Free Man's Best Friend by Ec Sheedy

Trying to forget? Rand knew all about that.
    "Yeah," he said. "I remember her."
    "Good, because she'll be here tomorrow. She's flying up with Cullen Macy in the Red Earth plane."
    "And where does Tessa Darwin fit into this cozy picture?" Rand hated to admit it, but it had been Tessa who'd jumped to mind immediately he heard Ned's news. "I guess it's a waste of time to remind you she was the girl of your dreams a few weeks ago. Which is why she's in my house, and I have a dog chewing his way through my shoe inventory. He prefers Italian, by the way." Rand still wouldn't own up to his fondness for the puppy, even though he did let Licks sleep at the foot of his bed—and took him out for his midnight pee breaks.
    Ned grinned. "I knew you'd love him." His smile dimmed. "And as for Tessa—" he glanced away and had the grace to at least look guilty, "—she was right and I was wrong. We'd never have worked out." He met Rand's gaze directly. "I'll speak to her, have her out of your house by tomorrow."
    "No!" The word hit the air like a pistol shot, surprising him as much as it obviously did Ned. Rand spoke more quietly, careful to keep some steel around the edges. "I'll take care of her."
    Ned cocked his head. "So that's the way it goes."
    Rand narrowed his gaze. "It isn't going anywhere. The woman is currently under my roof. It's my house, my responsibility. That's it."
    "Whatever you say."
    "Good." Rand wanted to belt him. If he'd known Tessa was available—
    Rand shut his brain down. Tessa might be available, but it didn't change a thing. Rand wasn't in the market for a woman. Any woman. Especially one who boiled his blood at fifty paces. Tessa had to go. He frowned, although he wasn't too sure about Licks.
    "By the way—" Ned swallowed the last of the scotch he'd helped himself to, "—what time will she be home tonight?"
    "Sometime after six. Why?"
    Ned glanced at his watch. "Not five yet. I can still catch her, ask her to bring my dogs to your place so I can pick them up tonight." His grin widened. "I am invited to dinner, aren't I?" He reached for the phone.
    "I'll have Milt call her," Rand said. "You confirm Cullen Macy's arrival time tomorrow. And see if you can crunch the numbers on the German offer into something that makes sense for us."
    "Sense or money?"
    "Both."
    "Done. I'll see you around eight tonight." Rand picked up the phone to call Milt, and punched in Charlotte's number instead.
    "Charlotte, get me the number for the Dawg's Inn Kennel, will you? No, don't put me through, just give me the number."
    He stared at it for a full five minutes.

 
     
     
    Chapter 7

     
    Tessa shook hands with Miriam and John Carter and smiled, while Marie Linden looked on worriedly. "It was nice meeting you, Miriam—" she glanced at the tall thin man beside her, "—and you, John. I'll look forward to seeing you again in May when you take over the kennel." Which was a lie, because Tessa hoped she'd never set eyes on the pair again. They reminded her of winter trees, all bony and bleak.
    Marie looked flustered. "You'll see them a bit before that. John and Miriam are planning to spend a couple of weeks here before they take over the kennel. You know, look around, see what they want to change?"
    Something inside Tessa crumpled. She guessed it was the last of her spirit. While she digested this news and tried not to look too dismayed, John started to mutter.
    Tessa knew she'd have to pay attention to make any sense at all of his clipped, fractured speech.
    "Not sure of needing you, too long, Miss Darwin. After that is. When Mir and I take over, I mean. A month maybe. Cash flow. That kind of thing. Not much to learn. We'll be two weeks here before the signing."
    "I see," Tessa mumbled, stealing a glance at Marie who winced as if the glance were a slap. Disappointed and disheartened, Tessa put on another fake smile. At least these people loved the dogs. That was something.
    "On our way then. Tour was good. Thanks."
    When the door