Finding Home: Wild Heart, #3

By Devon Cross

After the death of his boyfriend three years ago, Will's tired of coming home to an empty bed. But getting back out there is only half the battle when compared to the war raging inside his mind.

The last time Rob put his heart on the line, it ended in tears. He's not about to face that pain again.

One-night stands? No problem. Long-term relationships? Not a chance.

But when Cooper, a Shepard mix, is brought in by a good Samaritan, keeping to Rob's rule of one-and-done is harder than he thinks. Especially when Cooper escapes the shelter and brings both men together in their search to find the missing dog.

Rob's vowed to never love again. Will's looking for something more.

Can these two see eye to eye, or will a special canine have to put them in their place?

Finding Home is a steamy gay romance of approximately 35,000 words, with a HEA and no cliffhangers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Devon Cross
• Release date: Aug 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386887140

Book preview

1

Rob

With Caleb and Eli due back from their honeymoon, Rob did what he could to tidy up the shelter. Nothing had happened during Eli’s absence, but that didn’t mean Rob wasn’t itching to get back to his comfortable routine. All the paperwork and responsibility that came with running the rescue was too much for him.

After unlocking the door to the shelter, Rob threw his bag behind the front desk, then grabbed the keys for the dog kennel. He greeted each of the canines, exchanged their food and water, then headed back for the reception area before checking on the cats. And the entire time, there was a wide grin on his face. He loved his job, really. There were just certain aspects of it he couldn’t stand. He wasn’t the best when it came to interacting with others, but when he got to work with the animals, he had no problem at all.

He was about to check the voice-mail when Eli and Caleb walked in.

Rob put down the receiver and smiled. It was clear to see they’d spent more than enough time in the sun. Either that or Caleb was terrible at using tanning beds. He was red from head to toe, made worse by his blond hair.

Ever hear of sunscreen? Rob resisted the urge to touch any part of Caleb’s now-tender skin.

Caleb shrugged, wincing when he did. Damn stuff didn’t work.

Only because you refused to put it on, Eli added.

Because it’s greasy as hell.

Rob left them to do their bickering as he gathered his things. So, how was Florida? Aside from Caleb getting burnt to a crisp.

It was... sticky, Eli said.

And warm. Caleb leaned his head back as he stood against the wall for support.

It’s Florida. That’s the point, Rob reminded them. Did you get to go scuba diving?

It was the one thing Eli had had his heart set on, and something Caleb had promised they’d do.

No. Eli’s shoulders dropped. This little chickenshit was too scared to go into the dark caverns.

They’re dark and it’s underwater. What happens if you get lost and run out of air? Caleb shivered. I’ll pass, thanks.

We had a guide

Doesn’t matter.

Eli released an exasperated sigh. You see what I had to deal with?

Rob laughed. You’re the one who married him. You’re not getting any sympathy from me.

"Spoiled sport. Anyway, it was fun, but next time we are going to visit those caverns. He gave Caleb a pointed look who shrugged. To Rob he said, How about you? Anything new to report?"

Same old, same old. Rob slid out from behind the desk so Caleb could take over. Apparently Cooper’s on the run again.

So expect to see him reappear at some point. Eli rolled his eyes. Do the Andersons still want him?

No. They said he’s too high-energy for them.

What are we gonna do with him? Every home we’ve sent him to, he’s escaped. Then, the adopters no longer want him.

I’m thinking maybe we should keep him here as a permanent resident. If he keeps coming back, there has to be a reason. And he is good with folks who come in. Not to mention the other dogs. In fact, the Shepherd mix seemed to have a liking for mentoring the new arrivals. If any of them were unnerved, Cooper picked up on it.

How many are we up to now? Six?

Seven, Rob corrected him. One these days, he’s gonna get hit.

I have thought of that. We’ll discuss his arrangements later, once he shows up. Someone’s bound to bring him in.

They always do.

So, what else is new? Caleb shoved himself away from the wall with his shoulder.

That’s it, Rob said. Not much worth mentioning.

No new guys since we left?

There was the one but... I think I’m done with men.

As in done-done, or trying for the other team?

Done.

Eli’s brows went up. Uh oh. I’ve heard this before. You’re not giving up, you only think you are. Once you find a target, you won’t stop talking about him.

I’m serious this time. Everyone wants a long-term relationship, and I’m not into that shit anymore.

Because of what happened with Sadie and Greg. Eli offered him a reassuring smile. It’s been over two years. What happened with Sadie was a damn shame, and what followed between you and Greg couldn’t be helped. But Greg’s moved on, and I think you should get to do the same.

