Dashing Through the Snow Page 4

  “Have you had any luck?”

  “Gave three away already. I only have one left.”

  “Really.”

  “Cute as can be. Why don’t you take a look?”

  Ashley was tempted. Pickles, the family dog, had died six months ago, and her mother was an empty nester. Ashley knew her mom missed Pickles. Recently, her mom had mentioned she wanted another dog, but she hadn’t finished grieving for the rescue dog she’d loved.

  “Okay,” Ashley said, already feeling her heart weaken.

  “You’ll take him?”

  Quickly she shook her head. “I’ll take a look…no promises.”

  “Good enough.” The vet stood and opened a door on the side of the structure to let her inside. “He’s over here,” he said, pointing toward a large cardboard box tucked up close to the heater. A brown puppy of indistinguishable breed was cuddled up on a towel, sound asleep.

  Ashley squatted down by the box and the puppy lifted his head and stared directly at her. He had dark round eyes that seemed to look straight through her. She petted his head, and then, as if he’d been trained to weaken her resolve, he licked her hand. He was simply adorable and her heart melted as he rose and stretched upward, bracing his front paws on the edge of the box. His melting brown eyes connected with hers as if to say “Take me, take me.”

  “Don’t know what breed he is,” the vet said. “Looks like a mixture.”

  Ashley agreed. “I’d say he’ll probably grow to maturity at twenty or twenty-five pounds.”

  The Vietnam vet nodded. “That would be my guess. Not too big and not too small.”

  “How old do you think he is?”

  The vet shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe six or eight weeks. What kind of person just abandons puppies like this?”

  Ashley didn’t have an answer for him. “Someone without a heart,” she suggested.

  “Guess whoever did was thinking people traveling this time of year would be willing to find homes for them. I’d adopt one myself, but the missus wouldn’t take kindly to me bringing home a puppy when we just put in new carpet. The last one chewed up several of her expensive shoes—” He stopped abruptly. “I don’t want that to dissuade you, though. Just make sure you give him a chew toy.”

  “I was thinking of my mom,” Ashley said, biting down on her bottom lip. “Mom lost Pickles and really misses him. He was a great companion; I know she’d like another dog.”

  “Sure would make her a nice Christmas gift, then, don’t you think?” the vet said, looking hopeful. “I hate to pressure you, but my shift is over in two hours and if I don’t find him a home, I’ll have to drop him at the shelter.”

  Ashley picked up the puppy and tucked him in her arms and kissed the top of his head. He immediately cuddled up against her. She knew animal shelters were often crowded and her heart squeezed. It was then that she knew what she had to do. She reluctantly returned the puppy to the box.

  “So what do you think?” the war vet asked eagerly.

  “I’ll take him, but—”

  “The minute I saw you,” the vet said, interrupting her, “I said to myself, ‘There’s a woman with a heart. She’ll take this puppy for sure,’ and I was right.”

  Ashley wished it was that easy. “Before I can take him I need to check with my traveling companion.” The rental car was in Dash’s name. He was the one responsible for the car, not her, and he would need to agree.

  “Sure, sure,” the vet said. “No problem; take your time. I’m not going anywhere for the next two hours.”

  “I’ll be right back.” Ashley straightened and hurried to the car, taking two cups of coffee and several cookies with her.

  Dash was sitting inside the vehicle, tapping his finger against the steering wheel, impatiently waiting for her. It didn’t look like his mood had improved since he’d discovered he’d lost his phone. She approached the driver’s side with a foam cup of steaming coffee. Dash rolled down the window.

  “Do you take anything in your coffee?”

  Frowning, he shook his head. “Nothing.”

  “You sure? A little sugar might help your disposition.”

  His frown darkened. “Very funny. I like my coffee black.”

  “Okay.” She handed him the coffee and a handful of store-bought cookies the veterans’ organization provided.

  “Thanks,” Dash said after taking the first sip.

  Ashley remained standing by the driver’s side.

