Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 397: A Desert Surprise

Barry picked up a glass and poured a splash of whiskey.

"When are you coming back?" He took a sip, keeping his tone casual. "What is the plan? Tomorrow is the wildlife park with Simon, then sand motorcycling... then taking the animal actors to the shoot."

Nancy’s voice still carried a trace of panic as she listed her schedule.

Barry’s hand stilled on the glass. "Oh? Tomorrow is with Simon?"

"Yeah," Nancy replied, completely oblivious. "But Simon has to report back to the station tomorrow night. I’ll be staying in the desert for another two weeks."

Barry arched an eyebrow. A knowing smile flickered in his eyes, and his voice lightened. "That sounds good."

"Huh?" Nancy didn't catch his meaning.

Barry finished his drink in one go. When he looked back at the screen, his gaze was lazy and determined. "I mean, it's good to enjoy the desert for a while."

Nancy hugged her pillow and sank into the bed. she let out a long yawn. "How is the zoo? Is the snow leopard cub still following you around?"

Barry’s expression softened as he watched her drift off. "Worse than before. His teeth are coming in, so he spends all day shoving toys into my hands, forcing me to practice hunting with him." He gave a soft laugh. "Sometimes I can't tell if Star is his therapy dog or if I've become his personal nanny."

On the other end, the sound of steady breathing came through the phone.

Barry stopped talking and watched her sleep. She was curled up, her lashes casting soft shadows on her cheeks. He quietly disconnected the call.

"Goodnight. See you tomorrow."

The next day.

After finalizing the cast of animal actors with the rescue center, Nancy headed to the desert wildlife park with Simon. Seeing her eyeing the local snacks along the path, Simon told the guards to watch her while he went to buy some.

While Nancy was looking around, a familiar bark cut through the noise. She looked toward the crowd and spotted a streak of grey fur.

It looked exactly like Star.

Nancy followed the sound to a quiet, shaded corner of the park. Star was there, tail wagging furiously. The big dog lunged toward her in excitement.

"Watch out!"

The guard beside her reacted instantly, pinning the airborne Star with a standard takedown.

"Wait! That's my dog!" Nancy shouted.

The guard let go immediately, but his eyes stayed sharp as they landed on the man walking slowly behind the dog. He stepped in front of Nancy, blocking the path. "Is this gentleman with you as well?"

Nancy looked up and met Barry’s smiling eyes. Taken by surprise, she blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

"Yes, yes. He is mine."

She realized the double meaning the second she said it. Her face turned bright red. The guard caught the hint and stepped back a few paces, giving them space while staying on duty.

Barry stood in the dappled sunlight, looking relaxed and sharp.

"What are you doing here?" Nancy asked, her voice jumping with a joy she couldn't hide.

Barry shoved a bag of steaming local snacks into her hand. "Star missed you. He wouldn't give me a moment of peace. I finished up my work, so I brought him to the desert to see you."

Just then, Simon’s voice rang out from nearby. "Nancy?"

Nancy panicked. On pure reflex, she grabbed Barry’s wrist and pulled him behind a thick tree trunk. Backed against the wood, she could feel Barry’s heat and his steady heartbeat.

She looked down and fired off a quick text to Simon. "I had to run to the restroom, be right back!"

A low laugh came from above her. Barry leaned in, his warm breath brushing her ear. "Am I that shameful to be seen with?"

"No..." Nancy’s ears burned. "If Simon sees you now, he won't be able to focus on the drive back."

Only then did she realize that in her rush, she had basically pinned Barry against the tree in a very suggestive pose.