Catherine’s cheeks heated. She never drew attention to herself, yet all the customers now tracked Law and Bouncer as they crossed to her seat. The boxer stopped to sniff the base of a classic Wrigley gum vending machine, then moved on to the back tire on the Roadster.
Law stared down at her. His heat and intensity collected like fire. Her heart squeezed at the sight of his severely bruised face. He was a wounded warrior. He leaned in, lowering his voice. “The coffee shop was your commitment outside the office? You chose an espresso over me?”
She hadn’t written off their meeting. He’d been the one to sign off on her. “Where’s Justin?” She hoped Law hadn’t ditched her associate as rudely as he’d dumped her. James Lawless wasn’t her favorite ballplayer at the moment.
“Justin doesn’t like dogs and refused to ride with me,” Law informed her. “Bouncer was offended, so we took two vehicles. Once we arrived at Give the Dog a Bone, the owners’ Pomeranian growled at Justin and the man split.”
“He deserted you?” Just rewards, thought Catherine.
“He’s not a dog person.”
Foxie yipped, wanting attention. Bouncer nosed the mesh dog carrier. Foxie snapped, and the boxer drew back. “Don’t let her latch on to your muzzle, big guy,” Law told his dog. “You’ll have to say ‘I’m yours.’”
“Bouncer couldn’t commit.” Cat spoke without thinking. Her reference wasn’t lost on Law. It was he who didn’t like to commit.
Law went very still.
And Cat’s heart slowed.
Time suddenly blurred, and they were the only two people in the coffee shop. The exact same sensation had encircled them at Haunt, then again in Zen Driscoll’s office on their first meeting. They tuned out life to be alone.
“I commit to what’s important.” Law’s words rose raw in his throat. “I take care of my grandfather and Bouncer first, winning baseball games ranks second, and the sexual needs of a woman come third. I do my best to consider other people’s feelings and often put them ahead of my own.”
The caffeinated boost from the espresso made Cat bold. “Your consideration overwhelms.” She kept her voice even. “However, you should have come to me before going to Zen when problems arose between us. I would have tried to fix them.”
His gaze narrowed. “What problems? I want to work with you.”
“Old boys’ club,” she said slowly, distinctly.
“That conversation was between Zen, me, and the four walls,” he said stiffly.
“The door had ears.”
“You eavesdropped?” His expression was pained.
“I passed by Zen’s office to get to my own.”
“How much did you hear?”
“Enough to know that you no longer wish to work with me.”
Law exhaled through his teeth, a low hiss. “You didn’t listen long enough, sweetheart. Catching part of the conversation gave you the wrong impression. You’re my financial adviser. Zen’s doing me a personal favor.”
Catherine wondered if Law had voiced the same concern as his grandfather had earlier that morning. Both men had interest in the Rogues. Whispered speculation about the team would cause conjecture.
Quickly, she put everything in perspective. Perhaps she’d jumped the gun and misjudged him. The fact that he didn’t fully trust her bothered her most. She’d get through the tour, then assess their working relationship. She’d take one business at a time.
Shouldering Foxie’s carrier, she pushed herself off the rumble seat. “It’s Bouncer’s birthday. Let’s celebrate.”
A smattering of applause returned Catherine to reality. She blinked, looked around, and found numerous customers watching Law and her as intently as they would a soap opera. Cat hated public displays.
Could the day get any more embarrassing?
Apparently it could, and Law was the instigator. “I want to replace the pair of panty hose that got ripped last night.” His deep voice resonated through the coffee shop. “Satin Angels has great thigh-highs and garters.”
The coffee regulars choked and chuckled, some nearly spewing their lattes.
Jacy Kincaid grinned, then waved them off.
Cat wished the linoleum would swallow her whole.
Chapter 5
James Lawless and Catherine May crossed the street to his Mercedes GL. Once again, he hefted Bouncer into the back of the vehicle. “After his surgeries, I don’t want him straining his legs,” Law told Cat. “He’s strong, but I don’t take any chances.”
Foxie So Fine yipped and whined until Cat placed the schipperke on the seat next to the boxer. Bouncer hugged the door, and the black, foxlike dog remained in her carrier. She was still too close for the big dog’s comfort. Foxie barked at Bouncer all the way to the canine spa.
Give the Dog a Bone sprawled on ten acres. Oak trees arched over the entrance road. Law stopped at the guard gate, filled out the visitation forms, and supplied shot records on both dogs. He then pulled ahead.
Fences stretched the length of the driveway leading to the main three-story building, designed as a dog house. Canine trails wound throughout the property and, off to the left, two greyhounds outran a staff member.
Law parked the SUV. He next collected Bouncer and hooked him on a lead. He lifted Foxie’s carrier from the backseat. “I’ve got them both,” he said.
The schipperke’s excitement rose in shrill yips. The boxer sniffed the air, absorbing every scent. They entered the spa through a bright blue door.
A plump apricot Pomeranian with orange bows at her ears greeted them as if she owned the place. Her owners, Sam and Jane Carter, soon followed. The husband’s hands were arthritic and his wife looked frail. Cat had met and chatted with the couple the previous week. She acquainted Law with the Carters and apologized for running late.
“Happy birthday, Bouncer.” Jane bent to pet the boxer. “We have three great hours planned in your honor.”
The schipperke barked, wanting a piece of the action. “Foxie is Bouncer’s party guest,” explained Law.
“This is Precious.” Sam nodded to the Pomeranian. “She’s a party crasher. If treats are being served, she’s there.”
“Let the fun begin,” said Jane. She handed Law a birthday card in the shape of a boxer. Inside, Jane had printed out the canine events.