  “You ready to leave?”

  “I have a question.”

  He paused and glanced at his watch, letting her know he didn’t appreciate the delay. “What is it?”

  “Did you have a dog when you were growing up?”

  “Yes. So what? Come on, let’s go.”

  “Just curious,” she said, gifting him with a dazzling smile. “What kind of dog was it?”

  “A Dachshund. Is there a point to this conversation?”

  “Just curious.” She bit into her bottom lip. “Someone abandoned a litter of puppies here in the parking lot this morning. The vet serving coffee found them.”

  His gaze softened. “That’s tough.”

  “He’s looking for homes and has found three people who were willing to help. I was thinking—”

  “Ashley, no,” he said, as if reading her thoughts. “As much as I’d like to help, we can’t take a puppy with us. You forget that they poop and pee and are a hassle.”

  “He wouldn’t be any trouble. I’d take care of him, and seeing that we’re driving straight through, I thought—”

  Again, he interrupted her. “I had the radio on while you were in the restroom and there’s snow predicted. We might be forced to spend the night somewhere on the road, which puts me on an even tighter schedule. I can’t miss this interview.”

  “We lost Pickles this last summer,” she told him, refusing to give up so easily.

  “You named your dog Pickles?”

  She brightened. “Cute, isn’t it?” She didn’t mention that she’d been the one to choose his name.

  He shook his head. “It’s ridiculous. Poor dog probably died of embarrassment.”

  “That’s not kind,” she flared.

  “Okay, fine, I apologize. We need to get back on the road. I’m sorry about the dog. Someone else will give him a good home.”

  “The man says he’ll have to leave the puppy at a shelter if he doesn’t find someone to take him. And besides, the puppy chose me.”

  “What?”

  “Never mind, you wouldn’t understand. Before you say no, come and take a look at him. That’s all I’m asking.”

  “Not going to happen.”

  “Why not?” Now Dash was starting to irritate her.

  “I already explained why. Now either you get in the car or I’m leaving you.”

  “You wouldn’t do that.”

  “Don’t tempt me. I’m already regretting agreeing to travel with you and I’m not in the best of moods as it is. I suggest you get in the car now.”

  Her head came back. “You regret traveling with me?” And this after she’d shared her protein bars and brought him coffee.

  He didn’t answer.

  “That comment was unnecessary.”

  “I’m not in the mood. I feel bad about the puppy, but he isn’t your problem and he certainly isn’t mine, so get in the car.”

  Her feelings were hurt, and she’d thought they were getting along so well, too. To this point she’d enjoyed spending time with him and found him easy company. Apparently, she was wrong. “I thought you were a better person than this.”

  “Well, I’m not. You can stop looking at me with those big sad eyes because it isn’t going to do you any good. Are you coming or not?”

  “But—”

  “Come on,” he said impatiently. “You’re becoming a nuisance.”

  “I’m sorry about your phone, I really am, but I promise you a puppy won’t be the least bit of trouble…” She paused and widene
d her eyes. “Wait. What do you mean I’m a nuisance?”

  He glared back at her.

  “Fine, then. Open the trunk,” she insisted.

  “What?”

  “You heard me.”

  “We’re in the middle of nowhere.”

  This was a bad idea. A really bad idea. She needed to think this through more carefully. She waited, hoping Dash would apologize or stop her.

  He didn’t.

  “Take back what you said,” she demanded.

  Now he looked as if he was about to burst out laughing. “What is this? I haven’t heard that since I was in grade school.”

  “You’re mad about your phone and you’re taking it out on me and that poor abandoned puppy.” She stretched her arm out behind her, pointing to the coffee stand. “If you took one look at him you’d change your mind.”

  “The only thing I’m changing my mind about is you.” He popped the lever that released the trunk latch.

  “Are you going to apologize or not?”

  “No.”

  “Will you at least look at the puppy?” she tried again. It was the least he could do. “I’ll accept that over an apology.”

  “No,” he stubbornly replied.

