Sawyer (Alluring Indulgence #7)(28)
Author: Nicole Edwards

“He’s actually on vacation next week. A huntin’ trip. That’s why I called you. Last resort and all. Although I’m sure Braydon will help out if you ask.”

Sawyer considered that. He would have to juggle a few things at the resort, but he actually looked forward to hanging out at the shop for a few days. As much as he enjoyed the resort and all the crazy nonsense that went along with it, he really did miss the old job.

Between that and Kennedy, he’d have his hands full for a few days.

Not necessarily a bad thing.

“THERE YOU GO, Peanut,” Kennedy said, handing the small, slightly overweight dachshund back to her owner. “Good as new. She did well, no issues. We just pulled the one tooth, but the others look great.”

Mrs. Starrett looked at her beloved Peanut with such love in her eyes, Kennedy had to smile.

“She’ll be out of it for a little while and we’ve got some pain meds and antibiotics for you at the front. Give me a call if you have any questions.”

“Thanks, Doc,” Mrs. Starrett said, still looking lovingly at the little brown dog who’d just undergone having her teeth cleaned. It hadn’t been nearly as bad as Kennedy had anticipated, considering Peanut was nine years old, but her beloved owner had been beside herself when she’d dropped her off that morning.

Kennedy walked Mrs. Starrett to the front desk and handed Olivia the dog’s chart, patting Peanut on the head one last time. “I’m gonna try to sneak a cup of coffee in the back before my next appointment,” Kennedy told Olivia before turning to go to the small kitchen. Just as she was about to step down the hall, hoping for a minute to herself, she heard the bells above the front door chime.

Turning back because Olivia was busy, Kennedy stopped short when she saw the tall, handsome cowboy standing in the doorway, Buster in his arms.

“What are you doing here?” Kennedy asked, trying to hide the smile that wanted to form on her lips. She did not need to encourage this man by making him think she was happy to see him.

She was happy to see him, but he damn sure didn’t need to know that.

Sawyer held up a brown paper bag but he didn’t bother to tell her what was in it. The rumble in her tummy signaled her immediate understanding of the offering.

Kennedy nodded toward the back, watching as Sawyer lowered Buster to the floor before making his way toward her. Olivia’s eyes trailed him as he passed, her head popping out from behind the counter as she gave his ass a good once-over, and Kennedy tried not to roll her eyes. Sawyer was one of those guys who just demanded attention. Even if he didn’t say a word, his presence was still felt by everyone in the room.

“I figured you might be hungry. Consider it an early dinner. It was Buster’s idea, actually.”

“Buster’s idea, huh?” Kennedy asked as they walked side by side to the small kitchen area that she and her staff used for a break room.

“Yep. All his idea. I suggested we go somewhere, and this was where he wanted to go.”

“Thanks for thinkin’ of me, Buster,” Kennedy said, leaning down and scratching Buster’s baby-soft hair.

Sawyer pulled two foam containers out of the bag, along with two foam cups and plastic eating utensils. The guy had thought of everything.

“How’s Kylie? And Kate?” Kennedy asked as she lowered herself into the chair that Sawyer pulled out for her.

“Good. I talked to Travis on the way over here. Mom and baby are doing well. They’re gonna go home tomorrow.”

“How’s Travis and Gage?”

“Better than I thought they’d be. So far, Travis hasn’t freaked out like we all expected. And he’s stopped hovering, which we all know is a good thing.”

“Will that change when they get home?” Kennedy asked, removing the plastic wrapper from the fork and knife that Sawyer passed her way.

“Probably. If he’s anything like Kaleb, he’s gonna get a stern talkin’ to. We tend to be a very protective lot.”

“I’ve heard that about y’all,” Kennedy told him, smiling. “What about your mom?”

“Oh, she’s already goin’ on and on about the baby girl stuff. It wasn’t enough that she’s been collectin’ daughters-in-law for the last year, but now she’s above the moon that there’s a little more estrogen in the family tree.”

“Can’t blame her there.”

The two of them ate in silence for a little while, with Buster sniffing around the small kitchen, glancing back to make sure someone was watching him. Kennedy found it amusing that Sawyer had taken to Buster, the sweet little cocker spaniel with the biggest brown eyes. She’d actually been at the shelter when Sawyer took Buster home. It was one of the rare times she saw something other than his wicked sense of humor, although he’d still managed to make Adrianne laugh as he jotted his name in all the appropriate places.