Page 52 of Mr. July

“Thanks. What are you doing here?”

“You know why, I’m here.”

I frowned over the rim of the coffee as I took a small sip.

“It was instant for me. Like being hit with lightning.”

“Look, I don’t have time to date anyone right now, nor am I interested in a guy like you.”

This seemed to amuse him. His chin lifted, his teeth sharp and white like a shark as he came closer.

“I’m in love with her.” He pointed to Daisy. “I’m fairly sure it’s mutual. A guy tends to pick up on these kinds of things. I couldn’t take the chance someone else saw her last night and would make a move before I could.”

“What do you say, Kismet? Want to come live happily ever after with me?” He crouched down on one knee, offering her a doggie biscuit. “But Kismet doesn’t seem to fit… how about…. Lady?”

By this time, my heart pounded as if he had giving chase. Was I had? Outed? He knew, right? My eyes darted left then right.

“How did you find us?”

“Google. I searched the name of the shelter from the bandana Kismet wore last night.”

“I need to feed the animals breakfast and take them out.”

“I’ll help.”

“Why?” I arched a brow.

“I missed my girl,” he bent low, scratching Daisy’s head.

My fingers shook as I punched in the access code. I felt him behind me, one thick forearm rested above my head. I was caged between him in the door. He was toying with me. A predator teasing his prey before he went in for the kill. “I hate lawyers.”

“What was that?”

“Nothing,” I grumbled, finally pushing the door open escaping him. I picked up a food bowl, getting angrier and angrier by the second. He was so overbearing. Smug. Sure, of himself. He just showed up after last night inserting himself in my life. My business? And thinks he’s going to take Daisy? The thought of him ripping Daisy from me started to sting more then when Sierra took Wade.

“No.”

“No?” He lifted his brows, crossing his arms the thick golden muscle popping out.

“No. You can’t adopt… D—. The dog. Kismet.”

“Why not. She needs love, right?”

“She has plenty right here. Besides, I’m not sure you’d be a good match. She needs someone utterly devoted.”

“I can be utterly devoted.”

I snorted. “No.”

“Yes.”

We tugged over her leash.

“What’s the matter? Not used to the word?”

“You’re a spitfire.”

Ignoring him, I put Daisy in her crate. After I filled her water bowl, I went to the cabinet for her medicated eyedrops gently administering two per eye. “There you go, pretty girl. I’ll be back later.”

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