His smile was so winning, his charm so overpowering, that again Marleen felt the heat of redness stain her cheeks. "I… I suppose so."

"In that case, call me Dave."

"We haven't decided the details yet, Mr. Pre – Dave," Marleen said, feeling almost schoolgirlish at her silly way of responding toward this man. What was wrong with her? She was around men all day, running the shop the way she did… She cleared her throat, getting a grip on herself. "The rent is seventy-five dollars a month, including utilities, first and last months payable before occupancy. And there's a deposit of fifty dollars which I'll refund when you move out."

"Deal," Preston said emphatically. "That is, if…"

"Yes?"

"Well, one of the reasons I like your place is that it's fenced in back…"

"Naturally," Marleen broke in hastily. "I don't want burglars to break in the back or children to wander through and possibly hurt themselves." She realized that she was all but babbling, over-eager as if she wanted this strange man to move in, to be pleased and without any problems. What was the matter with her?

"Well, you see, I own a dog." He looked at her, trying to see her reaction. Dogs and little children screwed up more situations, including the renting of apartments. "He's a friendly cuss, loves people…"

"We'd have to see him first of course, but personally I like dogs. I mean, if they're real dogs, and not those little dust-mops that run around biting ankles and yapping all the time."

Preston laughed warmly, and Marleen found herself joining in. "No, Marleen, this isn't a dust-mop. King is a German Shepherd, only he's not quite pure-bred. His mother was, but the kennel she was at didn't watch her well enough one season, and she mated with an Alaskan Husky. King was the result – almost all Shepherd, only a little shorter and thicker, and much more even tempered – and I got him for nothing. But he'll be a good watch-dog around here, especially if I can build him a kennel out there, maybe by the rear door there. He won't be any trouble, I promise."