Single Kid Seeks Dad

“A man who helps children and animals. In some circles you’d be considered the perfect catch.” She smiled. “I’d think women would be beating down your door. So why me?”

“Maybe I like a challenge.” He edged his fingers toward Magnum’s cell phone. The dog’s low growl was more than enough warning. “See?”

Lucy shook her head. “Maybe I just don’t like you,” she countered, even though she knew that was far from the truth. Whether she liked it or not, Logan Kincaid was growing on her.

“Are you kidding? You just said I’m a prime catch.” He held his arms out from his sides. “Upstanding member of the community, respected businessman, kind to children and animals. You couldn’t do any better.”

“The children come courtesy of the juvenile court system.” She pointedly glanced toward the dog park.

“My dad was the one to come up with the idea of some of the kids working here. Luckily, it’s turned out well.” The feel of a paw on his arm distracted him. He turned his head and found Magnum staring at his plate, or rather, at the slice of pizza still sitting there. “I should have named you Mooch,” he muttered, handing over his pizza. The huge dog stared at his now-empty plate, stood up and moved on to another source of food.

“He’s very well trained. Was that your doing?” Lucy asked.

“That’s all Magnum. I think it’s more he trained me.”

“It’s amazing no one claimed him. He’s a beautiful animal.” She smiled as she watched the large Malamute pause by Nick’s abandoned plate and soon have it licked clean.

“Some people prefer puppies. Once the dog grows up, they get rid of the adult dog and start fresh.” Logan’s voice hardened. “Or they end up as pawns in a divorce case. Sometimes the one getting the family pet isn’t the one who really wanted him. It’s not just the kids who can end up the losers.”

“Luther didn’t have that problem. I was the one who wanted him and I got him.” Her airy voice didn’t totally hide the old pain.

“And here I thought you were the loser in the battle for Luther the Wonder Cat.”

Lucy chuckled. “Ross and Luther didn’t get along at all and that was putting it mildly. Luther’s idea of fun was shredding Ross’s favorite ties.”

“It sounds like you got the better deal.”

“I did.” Lucy pushed herself out of her chair. “I should go. Nick!”

Her son waved at her to indicate he heard. “I’ve got to put the dogs back first,” he called back.

“Don’t forget to get out a bag of puppy kibble,” Logan told him.

“Thank you for the pizza,” Lucy said. A smile curved her lips. “And the puppy.”

“I don’t think I had a choice where the puppy was concerned.”

She crouched down as the puppy ran over to her. She picked him up and cradled him in her arms. “You’re probably right.”

It wasn’t long before Nick returned from the shelter with a bag of kibble draped over one shoulder. Logan walked them to Lucy’s car and watched them drive away.