Free Payoff Pitch (Philadelphia Patriots) by V.K. Sykes

exaggerated. After all, gossip mags and websites weren’t exactly known for accurate reporting.
    But even if the rumors were true, she knew she wouldn’t have hesitated for even a second to help him with the dogs’ arrival tonight. Of course, she
had
told herself that it was all in aid of establishing good client relations. Emma had laughed out loud when Teddy uttered that half-assed rationale.
    She held the leather leash Noah had given her, its chain collar open and ready to slip over Sadie’s head as soon as she opened the crate. Noah had assigned her that task, leaving the bigger and apparently more rambunctious Toby to him. Unlike her, he seemed relaxed, the leash still bunched up in his hand.
    “You should get the choke chain ready to slip over Toby’s head when you open the crate, don’t you think?” Teddy said as the agent rolled the cart to a stop a few feet from them. Since they’d already completed the necessary paperwork, they could simply take the dogs away, though she hoped the young man would wheel the crates to curbside for them. From experience, she knew they were awkward to lug, especially when holding onto a dog at the same time.
    “Nah,” Noah said. “They’re not going to run off. Toby’s probably going to try to jump up into my arms.”
    Teddy had already contemplated the prospect of Sadie jumping up on
her
and raking doggie nails down her bare legs. She’d been an idiot for wearing shorts tonight instead of jeans, like Noah, but she had no intention of letting a dog loose without a choke chain on her for correction. Aside from the damage Sadie might inflict, she wasn’t prepared to take even the slightest risk of having to chase the dog through the airport. If Toby got away, well, that was on Noah, and he was welcome to mount a frantic pursuit for him while she kept a firm grip on Sadie.
    “Is it okay if we use the cart to haul the crates to curbside?” Noah asked the agent.
    The young man gave Noah a big grin. “I’ll take them out for you, Mr. Cade.”
    “Thanks, man,” Noah said, giving him a fist bump.
    Teddy had to resist the impulse to roll her eyes. She’d already gotten a taste of the power of celebrity when Noah had sauntered into the special services office a few minutes ago. The agent had immediately recognized him and fallen all over himself to be helpful. With good humor, Noah had agreed to his request for an autograph.
    Before Teddy could move, Noah bent over, released the catch on Toby’s crate and swung the wire door open. Toby lunged out, almost knocking Noah over.
    “Hiya, old buddy,” Noah crooned as Toby went bananas, his pink tongue lolling out in obvious glee. Noah embraced him in something like a bear hug before gently shoving the big dog down and deftly slipping the collar over his muzzle and onto his neck.
    “Nicely done,” Teddy said, admiring his smooth move.
    “Thanks, but what are you waiting for? Sadie’s going to be mad at you for making her wait.” He winked to let her know he was pulling her leg.
    Teddy crouched and unlatched the other crate as Toby nuzzled at her long hair. Unlike her brother, Sadie didn’t explode out like a cannon shot. Instead, she gazed expectantly as Teddy whispered a few soothing words of greeting while slipping the collar onto the Poodle.
    Teddy could hardly believe how lovely and well-proportioned Sadie was. When she emerged from the crate and walked into a perfect stacked position, Teddy recognized she was the product of quality breeding as, obviously, was her littermate. “God, Noah, they’re absolutely beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen better Poodles.”
    “Wow, hear that guys?” Noah said, bending down to give each of them a quick head rub. “And listen, Teddy’s a professional, so she knows what she’s talking about when she says you’re beautiful.”
    Then he leaned in close and whispered. “And they’re sure not the only beautiful things here either.”
    His warm breath teased her ear and