  Her heart shot to her throat as she stared at the open trunk. Dash had thrown down the gauntlet and called her bluff. With her head held high and swallowing hard, Ashley walked around the vehicle and with some difficulty lifted her heavy suitcase out of the trunk and set it down on the asphalt. With exaggerated care she closed the trunk again, all the while praying Dash would back down.

  Wheeling her suitcase behind her, she made her way across the parking lot and looked back at Dash, her heart in her eyes. He held her gaze for a couple of seconds and then put the car in reverse.

  Ashley’s spirits sank. Without a backward glance, Dash headed toward the side road that would lead him back to the freeway.

  Ashley watched as Dash and the rental car disappeared from sight. Her heart was in her throat. It was all she could do not to slap her forehead for being so stubborn. But she wasn’t the only one. Dash had been stubborn, too. They’d both behaved irrationally, butting heads, letting pride get in their way. Either one of them could have put an end to this stupidity at any time, but they hadn’t.

  Now it was too late and she was stuck.

  Ashley had assumed they were getting along just fine—in fact, better than fine. Until Dash realized he’d lost his phone he’d been a great traveling companion. She’d actually felt a connection to him and had enjoyed herself, which made it all the more difficult to understand why he would be so hardheaded when it came to letting her take the puppy. Even now she was convinced that if he’d done as she suggested and looked at the sweet dog, he’d have given in and changed his mind.

  Now here she was, stuck miles from anywhere, alone, desperate, and with a limited amount of cash and no ATM in sight. To make matters worse, all she’d had to eat since the night before was a squished protein bar. Any boost it’d given her had long since worn off. The only food available at the rest stop were stale cookies and a soda machine.

  “Miss?” the veteran called out to her from the coffee stand.

  Time to put on her big-girl pants, Ashley decided. She straightened and wheeled her suitcase toward the small structure. Seeing that this puppy had already cost her the free ride to Seattle, she wasn’t about to let him go now.

  “What happened?” the vet asked, eyeing her suitcase.

  “Well…it turns out my ride wasn’t keen on taking the puppy.”

  “Oh my.” The older man’s eyes widened when he saw her suitcase. “Is there anyone you can call?”

  Ashley shook her head. “No.” Her voice wobbled with her answer. “How far are we to the closest town?”

  “A ways…about thirty miles. My replacement will arrive in a couple of hours and I’d be happy to drive you into town, but the fact is there isn’t much there.”

  “Could I rent a car?” she asked, her eyes full of hope. Then she remembered that was impossible because she wasn’t twenty-five.

  He scratched his chin and shook his head. “Nothing like that for another hundred, maybe two hundred, miles.”

  “Oh.” Her one hope was to find someone willing to offer her a ride, but the prospect of getting in a car with another stranger intimidated her. A trucker might be willing to help. They were said to be friendly and helpful…perhaps a little too friendly, though. Her mother would go ballistic if she learned that Ashley had considered taking such a risk.

  “What about a bus stop?” Greyhound made stops in out-of-the-way locations; she just might be in luck.

  “Nope.”

  “Train?” She was getting more desperate by the minute.

  He sadly shook his head. “Nothing like that, either. No passenger trains to speak of. Freight trains run regularly, but nowhere close to us.”

  “Oh.” She couldn’t hide the defeat in her voice.

  “Sorry,” he murmured.

  She exhaled a deep sigh. “It’s not your fault. I brought this on myself.”

  Ashley collected the puppy and held him close to her chin as she reassessed her options, which seemed to be shockingly few. She didn’t know why she’d been so insistent and stubborn. Normally she was far more reasonable. Dash hadn’t been any better. The bottom line, she realized, was that she’d wanted Dash to like her, to enjoy her company because she’d enjoyed his. She took it personally that he hadn’t felt the same way about her.

  Using her suitcase for a chair, she sat on it and waited, although she wasn’t exactly sure what she expected would happen. She hadn’t been sitting for more than five or ten minutes when she heard the distant rumble of motorcycles. A lot of motorcycles.

