Chasing Stanley by Deirdre Martin Read Free Book Online Page B

coaxed. Stanley came. “Good boy.” She gave him a slice of hot dog then pulled out another. “Stanley, sit.” Stanley sat. “Good boy,” Delilah repeated enthusiastically, feeding him another treat. Delilah slowly extended her free hand to Jason.
    â€œHalti,” she whispered.
    Jason passed her the Halti.
    â€œRub Stanley’s belly and tell him what a wonderful boy he is,” she told him.
    Jason knelt before Stanley, doing as Delilah said. Stanley lapped up his master’s praise, barely making a fuss as Delilah put the Halti on him. “Good boy!” she boomed, giving him another treat.
    Jason rose to his feet. “Well, that was easy.”
    Delilah took off the Halti and handed it to Jason. “Your turn.”
    Delilah sensed Jason’s anxiety as he took the Halti from her. He seemed to be stalling, staring down at it as if it were some puzzle to be solved.
    â€œYou okay?” Delilah asked.
    â€œI’m afraid I’m going to choke him.”
    â€œYou’re not. That’s the whole point. This is a better way to train him than a choke collar.”
    â€œMaybe you could help me?”
    Delilah was caught off guard. “Help you how?”
    â€œHelp me guide it onto his muzzle. Just until I get the hang of it.”
    Delilah swallowed. “I could do that.”
    Delilah gently placed her hands over Jason’s. Together they guided the Halti onto Stanley’s muzzle. “See?” Jason’s hands beneath hers felt strong and warm. “It’s easy.” Delilah withdrew her hands, discreetly trying to wipe them off on her jeans; she was afraid they’d been sweaty. “You try.”
    Jason’s gaze lingered on her a long time before he began slipping the Halti on and off Stanley on his own.
    â€œHow am I doing?” Jason asked.
    â€œGreat. Let’s take a five-minute break, and then we’ll start putting it on him and attaching his leash.”
    Delilah stared at Stanley. Jason stared at Stanley. Stanley looked from one to the other. Seconds passed. Delilah nearly jumped when Jason abruptly turned to her.
    â€œHow did you get into this again?”
    Same question as last time they’d seen each other, when Delilah had cut him short. Determined to prove she could hold a conversation without running on at the mouth like a ninny, she smiled.
    â€œI’ve always loved dogs. Like I told you, I got my first dog when I was five, and I trained him. The rest is history. By the time I was in high school I had my own business, walking and training dogs. I guess you could say it was my destiny.”
    Jason laughed appreciatively. “I hear you. There’s only one thing I’ve ever wanted to do in my life, and that’s play hockey. I guess that gives us something in common.”
    â€œYes,” Delilah managed. Thoughts were breaking up into fragments, making it hard to know what to say next. Ask about work—play—girlfriend—family—home—dog? See Spot run. See Delilah speak. See Delilah try not to sound like a moron.
    Delilah cleared her throat. “How do you like New York?”
    â€œI like it,” Jason said after a careful pause. “Now that the culture shock has worn off, I’m starting to feel at home here.” His expression turned curious. “You a native New Yorker?”
    â€œMe? No. I mean, I grew up in New York. New York State, I mean, Long Island, well, that’s part of New York, so I guess, hmm, technically yes but not the city, no.” Mortified by her incoherence, she shut up and petted Stanley’s head, glad for the hairy prop. This is why dogs are better, she thought. You never have to worry about making a fool out of yourself. “Where are you from?” she asked, eager to deflect attention from herself.
    â€œFlasher, North Dakota.” His expression turned playful. “If you tell me you’ve heard of it, I’ll know