Page 24 of Always Almost You

Lauren changed direction immediately and headed toward Mike’s room. “I know the hotel is pet-friendly,” she said, her breath freezing into crystals, “but I’m not sure they’ll welcome a large stray.” She hesitated, then added, “What’s the saying? Ask forgiveness, not permission?”

Mike huffed a quiet laugh. “I think that’s the best course of action. I’m also not eager for anyone else to see me in these pajamas.” He and the stray caught up with Lauren and Pumpkin.

She glanced at his red flannel dog-print outfit. “All I see is shining armor.”

The teasing remark sent heat flooding from Mike’s collar to the tips of his ears. He was grateful for the darkness.

They reached the short retaining wall surrounding his ground-floor patio. On the exterior side, the drop was steep. On the hotel side, it was manageable.

Lauren eyed it. “I don’t think our friend here can clear that.”

“I’ll lift him,” Mike said. “It’s not as far down on the patio side.”

The dog didn’t resist when Mike crouched and slipped one arm under his chest and the other beneath his hindquarters. He was heavy, but cooperative. “Okay, buddy,” Mike murmured as he set the dog’s paws on top of the barrier. “Take a minute. Get your balance. Then hop down. I’ll be right behind you.” The dog steadied himself, then jumped neatly onto the patio as if he’d practiced the maneuver a hundred times.

Mike turned to Lauren. “Do you and Pumpkin want to come this way too? I promise I’m not trying to lure you into my room.”

Lauren laughed, despite the cold. “This would be an unlikely way to do that.” She studied the wall. “I’d like to,” she said, “but I’m not sure I can climb that.”

“No problem,” Mike said, already on the patio side. “Hand me Pumpkin.”

Lauren passed the small dog up. Mike lowered Pumpkin to the patio, where the stray waited. The reunited dogs trotted into the warmth spilling from the open door.

Mike extended his hands down toward Lauren. “Grab both of mine,” he said. “Walk your feet up the wall. I’ve got you. I won’t let you fall.”

Lauren’s teeth chattered. She nodded, put her hands into his, and placed one foot in front of the other. His grip was firm and steady. She reached the top and swung one leg over the wall. He guided her the rest of the way. They both hurried inside.

Mike slid the glass door closed behind them, sealing out the cold.

“What a miserable night,” Lauren said, catching her breath. “Thank you for rescuing us. I don’t think I would’ve found him on my own.” The large golden dog pressed his muzzle against her thigh. She stroked his ears. “I can’t think about what might’ve happened to you.”

Mike disappeared briefly into the bathroom and returned with a thick bath towel. “Let’s get you warmed up,” he said. He knelt and began rubbing the dog vigorously but gently, working from his shoulders down his back, then along his flanks. Snow melted on the carpet.

The dog leaned into him. Mike lifted one paw and examined it. “Snow’s packed in here,” he said. “See that? It forms ice balls between the toes.” He used the corner of the towel to loosen the packed snow, then gently flexed the paw pads. “They’re pink,” he said with relief. “Cold, but not white or gray. That’s good. I don’t think we’re dealing with frostbite.”

“We got to him in time,” Lauren whispered.

Mike carried the dog into the bathroom and set him in the tub. “I’m going to rinse his paws with lukewarm water,” he called. “Not hot—you never want to shock cold tissue.”

He tested the temperature with his wrist before guiding one paw under the gentle stream. The dog flinched once, then relaxed as the ice melted away.

Mike massaged each pad and carefully checked for cuts. “You’re a tough guy, aren’t you?” he murmured. The dog’s tail thumped against the porcelain. He lowered his muzzle into the water swirling the drain and lapped up a long drink.

“I’ll bet you’re hungry, aren’t you, boy?” Mike asked, confirming the stray’s gender.

“I have two of Pumpkin’s bowls in my carry-on,” Lauren said. “You can use one. I’ve got extra kibble and treats, too.”

“That would be helpful. The pantry was nearly cleaned out earlier. There may not be anything substantial left for me to buy to feed him.”

“My room’s across the hall at the end,” Lauren said. “I’ll grab everything.” She and Pumpkin stepped toward the door, then she stopped, patting her pockets. “My phone⁠—”

“Sorry,” Mike said, pulling it from his pajama pocket. “I forgot I still had it.”

She took it, smiling.

“You can leave the door open a crack,” he said. “I’m going to dry him thoroughly and then check his legs.”

“You know a lot about dogs,” she observed.