Dandelions on the Road Read Free Page A

tore himself away from her milk chocolate eyes and looked into the camera. “And we’re back on KETO news. Eva Merida from Furry Friends Rescue League is here. Eva, who did you bring with you today?”
    “This is Roscoe.” Eva turned to the giant dog and ruffled the fur behind his ears. “He’s a big boy, but he’s a gentle giant. His family moved overseas and had to leave him behind, but he’d be a loyal companion. He will fit into any family that has love to give. He’s good with kids and adults alike. He loves people in general and craves attention. He’ll need a nice big yard. As you can see, Roscoe takes up a little space and has energy to spare as well as plenty of slobbery kisses.”
    Brian leaned over in his chair and held out his hand. “Shake, Roscoe.” He intended to grab the dog’s paw, but upon hearing his name, Roscoe jumped up and yanked the leash so hard and fast that he pulled Eva up and out of her chair. The giant dog placed one paw on each of Brian’s knees, pressed him back into his seat, and gave him a sound lick across the cheek.
    “Whoa, boy!” Sitting up, Brian wrapped his arms around the fur ball and gave him a few pats. “We just met. I think this is moving a little too fast for me.”
    Eva giggled. “I told you he was loving.”
    “How late is Furry Friends Rescue League open today?” Brian angled his head around the dog so he could see Eva and the camera.
    “We’ll be there till 6, but I’d get there early if you want to take Roscoe home. A unique dog like him won’t last long. Of course, we have plenty of others who need good homes too.”
    Roscoe jerked his head toward Eva as if listening to every word. When she finished, he turned his attention back to Brian. Apparently, they were not yet intimate enough. He placed first one paw and then the other on Brian’s shoulders and gave him another juicy lick.
    “Things are getting rather damp here,” Brian drawled as he tried to extract the dog’s tongue from his ear. “I hear we’re in for some rain this weekend, is that right?”
    The weatherman in front of the green screen around the corner took his cue and began his forecast.
    Brian turned off the power to his battery pack. “I’m so sorry.” Eva tugged on Roscoe’s leash. “He’s stronger than I can handle. I would have picked a smaller dog, but Roscoe deserves a home.”
    “It’s quite all right. I’ve been needing to clean my ears out for a while.” Had he said that out loud?
    Roscoe resended his paws and sat back on the ground. Then, seeing something else that caught his interest, he yanked the leash taut and threw Eva off balance.
    Eva took a step forward to regain her balance, but caught her toe on the edge of Brian’s shoe and toppled into his lap.
    “It’s a good thing the segment is over,” she said as laughter bubbled out. “I don’t think Mike would allow me to go forward with the whole dating show if he could see me now.”
    “You’re probably right.” Brian’s hands steadied Eva’s shoulders. She was certainly more welcome in his lap than a Saint Bernard.
    “Roscoe!” Eva called out. The pair looked over at the furry animal sitting calmly next to the desk. The goofy look on his face made Brian think the dog caused the incident on purpose. He looked pretty pleased with himself.
    “Maybe I should take him home myself. He could be a big help on a date.” Brian gave Eva’s back a push as she wiggled off his lap.
    She threw her head back and laughed. “Whatever it takes, right?”
    “Whatever it takes.” He repeated. Brian watched Eva untangle the leash and lead Roscoe away from the interview area. Their few minutes were over, but Brian would see more of her soon. Until then, he was certain it wouldn’t be easy to forget the feel of her in his arms or the smell of oranges in her hair.
     

CHAPTER THREE
    THE NEXT STOP on Eva’s whirlwind morning tour would be easier. At least if something went wrong on the radio, no one would see