There. That was the spunky Sophie he liked to be around every day. “What? You have a bladder the size of a Cocker Spaniel’s.”
Sophie narrowed her eyes. “Ooh. Not nice, Brandon. My mother’s Cocker Spaniel is high-strung.”
He snickered. “Sure she is. She pees when she’s gotta go. She pees when she’s scared. She also pees when she’s happy, or excited, or surprised. Generally, that dog drinks a lot of water and pees. Often.”
Actually, he had nothing against Cocker Spaniels, but he was totally willing to tease the breed to keep that spark of Sophie’s temper going.
Tears forgotten for the time being, Sophie was almost grinding her teeth. “I’d like to go home, please.”
Of course. He’d figured. But maybe he’d take a small detour along the way.
Her decision made, she turned in her seat to look into the back of the vehicle. “Hey, Haydn. How are you?”
Haydn was still under the command to stay, but he stretched his neck just enough to pant happily in her direction.
“So do you want to talk about it?” He figured he knew the answer but decided to give her the opening anyway.
“Not really.” Her words were short.
He waited. He wouldn’t push her, but if she decided to uncork, it’d be better. He’d found that out with his own bad days. And if Sophie was having a bad day, it was serious.
“I got fired today.” It hadn’t taken her long. Her words were sort of strangled as she got them out. “Because they were sure I must be involved with unsavory persons to be mixed up with a car bombing. Like I’m involved with some sort of mafia.”
Guilt stabbed him in the gut and twisted his innards. His worst nightmare was happening. He was becoming a blight on her life. “I’m—”
She held up a hand. “Don’t. Don’t you dare take the blame. You and Haydn saved my life. Don’t even think this is remotely related to you.”
“But it could be,” he snapped. He hadn’t meant to. It took a minute to modulate his tone. “You’re recovering and part of it is trying to leave the shock of the explosion behind, but you need to be careful. It might not have been an accident and you know we haven’t been making new friends over the last several months.”
“You all were helping Lyn and Elisa.” Sophie had found her indignation. She paused for a moment, thinking. “And fine. If this wasn’t an accident, I’m betting you asked both of them to be careful. It explains why you came home with me yesterday. I get it. But Ky is investigating. Do you really think there could be more?”
His chest squeezed tight in sympathy for her. The last question had come out quieter, with a hint of fear. And she needed it. He couldn’t offer her comfort if it was going to make her less cautious. “There could be. You need to be careful.”
I need to keep you safe.
Otherwise, he ought to take his shitty influence out of her life before he completely ruined it.
“Oh.” The word came out small. “Is that the only reason why you stayed yesterday? You have the kennel to run. If there’s danger, I could ask Ky for police protection.”
“No.” It came out fast and he didn’t regret it one bit. “It’s not the only reason. If you want to request additional protection, that’s fine. But, Sophie, I’ll be there, too.”
She chewed on her lip and didn’t say anything more. And damn, the silence was awkward. It took another minute for Sophie to realize he wasn’t taking the direct route home.
“I thought you were going to take me where I wanted to go?” She sounded tired still and defeated.
Glad of the change in topic, he really hoped this was going to be a good idea. “We are. We’re just making a stop first.”
Speaking of which, he’d found a good parking place. He stepped out of the driver’s side and jogged around to help Sophie out before she exited the vehicle on her own.
He scowled when he saw the way she stood. She’d been putting too much pressure on her ankle. He didn’t have a wheelchair with him.
“What about Hayd—” Sophie let out a yelp as Forte scooped her up, cradling her in his arms as he walked the few steps to the front of the place.
“Trust me.” He gripped Sophie tighter to him as he kicked the handicap button to trigger the automated door to open. “Haydn will be fine in the SUV for this quick visit. This time of year, it’s cool enough outside for him to be completely safe. It’ll be better for everyone involved.”
He walked slowly down the corridor, trying to be careful of her foot and keep an eye on her expressions as they headed farther into the establishment. The corridor was lined with windows looking into a sweetly decorated lounge. The walls were painted in vertical stripes of cream and pink, accented by large cupcakes.
Incidentally, the large cupcakes were shelves—for cats.