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“He’s not so bright, then.”
“He’s actually very smart.”
As if to settle things, Humphrey took a couple of steps closer to Rhett, then lay down on his stomach, on the ground next to Rhett’s thigh, and rested his head between his paws. There, he closed his eyes.
“Well, look at that.”
Rhett stretched his hand a little closer, but stopped just short of touching him. “What now?”
Stanzi elbowed him in the ribs. “Want a dog?”
Rhett’s smile fell. “Nah, I couldn’t.” Unexpectedly, his pulse rose. Aw, dammit. Not now.
“You’re the only person he likes, so far.”
“He likes you.”
“He tolerates me. There’s a difference.”
Rhett’s breathing changed, became shallower. The feeling about him changed, too, thickening and darkening, like heavy clouds. He hated this feeling. It had been a while since this had happened, long enough Rhett had thought maybe he’d beat the panic attacks. Why now? Not now. Any time but now. “I can’t.” He stood up slowly, but despite Rhett’s effort to be quiet and careful, Humphrey woke and bolted back into his cage.
“Why don’t you come inside and have some coffee? Think about it. Maybe visit him again before you go.”
“I can’t.” Rhett looked down at her, and his head clouded as he struggled to breathe. “I’ll just mess him up.”
“He’s already messed up.”
“I’d mess him up more.” Rhett cleared his throat sharply and drew air steadily into his lungs. “Thanks for entertaining me all night. And for showing me all this.” He scanned the rescue. “This is amazing. But I’ve got to get going.”
“Go where? It’s Christmas Day.”
Rhett shrugged. “Best day to get managerial stuff done. No gym to run and nobody to bother me.” He cringed after the words left his mouth. That’s not how he meant it, but he didn’t have enough time left to explain or apologize.
Stanzi watched him, her eyes changing, like she knew a little about what was going on. “All right,” she said softly. “See you at the gym?”
“Yep.”
Then he left, not even looking back to wave. The zero pain he felt in his bad leg allowed him to get to his Jeep as quickly as possible. He dropped the keys twice before getting them in the ignition, but finally he got the engine going and peeled out and down the driveway as fast as he could go.
