Page 31 of All Your Reasons Why

“We could ask,” I suggest.

“And get Harrison’s hopes up and then break his heart if it turns out that they can’t have a puppy?”

Well, when she put it like that ...

She continues, “Puppies are canine toddlers who require a lot of time, attention, and training. Harrison’s parents are already dealing with a child who is in the hospital. Remember Harrison told us they were at work but they took turns getting days off to come visit him? They’re going to have even less time than most people to train a new puppy. And if you leave a new puppy home alone all day long at this young age, it’s going to be miserable.”

Unfortunately, every single point that she is making is a great one. The only dogs I’ve ever been around are fully grown dogs owned by my friends. I didn’t really think about what a puppy needs.

The puppy nestles into my arms, rests his head on my shoulder, and lets out a deep, long sigh. Something in my heart melts. “So ... I should return it?” I scrunch up my face in dismay at the thought.

She shakes her head at me as I cradle the dog. “You can’t return a dog. That’s just cruel.”

The dog snuggles in my arms, and I feel tension leaving my body as I stroke his silky fur. Wow, this little guy is better than a bourbon. He’s better than a professional massage.

I make a face. It’s possible I’m pouting. “I had plans for how this going to go,” I protest, even though I know she’s right. “I was going to suggest that Harrison name him—”

“Do not say Rover,” she interrupts. “So cliché.”

“Puck,” I protest indignantly. “I was going to name him Puck. I mean, Harrison was.” I slip my hand underneath the dog and rub his fuzzy little belly. He groans in delight.

“That’s actually pretty cute.” Rowan nods approvingly. “Let’s see, who do we know who obviously loves dogs, and who has enough money to pay for a dog sitter to take care of his dog every day?”

I consider for a moment. Which one of my teammates is she talking about? And how does she know them well enough to know which ones like dogs? And why does that thought piss me off?

Then it hits me.

“Are you talking about me?”

I stare down at the little fuzzball in dismay.

“Looks like you are now a proud puppy parent.”

“Oh,” I groan. “What have I done?” I don’t know the first thing about taking care of an infant canine. Obviously.

“What, indeed,” she agrees with me. “I work all the time and can’t afford a dog sitter and my apartment building doesn’t allow pets. Otherwise, I’d offer to take him. Can I hold him for a minute?”

“Nope,” I scowl. “I’m annoyed at you for being right.”

“Wow, you must be annoyed at me constantly.” Her eyes twinkle with mischief.

“You have no idea.” I lean down, kiss the top of the dog’s head, and then realize what I’ve just done. I am a big tough hockey player. I do not kiss puppies. I straighten up quickly.

Rowan’s phone rings, and she takes a step back. “Gotta take this; it’s my sister,” She answers quickly. “Hey Ruby, everything okay?”

Ruby says something that I can’t hear.

“Yes, I know I am a worried grandma when it comes to you. Yes, I am always happy just to hear from you. I have to let you go, though. I’ve got a puppy emergency right now.”

The scream of excitement that comes through the phone startles Puck, and he barks in alarm.

“Calm down, Ruby.”

There are loud noises coming from the phone.

“My sister wants to see your puppy.” Rowan rolls her eyes. “I’ll say one thing, having a puppy is going to be a real chick magnet. In fact, maybe this is a bad idea. If you attract any more women, you’ll be a danger to yourself and others. Like, you might become a super-magnet, making women come flying across the street and stick to you.”

I laugh at the mental image she’s just conjured up. “We’re gearing up for the season. I’m trying to focus on training and not women.” Now, why am I telling her that? It’s almost like I’m trying to let her know I’m single and ready to mingle.

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