How to Howl at the Moon by Eli Easton Read Free Book Online Page A

wonder his mother always wanted a spa trip for her birthday. Lance couldn’t remember the last time he’d been pampered in anything by anyone. He didn’t need things like that. Never allowed himself the luxury.
    “But now that we live out here, you can run around in the yard while I work. That’ll be okay, won’t it? I’ll leave the greenhouse door open so you can come in and keep me company whenever you get bored.”
    Right there. That little… Ah. Lance gave a whimper as Tim’s lovely scrubbing fingers moved over an itchy place. What was Tim saying? Open access to the greenhouse. That would be good.
    Not that Lance planned on sticking around. Twenty-four hours. In and out.
    Tim’s long, strong fingers massaged over Lance’s ribs. “You’re not too skinny. That’s good. But that means you must belong to someone, though, huh? No matter what Dr. McGurver said.”
    Lance cracked his eyes open to look at Tim. He looked simultaneously hopeful and sad. “I know I’d go crazy if I lost a dog like you, so I guess I have to at least look for your owners.” He pulled a glass off the counter and used it to rinse Lance off. The water sent soap streaming down Lance’s black fur in warm waves. “But I’m not going to look that hard. And if no one is missing a dog, would you like to live here with me?”
    Tim’s hand ran over Lance’s clean fur, squeezing out some of the water. “I’m probably not your best choice of an owner, honestly. I’m not even sure if I’ll have a home six months from now. You see, I’m growing a bunch of stuff I hope to sell in the summer. But what if I can’t make a living at it? And then there’s the rose I promised Linda.” Tim sighed.
    Stuff? What stuff? Rose? What rose?
    “But I’ll do the best I can by you. I promise.” Tim, now soaking wet himself, helped Lance out of the tub and onto some dry towels he’d put on the bathroom floor. Then he proceeded to rub Lance all over with more dry towels. Lance really wanted to shake to dislodge the water, but he refrained, knowing he’d get it everywhere. And the sensation of Tim rubbing him briskly was… sufficient.
    Tim got the worst of the water off Lance. But instead of moving away, he put his arms around Lance and hugged him. There they sat—Lance sitting on his hind legs and Tim with his long legs and damp jeans sitting cross-legged right in front of him, leaning forward and hugging him, the towel still wrapped over Lance’s back. Tim’s face was over Lance’s shoulder, so he couldn’t see his expression, but he felt something, something open and hot and vulnerable pouring off the young man. Lance trembled. It was so private. He should pull away, this was taking advantage in a way he hadn’t anticipated. But he didn’t move.
    “I’m so glad you’re all right. I would’ve hated myself if you’d been badly hurt.”
    Oh, God.
    Tim pulled back and smiled brightly. “Now what should I call you? I bet you don’t want to get stuck with ‘Buddy’, huh?”
    Nothing. No name. That’s fine. Seriously.
    Tim looked thoughtful. “What about Chance? Dr. McGurver said I’d taken a chance touching you. And I guess you are a chance at something new for me. Maybe I’m a chance for you too. What do you think, Chance? Do you like it?”
    Lance plopped his head on Tim’s shoulder with a sigh. He was in so much trouble.
     
    *                          *                         *
     
    After the bath, Tim changed into flannel PJ bottoms and a T-shirt and made himself a sandwich. He ate it while they sat on the couch and watched Twilight Zone . Lance tried not to look at the sandwich, but he was feeling more than a little peckish and his dog instincts were clearly interested —warm, safe, food . The doggie trifecta. Yes, food would be lovely right about then.
    Tim pouted out his lip. “I’m sorry, Chance, but I can’t give you anything. Doctor’s orders. We’ll get you a nice big