked against the wall. “This might take a while. Want to sit?”
Although the top bale looked a bit prickly, Sarah settled on it. It was more comfortable than she’d expected, since her jeans protected her from the scratchy hay. Scooting back, she leaned against the wall while Otto sat next to her. With his leg just a few inches from hers, Sarah couldn’t stop thinking about all the “roll in the hay” jokes. There was something wrong with her. Every time she got close to Otto, all her thoughts instantly went to sex. It was like he short-circuited her brain.
She cleared her throat, needing to change the direction of her thoughts before she overheated or blurted out something very, very inappropriate. “Do you think I’ll have any luck finding a job? I know that a lot of places are closed for the winter.”
He made a low humming sound. “True, but most of the employees have left. The places that stay open are short-handed. What kind of job are you looking for?”
“Anything really.” Although she hated to sound like a spoiled princess, she wanted to be honest, especially with Otto. “I’ve never had a job before.” She braced herself, waiting for his judgment, but he just made another of his humming sounds.
After a short pause, he said, “Since you’re flexible about the type of job, that’ll open up some options for you.”
Sarah looked at him, studying his profile as she wondered why she’d ever been worried about Otto being rude or condescending to her. He just wasn’t that way. Everything she’d heard him say had been thoughtful and kind. Even though she barely knew him, she felt like she could trust him. She understood why animals gravitated toward him. After all, she certainly felt his magnetic pull. “You’re such a good person.”
He glanced away. “Not really.”
“Yes, really.” When she saw how uncomfortable his shrug was, she changed the subject. “Have you always had a way with animals?”
“Pretty much.” He was quiet for a few moments, long enough that she thought he was done talking. “Animals are…easier than people.” He sent her a quick glance. “Most people.”
“True.” It was her turn to go quiet.
“Not you, though. You’re easy.” His face immediately flushed when she gave a choked laugh. “Not like that. You know what I mean.”