  Sure enough, ten to fifteen bikes roared into the rest area with the sound equivalent of jet engines.

  Ashley’s heart started to pound at the sight of the heavily tattooed, muscular men in their leather jackets and helmets. Not one of them seemed to be under six feet tall. They looked rough and mean, exposed to the elements as if the wind and cold couldn’t touch them. They backed into the parking spaces and cut their engines. Climbing off their bikes, they looked directly at Ashley. Her mouth went dry. Glancing over her shoulder, she looked toward the war vet and the coffee stand, wondering how much help he’d be if she ran into trouble.

  Instead of walking toward the men’s restroom, one of the bikers strolled directly toward her. Not knowing what else to do, Ashley pasted on a smile that trembled at the corners of her mouth and said, “Merry Christmas.” Although in her nervousness it came out sounding like “Ferry Just Miss.”

  “You lost, little girl?” the tattooed biker asked. He had a deep red scar that ran down the left side of his face. He wasn’t the kind of man you’d look forward to meeting in a dark alley. The name on his cut said he was called Blade. Ashley didn’t need to guess how he’d gotten the name.

  “No…I’m not lost,” she insisted.

  “What are you doing sitting here in the cold, then?”

  She thought fast. “I’m waiting for my father, the sheriff.”

  He laughed outright, the sound rusty and gravelly. “Good one. The sheriff here is Elaine Pitman.”

  “Oh.” Ashley offered a weak, apologetic smile. Apparently, he was well acquainted with law enforcement, and she didn’t assume it was on a social basis.

  A woman with spiky bleached-blond hair stepped up next to Blade and leaned against him. Her body language said she’d look forward to clawing Ashley’s eyes out if she even thought about making a move to steal her man. Ashley released an involuntary gasp of fear, wanting to reassure the other woman that she had no intention of flirting with Blade. The blonde’s eyes were hard and humorless as she studied Ashley as if she were a piece of litter dirtying the landscape.

  The woman nodded toward the restroom and headed in that direction. For half a second Ashley thought she was gesturing for her to follow. She didn’t, and it was a good thing, because she
soon realized this was the biker chick’s way of letting Blade know where she was headed. Ashley looked over her shoulder and saw PROPERTY OF BLADE written across the back of the woman’s leather jacket.

  “That your puppy?” Blade asked.

  Ashley tightened her grip on the dog and nodded, glancing over to see a white car pull into the rest area. She stood. “I think that’s my ride now,” she said, hoping that would be enough to send the biker on his way.

  It wasn’t.

  The rental car was white, but the world was full of white vehicles, so she didn’t dare hope that it was Dash returning. As the car came closer her heart did a little jog of joy.

  It was Dash. He didn’t look happy about it, either. His gaze captured hers and narrowed as he pulled into the empty parking space directly in front of her. She watched as he shifted his attention from her to Blade and the long row of Harleys.

  Blade crossed his bulging muscular arms over his equally muscular chest as Dash climbed out of the car. The two men eyed each other warily.

  “She your woman?” Blade asked.

  Dash snorted as if the very idea was laughable. “No way.”

  Stung by his denial, Ashley’s mouth fell open. She stiffened, and by the sheer force of her will looked away. “He’s nothing to me, either,” she snapped.

  They were at a standoff until Dash finally said, “You coming or not?”

  Ashley leaped up so fast her suitcase toppled over.

  He smiled and it was all she could do to throw a one-armed hug around him while holding the puppy in the other. “I am so happy to see you.”

  “Yeah, that was pretty stupid on both our parts.”

  “You ready to take it back?” she asked, teasing him. “Because if you will, I will.”

  “I will if you will first,” he joked back.

  The biker looked from one to the other and glared at them as though they’d spoken a foreign language. “What’s with you two? Grow up. You sound like you’re in grade school.”

  Ashley and Dash both laughed. Basically, that was the way they’d behaved.