Page 17 of My Favorite Hero

“Okay.”

“I need you to leave Miller at home. The new recruit is allergic to dogs, and I need him around. You have someone to look after him, right?”

I didn’t bother reminding the chief that Lou used to take him. I could ask my neighbor across the street to look after him—they had done so a couple of times. “Sure.”

I hung up, yanking on my uniform, grateful I kept one at home. It would save me time when I got to the station in case we had to go out. I looked across the street, frowning when I saw both cars were missing. Then I remembered they were gone for an extended holiday. I cursed as I put on my shoes, already knowing my only option resided next door.

I grabbed my bag, making sure I had everything I needed for the next few days, and threw it in the truck. I went to the back door and knocked, waiting until Casey opened it.

“Well, well, he can knock,” she greeted me. She had changed at some point, now wearing shorts. Shorts that were far too short. Her T-shirt was tied at her waist, showing skin, and her hair was up with pieces of it falling around her face and neck. She was artlessly sexy.

Dammit.

I drew in a long breath for patience. “Hello.”

She opened the door wider. “You want to come in?”

I stepped inside, the change of clothing making sense. Her new counters were covered in tarps, the cupboard doors lying flat and being painted. I had to admit, the color was nice. But I wasn’t there to discuss design choices.

“I have a favor to ask,” I began.

“Sure.”

I frowned. “Sure? As in okay? You haven’t even heard what it is yet. I could be asking you anything.”

She smiled, a flash of pearly white teeth appearing. “Since you’re in your uniform and standing here looking as if you would rather be asking anyone else, I assumed you got called in and need me to keep an eye on Miller.”

I blinked. “You got that from my uniform?”

“That, and you have a bag of dog food in your hand.”

I looked down. “Oh, right.”

She took the bag. “No problem, Thorne.”

“Jesse.”

She grinned. “I’ll look after Miller. Why don’t you just bring him here?”

I scrubbed the back of my neck. “He needs a pill twice a day.”

“Okay.”

“Barney—”

She cut me off. “They got on fine today. If things get tense, I’ll take him to your place. But he won’t get lonely here.”

She had a point. And he had certainly liked her.

“Okay. I’ll get his stuff.”

I hurried home and got some toys and his favorite bed, plus his blanket he liked to sleep with and the meds. I stopped and got some cheese from the fridge. When I returned with Miller, he walked in, looking comfortable and at ease. He headed straight for the old sofa and curled up in the corner.

“Sorry, Lou looked after him sometimes. He’s making himself at home.”

“Good.”

I gave her instructions, explaining the cheese, and wrote my cell number and the vet’s information on a piece of paper. And I gave her a spare key. “In case,” I instructed. “He has an appointment, but it’s on my next day off. But if he looks or acts oddly, call them. And me.”