Silver Spoon by Cheyenne Meadows Read Free Book Online

pets come up again. He knew she would love the gigantic canine presently occupying the entire rear of the vehicle. That wasn't an issue. Her landlord could be. If so, they would have to figure something out and quick, for he wasn't about to look into those dark, sad eyes of the animal and walk away.

Chapter 8
     
    "Come on. Let's go." Oakley, complete with purse slung over her shoulder, met them at the door.
    "We just got home." They'd made a quick pit stop by the vet's office, dropped off the mastiff, filled out paperwork, then headed directly to Loco's residence in hopes of catching some sleep after a long, tiring assignment.
    Her green eyes flashed at Loco. "Yeah, I know. I figure I have about two hours to take you guys shopping for dog supplies before you wear down and want to crash. So, let's get a move on."
    Spoon and Loco shared a look, neither one bothering to argue. Instead, they trailed along, hopping into Loco's black SUV.
    Oakley hit the nail on the head with Spoon's fatigue level. He remained wired up after a mission for a few hours, even after a long drive. Normally, he went to the gym, or plopped down to play video games until the adrenaline left his body, allowing him to finally sleep.
    "I figure we need dog food and another leash and collar. What else?" he tossed out from the backseat, grinning at the two lovebirds holding hands in the front.
    She twisted to look at him while waving a piece of paper. "All kinds of things. He needs a bed, toys, puppy pads for housetraining, treats, nail clippers, brushes…"
    He blinked in amazement at the long rambling list. "Are you sure that's for a dog and not a newborn baby?"
    They both chuckled at him. "Yeah, I was shocked too," Loco admitted as he clicked the blinker on for a turn.
    "It seems like a lot, but they're all necessary items. Besides, from what little you've told us about Riley—" she frowned at him—"she probably can't afford everything she needs on her limited budget."
    "Good point." He nodded, having forgotten that Riley, for all intents and purposes, lived off the income from working at the gym. Her writing brought in extra, but not enough yet to boost her into a higher tax bracket.
    A few minutes later they entered the huge store dedicated to pets of all varieties, a warehouse full of every toy, food, and knick-knack a person could want for their animal. The sheer number of items and endless variety amazed him.
    Like a typical woman focused on a shopping spree, Oakley led them around the large pet supply store, picking up items and placing them in the overflowing cart as they meandered down aisle after aisle. With a basket crammed full of stuff for one oversized canine the size of a pony, they finally entered the checkout line.
    Spoon flinched at the sum of the purchases, but handed over the payment without a single complaint. After all, he fully expected the vet bill to exceed the amount by at least double. In all honesty, he could spare the money without feeling a budget crunch. Besides, he did it for the welfare of a friendly dog and the happiness of a woman he cared for. He could and would shell out much more for such worthy causes.
    Loading up the vehicle, Loco drove them back to the duplex he and Oakley shared, where they transferred everything into Spoon's truck in order for him to arrive at Riley's apartment the following day with her new pet and everything she would need in order to care for him.
    By the time Spoon arrived home, his energy levels ran near empty. He jumped in the shower, got cleaned up, then called Riley. When he learned she was off work the next day and intended to stay home and write, he promised to drop by, but kept the dog a surprise. Exhausted, he ended the call, crawled into bed, promptly falling asleep.

Chapter 9
     
    Sure enough, the vet bill came in just under his estimate. A large chunk of change to get one huge tan mutt with a black mask and feet the size of horse hooves in shape to be a lifelong companion to his