“It’s easier to miss on him than some. But regardless, I know him well enough to assure you that if you treat animals well and have compassion for what you do there, he’ll not only respect you, he’d move mountains to help you if you ever need it.”

“This helps. Thanks. I’m not going to feel so bad about all that I don’t know next time. Or how much less efficient I am.”

“Yeah, well, just remember, Megan says even with being such a stickler for routine, he averages about a hundred and fifty percent productivity compared to everyone else.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Olivia shook her head in disbelief. “It’s still so weird to me, how I was worried about reconnecting with you, yet we found each other again through the shelter.”

“I think that’s what they call synchronicity. But, if you think about it, it makes sense. A love of dogs brought us together. Why not a shelter too?”

“You have a point.”

Gabe’s hand was resting on Samson’s rib cage, and she brushed her fingers over it. Earlier, after they had meandered back along the trail and ended up at Gabe’s truck, things had heated up again before they were interrupted by a carload of people who’d parked next to them. Now that they were here, she was getting the sense that Gabe was holding back out of respect and concern for her comfort, not because he’d lost interest in starting something up again.

Knowing the longer it went between steamy kisses, the more likely she was to lose her nerve, Olivia took a leap. “So, full disclosure. I could live to be a hundred and not forget how incredible you looked carrying Morgan out of the water.” After a second of debate, she added, “At the time, I think I had too much adrenaline flowing through my veins to appreciate that fact, but thanks to YouTube and Facebook, I’ve had a few more chances for it to hit home.”

Gabe chuckled softly. “Thanks, but I saw the video. Morgan very deservingly stole the show.”

“His struggle in the water was heart-wrenching, that’s for sure. But I think that’s what makes your efforts so much more compelling. And it isn’t just me. Have you seen some of the comments under the video link?” She rolled her eyes in exasperation. “I’m pretty sure you were proposed to at least once.”

Even in the dim overhead light, Olivia thought she noticed his cheeks darken a touch. “I chose not to read them. Let’s hope it’s short-lived and I remain anonymous.” He traced his thumb slowly across her wrist. “Because I’m only interested in getting attention like that from one person, and she’s right here in front of me.”