No Man Left Behind: A Veteran Inspired Charity Anthology by Elizabeth Knox (black authors fiction TXT) 📕

she was a melted puddle of goo hanging over Leo’s lap enjoying a belly rub.

A laugh escaped her before her hand flew to her mouth touching her lips as she bit back her amusement.

Leo raised his head looking at Hanna with wide eyes. A smile gradually spread across his face. “Amused, are you?”

“She looks so pitiful.”

He chuckled bringing a smile to Hanna. At that, her gaze moved from the tiny goo puddle of a dog to the handsome smiling face. She had never seen him smile. Not really smile. During the time she had known him, he was always solemn, rarely spoke and when he did, it usually sounded abrupt and harsh, like the bears he had warned her about. She believed he didn’t mean it that way. That was just the way he was. She respected that.

She studied him as he talked to the animal moving around on his lap before cocking his head toward her. His smile was amazing. He was like a different person for a moment.

“Everything okay with you?” he asked.

Startled by the question, she stared not sure what he meant.

“Yeah.” The word slipped slowly past her lips.

“Any problems with the living arrangement? Still satisfied with that end of the home? You know if something needs attention, all you need to do is tell me. Otherwise I won’t know to fix it since I won’t be entering your space.”

“Oh, everything is great. Your home is amazing. I feel as if I have my own little apartment.”

He nodded and placed Tasha onto the floor, watching her run to Hanna.

“I think you’ve spoiled her with the belly rubs.” Hanna laughed picking Tasha up. Gathering her courage to get Leo to talk, she took a deep breath and pushed forward.

“Are you feeling better?”

Leaning on his knees, Leo narrowed his eyes on her.

“I heard you during the night, then this morning.”

He threw his hand up to stop her speech. Opening his mouth to speak, nothing came. He closed it with a sigh and rolled his neck, holding control of his reaction. This is why he lived alone. This is why he allowed no one close. No one understood and he didn’t himself at times. Before she moved on, talking to her wouldn’t hurt. She was more than likely ready to go back to that rundown house she was squatting in after today.

“About this morning,” he began only to be interrupted.

“It’s really okay,” Hanna interrupted him. “I understand at times people want to be alone.”

Her smile was so sweet, he became lost in her eyes. Only able to nod his head he stood, relieved to avoid that conversation.

She shooed the animal to the floor and stood also. “I guess I’ll head to bed now.” After two steps she turned back to him. “Can I ask a favor of you?”

He turned to face her.

“Would it be possible for Tasha to stay with you tonight? She likes to hop up on the bed and last night she squirmed and walked all over me.”

He only nodded and looked down to where the little dog sat looking up at him.

“Thank you and goodnight,” she told him with her heart-melting smile and disappeared through the door.

Leo flipped off all the lights and closed his door leaving Tasha behind. Completing his nightly rituals, he fell into bed hoping tonight would be a better night. A scratch at his door first grabbed his attention. Then the whining began and grew louder. Pushing out a harsh breath, he threw back the covers and walked to the door, pulling it open.

The little creature ran through the crack and jumped on the bed. She turned and looked at Leo with her tail wagging so hard, her whole body wiggled.

“This will not become a habit, girl,” he told her as he climbed back under the covers. When he was settled, Tasha laid down and snuggled close.

When Leo awoke the next morning, he realized he had experienced the best rest he’d had in years.

Chapter Eight

“Well, good morning,” Hanna greeted from the kitchen as Leo and Tasha emerged from the bedroom. She placed the spatula on the spoon rest and stooped to greet her pet. “How are you, sweetie? Did you charm your way into Leo’s bed last night?” she teased with a grin while scratching behind the dog’s ear. “I bet you’re ready to go outside.” She stood and took a step toward the door.

“I got it,” Leo said, pushing the sliding glass open and watching the tiny dog run past him and across the balcony and down the stairs.

“Did you rest better last night?” he asked Hanna as he still stood staring through the open door.

“Huh? Oh, Yeah. Yes, I did. Thank you,” she sputtered.

Just as quick as she disappeared, Tasha reappeared at the door. When she ran inside, he pulled the door closed keeping the cold air out and flipping the lock back into place.

“You know, this is the first time you’ve spoken to me before lunchtime,” she commented casually while scooping the eggs next to the biscuits on two plates.

“You keeping track?”

“No. Just an observation.” She carried the plates to the table and settled into a chair across from Leo.

“How long you gonna run?” he asked around a bite of ham.

“Run? What are you talking about?”

“You have no bank account. No cell phone. Searching for jobs that pay only in cash. Content to live without electricity. Adds up to staying invisible.”

Hanna swallowed her bite and jabbed the eggs with her fork, searching for the correct answer. She had grown attached to this job and didn’t want to lose it. To be honest, it had quickly become more than a job. She felt at home. At peace and safe. All feelings that were new to her.

“Not talking about it yet?” he asked when she remained silent. “Fair enough. Talk when you want.”

“It all began when I was a housekeeper for this couple. And we had a disagreement.”

“Go on.”

“I don’t want to lose this job,” she said