Page 43 of Rescue Them

“It’s okay.I know what you’re doing and what you hope for.I was asked to go to a facility in Indianapolis to work and help train some new hires.They said that they would finalize the schedule tomorrow, but it looks like I’ll be gone.”

“Who’s going to watch the dogs?”James asked.

Lyle shrugged.“I’m still trying to figure that out.My first thought was that Mom could take them, but I don’t know if she’ll be up to it.I could always use some of the money Corky left me to put them in a kennel, but I hate to do that.”

“Maybe your mom can take them, and I can stop over if she needs help,” James offered.“I know it’s going to be a lot for her, but with some regular help, she’ll be fine.After all, it isn’t like the dogs are high maintenance.Loopy gets along with them most of the time, and your mother will find her bed filled with warmth and comfort.How long will you be gone?”

“It looks like I’ll fly out Monday morning and come home Friday afternoon.The dogs would be with her for four nights.This is the first time they have asked me to do the training, and I don’t want to turn them down.If they want you to train others, then it means you have valuable skills.It’s one of the first steps toward promotion.”

“Then you have to go.I can stay here with the dogs while you’re away.It would be a little farther to classes, but I’d have plenty of quiet time to get my work done.”Maybe that was the real answer to the problem.“Anyway, figure out your plans, and one way or another, these four sweethearts will be all set while you’re gone.”

Lyle leaned over the side of the chair.“Thank you.I was really worried.”

“I know.but there’s nothing to worry about.”He tugged Lyle down into a kiss.“You know, we could order in and have pizza in bed.”

Lyle groaned.“I’d love to, but I already have the food out.”

James released him.“Then let’s make dinner,” he said, and took Lyle’s hand to lead him to the kitchen.“Once we have dinner, maybe you and I could enjoy dessert.”He started cleaning the spinach while Lyle got to work on the chicken.

THE HOUSEwas quiet, and James lay in Lyle’s bed, barely able to breathe or think.This man seemed to know exactly what he liked and pushed all his buttons.His head swam and he breathed deeply through the amazing afterglow.“Now that was a real dessert.”

“Okay.So you don’t want a cupcake?I picked up a couple at the bakery downtown on my way home.”

James growled.“Of course I want a cupcake.Dessert after dessert is my favorite meal of the day.”He watched as Lyle bounded out of bed, his butt bouncing as he pulled on his robe and left the room.He had no doubt that the dogs were waiting just outside the door.They must have followed Lyle downstairs and returned when he did, because Lyle came in, handed him a plate, and got under the covers as all the dogs jumped on the bed.

“You all need to settle down,” Lyle told them, and they spread out around their feet.Lyle had an amazing way with the dogs.Even Loopy listened to him.“We need to eat our cupcakes.”He took a bite, and Lyle did the same.Then James kissed him and pulled back, grinning.

“Your strawberry goes with my chocolate.”

“And my chocolate goes with your strawberry.”Lyle licked his lips and grinned.Then Lyle finished his cupcake, smiling while James did the same, and all the dogs looked ready to lick up any crumbs.

Once they had finished and Lyle took care of the papers, James took his turn in the bathroom and then got back into bed and turned out the lights.

THE NEXTfew days were too busy for words.His final classes were killer, but James managed to keep his head above water and start preparing for his exams.Saturday morning he went to the shelter and found Lyle already there, working with a family to choose the dog they wanted to add to their family.

He smiled at him over the enclosures, and once they had chosen and Lyle walked them through the paperwork, they had a few minutes to talk.

“How is your mom?I’ve been meaning to ask, but I’ve been so busy and my mind is so deep in my classes.Is she doing okay?”

“Yeah.She’s been home a few days.Loopy is happy to have her back, and Mom is getting better pretty quickly.”

“When do you leave on your trip?”James asked.

“They rescheduled it for Monday morning.Do you still want to come over and stay with the dogs?”He bit his lower lip.“It’s a lot to ask and you don’t have to.Mom will take them, though she’s tired a lot of the time.She says she’ll feel better by then, but….”

“I’ll dogsit here for you.It’s no problem.Imagine, a whole week without roommates and plenty of quiet.How will I manage it?”He rolled his eyes.

“Thank you.They like you, and it will be easier on them if they’re at home.I have to leave really early on Monday.”

“I’ll stop over tomorrow night and stay at the house.Everything will be fine.”He was about to kiss Lyle when two couples entered the shelter.Lyle smiled and greeted them while James went back to his dog-walking schedule.

Chapter 17

BUSINESS TRIPSwere a real pain.Lyle dozed off on the plane home, and the next thing he knew they were landing in Philadelphia.He changed planes and took the quick flight to Harrisburg.He was so excited to get into his own car and drive home.The week had been exhausting, but successful.He’d completed the training, and the manager of the facility had been pleased with his work.

After half an hour of driving, he pulled up in front of his unit and parked right next to James’s truck.Lyle got out, popped the trunk, and grabbed his suitcase before heading inside.

The house was quiet… too quiet.No dogs ran to greet him, and James was nowhere to be found either.Silence resounded around him.Lyle set his suitcase aside and went downstairs to see if anyone was there.But the outside door was closed and bolted.Figuring James must be out on a walk with the dogs, he returned upstairs.James’s books were on the coffee table, and the dogs had food and water.Their toys were spread all over the floor, so everything seemed normal, except the house was empty.