Page 39 of Wild Card

“Prepare, Cruz and Alex think of Pepper as their child.”

“I can relate.”

“Alex usually runs him a few times a week, but he’s having knee issues. I offered to help him out.”

“That was nice of you.”

“I’m a nice guy.”

A chuckle sounds behind us.

All the dogs pull forward, getting more and more excited. It’s then I spot the large basket of toys next to a full water station set up.

“Let those fur babies go,” the man standing instructs, bracing as they run to surround him.

When we get close enough, he scans over me, his bright blue eyes widening. After a few seconds, I resist squirming under his obvious examination.

“Cruz, that’s enough,” Talon grouses.

“I can’t help it. How do you guys do it?”

The man with Pepper stands. “Hi, I’m Alex and this is my partner, Cruz.”

“I’m Willow.”

His smile tells me he knows exactly who I am.

Cruz continues to ogle until Alex elbows him.

“Girl, I never thought I’d see anyone look good in the coral cream, but you wear that Lulu like it was made for you.”

I glance down at my leggings and feel a sense of relief. “Thanks, they were a splurge.”

“Liar,” Bex makes a choking sound, covering her mouth.

My obsession with Lululemon is borderline addiction.

Cruz waves down my body. “Gorgeous, stylish, and rocking neon. Girl, own that shit, not many can pull it off.”

I could argue that coral cream isn’t technically neon, but his compliment glides through me.

“Thank you,” I reply shyly, all eyes on us.

“You do know the words,” Talon teases.

“Alright, pups, let’s hydrate.” Cruz lays down four bowls, filling them with water.

“Wait, how do you have a bowl for Wolf?”

“I brought it,” Talon answers casually.

“But you didn’t know we’d run into each other.”

“I knew.”

“That’s impossible.”

“Babe, you were in this park, I’d find you.”

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