Rob shook his head. No. No way in hell he was planning to put himself through that pain again. He didn’t blame Greg for moving on or for what had happened to their puppy, but he also didn’t have the strength to go through it again. The less he knew about the men he slept with, the better. If they used a fake name, it was all the more reason to have a roll in the hay with them.

All he needed was a good one-night stand. No strings attached. No way to get hurt.

Eli turned on the phones and clapped Rob on the shoulder. Thanks for manning the fort while we were gone. You are free to resume you normal duties.

Thank God. Rob released a sigh. No offense, Caleb. Desk work isn’t my thing.

No problem. Caleb grinned and dove into the small mountain of paperwork Rob had left for him. No doubt Caleb would have it all sorted before lunch.

And Rob was more than happy to leave him to it. Happy enough to clean the cat boxes. Anything but the front desk.

2

Will

Will ushered Bear, a large Bernese Mountain dog, out of the tub and onto his grooming table. He clicked Bear to the lead so he wouldn’t jump off like he did last time, then grabbed his tools from a nearby drawer.

Behind him, Marcy prepared her station. Her client, however, had yet to arrive. Late again. Why am I not surprised?

Will combed the knots out of Bear’s fur. I’m thinking it’s about time we cut them loose. They take up a slot, then we have to figure out if they’re ever going to show. It’s a slot we could give to someone else. Not like we have enough time to call anyone right now anyway.

It normally wasn’t a problem, but it was still early in the morning. Only the first drop-offs had arrived.

Running the spa was something Will enjoyed. He got to work with the animals he loved, talk to some very unique individuals, and work his artistic magic by transforming a mangled mess into what could pass as a purebred. He prided himself in what he and Marcy did. From clipping nails and simple trims to dying the fur different colors during special occasions.

He laughed at that. Especially when Bear gave him a serious look. He could never imagine the dog colored pink, blue, or green. His colors suited him just fine. Still, the thought of a pink Bernese Mountain Dog with rabbit ears made him giggle. Maybe some other time.

Halfway through grooming Bear’s long fur, Will took a moment to watch the shoppers outside. Nestled between the bookshop and one of the quaint restaurants in town, Will saw a lot of foot traffic outside his window, which meant they got to see him as well. On more than one occasion, someone had walked in, taken a business card, then set up an appointment later on. Most groomers around town didn’t fancy the idea of being watched, but it was great for business.

Will waved to a family with two kids who pressed their hands against the glass, amazement in their eyes at the size of Bear. He was full-grown, and if Will let him off the table, he’d stand as tall as his hips. But as big as he was, Bear was a gentle giant. In fact, Will had never seen the large dog harm anything. Not even the flies that flew in during the warmer months.

Bear wined impatiently as Will turned him around, allowing Bear to watch the kids outside. His tail wagged, and he pawed at the table, which Will quickly corrected. With a firm voice and a hand on his paw, he got Bear to settle down. Most of him, anyway. His tail kept moving, almost hitting Will in the face.

When Bear complained again, Will glanced back outside.

He should really be on a leash.

A Shepherd mix sauntered by without a collar or leash in sight. Will decided the owner had used one of the very thin leashes—something he’d never recommend—but without a collar to clip it to...

What’s that dog doing? Marcy opened the door and leaned outside as the dog continued down the sidewalk.

Will craned his neck. He’s about to get himself killed. Will placed his tools to the side, made sure Bear was secure, then said, Marcy, watch him for a sec, will you?

Marcy took Will’s place at his grooming station, then offered him a smile. Don’t go running into traffic like you did with the last one.

Will was already heading out the door. I won’t.

Once outside the storefront, he looked up and down the street. The mix was already approaching one of the intersections. A busy one. Will took a deep breath, then let loose a sharp whistle. The mix halted. Stopped in his tracks and glanced back over his shoulder at Will. Come on. Come back this way.

Will didn’t move. He knew from experience not to chase after a dog—stray or otherwise. And as close as the mix was to the intersection, going after it would’ve led to disaster.

When the dog turned back toward the intersection again, Will whistled a second time. Louder. And again, the dog looked at him. Will held his gaze, crouched down, then held out his hands. He coaxed the dog away from the intersection one step at a time. When folks gathered on the sidewalk behind him, he held out an arm to keep them from passing.

Cross at the last light, he insisted.

Some of them mumbled or sighed while others looked on.

Will never took his eyes off the dog. It was matted with brambles stuck in its fur. He’s been running for a while. Through the woods, no less. He’d already come a long way, crossing multiple intersections to get as far as he had. But that didn’t mean Will was ready to