Page 128 of Bronco

I look down at Titan. He’s begging to go greet Olive, and when she gets closer and sees him, she sprints our way. I let go of his leash and he runs to her, half-jumping and licking her excitedly. She giggles, petting his head like they haven’t seen each other in eons, when it was only this morning. I left Titan at the clubhouse while I was away because he knows everyone there, and he didn’t leave his spot outside on the landing, right near my room, the entire time. Okay, he did escort the girls to school, but at least he listened when I told him to protect them. He’s a good dog. Tough on the outside, but soft in the middle.

Amber wraps her arms around my neck, breaking me out of my reverie. She kisses me chastely on the lips. “Hey daydreamer.”

I smile. “Happy?”

“Extremely.”

“Let’s go home.”

She looks up at me. “Hey, I was thinking.”

“Uh, oh.”

She tightens her hold around my neck. “Wise ass.”

“Whenever you think, I gotta brace for impact.”

“That’s so mean!”

I grab her ass and squeeze it, and she yelps, looking around to see if anyone saw. They didn’t, and Olive and her mom are too wrapped up in each other to care what we’re doing. There’s only Titan at my side, looking up at us like he just remembered he’s my dog.

“Titan doesn’t think so, do you, boy?”

He barks loudly in response and we laugh.

Amber reaches down to scratch his head. “I wondered if I might impose on you.”

I waggle my eyebrows and lower my voice. “Does this involve you sittin’ on my face?”

She scowls. “Stop it! Be serious!”

I bump her with my hips as she tries to keep up the pretense of being mad, but she eventually gives up and her fake frown relaxes. “Sorry, go on.”

“Well, once Erica is settled in, I wondered if I could bunk with you some of the time, give her some space. My house is pretty small?—”

“Why don’t you just move in?”

She stares at me. “Permanently?”

“Yup. I’m up for it if you are, but fair warning, there’s still only one bed.”

“You’re the worst fake boyfriend I’ve ever had.”

My lips turn up. “Glad to hear it, because you won’t be tryin’ out anyone else.”

“Getting all growly on me now?”

“When was I not?”

“Fair point.” She smiles against my lips. “You’re pretty hot when you’re growly.”

“Speakin’ of growling men, saw Brew went alpha on your ass.”

“Oh man, that dude is something else.” I lower my voice. “You should have seen him when the subject of trafficking came up.”

“Yeah, babe, it’s a sore spot.”

“I can see why.”

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