Read Online The Texan's Tennessee Romance by Gina Wilkins - Free Book Online Page B

turned and ran back into the woods.
    “I think he thanked us,” Casey murmured, glancing at Natalie with a grin.
    Though she wasn’t prone to anthropomorphizing, she returned the smile and said, “Maybe he did. Do you think he’ll be back?”
    “Could be. I’ll pick up some dog food this evening. That would be healthier for him than table scraps.”
    “I’m not sure we’re doing him any favors by not calling animal control. At least he’d be safe and well-fed in an animal shelter. And the nights are starting to get pretty cold.”
    “I don’t think they’d be able to catch him,” Casey argued. “And I don’t like the thought of him being trapped. I think I’ll be able to tame him enough to find him a home. He seems like he wants to make friends. He’s just a little skittish.”
    “And how long do you think it will take to tame him to that point?”
    “I, uh, don’t know,” he admitted with a shrug. “If I haven’t made any progress in the next couple of days, I’ll call animal control and ask for advice.”
    She looked at him curiously. “Why are you so reluctant to call them? I’m sure they can catch him very humanely. And it would be so much safer for him to be…”
    “In a cage?” Casey broke in to ask. “Deprived of his freedom and locked up somewhere for his own good?”
    Startled by his tone, she tilted her head to study him more closely. “Um—?”
    His face darkened with what might have been a flush. “Sorry. You’re right, he’d probably be better off in a shelter. But I’d still like to give it a couple of days. The weather’s supposed to be nice for the rest of the week, so I think he’ll be fine.”
    She couldn’t say she understood, but it wasn’t as if the dog was bothering her. “Should we leave the water bowl out?”
    Still looking a little sheepish, Casey shrugged. “Wouldn’t hurt, though there’s plenty of water around this area.”
    “And the food?”
    “No. Too many other critters to be lured out if you leave food sitting out here. We’ll just feed the dog when we see him.”
    She nodded and picked up the empty plate. “Fine. There’s more of the leftover pot roast, if you’re hungry.”
    He chuckled. “Feeding the other stray in your yard?”
    Smiling a little, she said, “I’ll even get you a bowl of water, if you’re thirsty.”
    He shook his head. “Thanks, but I’ve already eaten. I brought lunch with me today. I ate at the picnic table and enjoyed the view. It was nice.”
    “So, you’re finished for the day?”
    “Almost. I just need to do a little more caulking on the west end of the cabin. Maybe another hour or so today.”
    She nodded. “Let me know if you need anything. I’ll be inside.”
    “Okay, thanks.”
    Without looking back at him, she went inside. She changed into jeans and a sweater, then put water on to boil for tea. Her computer sat on the coffee table. She reached for it, then changed her mind. She just couldn’t face another fruitless search right then.
    Glancing at her watch, she noted that it was only four o’clock. She had a long evening ahead with little to do. It was too late to go out for a walk, since it would be dark soon. She thought about calling someone—her mom, her dad, or Amber, maybe. But she couldn’t think of anything to say if she did. Nothing had changed.
    She picked up a novel she’d been trying to read for the past week, though she’d had a hard time concentrating on it. She made it through about five pages before a tap on the front door brought her attention out of the story again.
    The way Casey glanced downward let her know he’d noticed she’d changed clothes, though he didn’t comment. “I’m calling it a day. Anything you need before I leave?”
    “No, thank you. Have a nice evening.”
    His mouth crooked into a wry smile in response to her ridiculously clichéd words. “Thanks. Same to you.”
    She’d almost closed the door before she jerked it impulsively back open.