Spark And Flame by K. Sterling Read Free Book Online

home,” he said and Shepherd yipped again before his tail cocked and he hunched.
    “I think you’re about to have your first surprise,” Lane warned as he calmly walked into the kitchen to grab the paper towels and all purpose cleaner. Probably should have grabbed more of that, Lane thought as he swiped the spray bottle off the counter.
    “Lane!” Aiden gasped between fingers as he covered his nose and mouth. “Don’t do that, Shepherd,” he begged then gagged against his hand.
    “Shepherd, outside,” Lane said firmly as he bent and picked up the puppy and Aiden followed as Lane carried him to the back door. “Potty outside,” he said as he set Shepherd in the grass. The puppy stared up at Aiden and Lane for a moment then darted after something invisible and tumbled.
    “I don’t think he understood,” Aiden mumbled as he followed Shepherd as he frolicked toward the garden.
    “It’s going to take a lot of repetition,” Lane warned as he turned back to the house. “Keep him away from my garden while I clean up,” he said.
    “A lot of repetition?” Aiden repeated to himself and Lane laughed as he shut the door behind him.

Chapter 10
     
    “We were just outside!” Aiden complained as he jumped up and ran toward Shepherd. Lane laughed as he watched Aiden pick up the puppy and hold him as far away as his arms could stretch as he rushed toward the back door. “Potty outside!” He pleaded and Lane sighed as he sat up straight and stretched. They were just getting comfortable on the sofa when Shepherd squatted and pissed on the floor. Lane hoped Aiden would admit defeat soon. A long nap sounded like heaven.
    “I’ll get this one but it’s your turn next time,” Lane called as he went after the paper towels and spray.
    “I’m still very uncomfortable with touching his urine and feces,” Aiden complained and Lane shrugged.
    “Tomorrow’s Monday. You’ll be cleaning up his urine and feces all day,” he said and Aiden looked quite distraught.
    “All day?” He asked and Lane nodded.
    “Until I get home,” he clarified and Aiden’s eyes went to the cleaning gloves on the counter and he straightened his spine.
    “Fine. You’re responsible for his surprises when you’re home,” Aiden declared and Lane narrowed his eyes as he ran his tongue across his teeth and considered arguing. It couldn’t be that much longer.
    “Fine,” Lane said. There was a rapid tap at the front door and they turned toward it. A young woman bounced excitedly and cupped her hands around her eyes as she peered into the house and Aiden’s lips pulled tight as he bent to pick up Shepherd.
    “You get it,” he said as he went back to the sofa. “If she has a baby or appears to be in the late stages of pregnancy, send her away,” Aiden declared and Lane threw his hands up as he went toward the door. He pulled it open and the woman deflated as he looked down at her. Her brunette hair was pulled into a messy bun and her nose wrinkled as she regarded him.
    “Hello?” Lane said and she took a deep breath as her eyes darted around Lane.
    “Is Dr. Aiden Sharp home?” She asked and Lane clenched his jaw as irritation and a bit of anxiety plumed within him.
    “May I help you?” He asked sternly and she looked frustrated.
    “If I could just meet Dr. Aiden Sharp…” She said as she ducked to see around Lane. He lowered his head and tried to find her eyes.
    “I’m Chief Lane West and you’re on private property. Why are you here?” He asked and she made an exasperated sound as she straightened.
    “I just thought that if I could meet Dr. Aiden Sharp I would feel closer to Gavin Langley…” She stopped when Lane pulled the door shut as he backed her away from it.
    “Ok. You have to leave now and NEVER come back,” Lane commanded as he pointed away from the house.
    “Can I at least see him?” She asked as he continued to point. “Just have him come to the window where I can see him,” she begged and Lane shook his