Page 148 of Breaking Point
will he even know what I’m talking about?
MOM
absolutely
Istop dead in my tracks. Layla’s yapping about her latest romance novel which is going in one ear and out the other the moment I spot Grayson step out of a barn up ahead, a large carefree smile spread across his face as he slaps Kieran on the back in greeting.
At first, I’m struck by the joy lighting his face, the happiness that seems to radiate off him, but as his eyes scan the crowd, his smile faltering, I find I’m not holding my breath because of how attractive he is today. I’m holding my breath because I think he’s?—
He spots me through the crowd, that smile stretching across his face once more as he lifts a hand and waves at me, telling Kieran something as he makes his way over.
He was searching for me.
I feel like slapping myself. Of course he was searching for me. I’m here to be his pretend girlfriend; any rational fake boyfriend would seek their partner out.
“Oh my god,” Layla breathes beside me.
“What?” I spin to her, watching as her icy blue eyes flick between me and Grayson’s fast approaching form. “Is there something on my face?”
She shakes her head. “No, it’s just…” Clearing her throat, she mutters, “Nothing.”
I make a note to pester her for answers later, only for my thoughts and the whirlwind of anxious flutters in my stomach to come to a halt.
In Grayson’s hand is a hot pink lead, and following its tether is the most adorable golden retriever I’ve ever seen. In its mouth is a small white Lamb Chop teddy bear, and its tail is thumping wildly as its eyes dart all around. To top off the cuteness level, it’s wearing a bright pink vest with a patch on the side that says,Hi! I’m deaf and a little anxious but I love people!
Layla and I both gasp in sync, our knees dropping to the grass as Grayson and the adorable dog get close. The dog makes a beeline for us, its tail wagging a mile a minute as our grubby hands reach out to pat it.
“Stop, this is the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen!”
Layla gushes, placing kisses all over the dog. “You are such a gorgeous doggo, yes you are. Oh, you’re so beautiful!”
Grayson chuckles. “Do I get a hello too or just Bambi?”
At the name, Layla and I burst out into coos and awes.
“Just Bambi. That’s the cutest name ever.”
Layla cries out, “Why do I have to be moving? I want to take you home.”
Lifting my head, I find Grayson smiling down not at Bambi but at me. My cheeks heat. “How long has the shelter had her?” I ask.
His smile falters. “Six months.”
Layla and I both gasp.
“Six months?” I shake my head. “Why on earth…” My words trail off, what I was about to say dying on my tongue. No dog deserves this. “If I could I’d buy a huge block of land and take them all.”
Grayson’s lips twitch. “Great minds seem to think alike, Blaze.”
Layla’s eyes cut to mine at the nickname I can’t get Grayson to stop calling me. But who am I kidding, I have barely tried to make him stop. For some reason it makes my heart skip a beat despite not knowing why he calls me that.
“Is she partially deaf?” I ask.
“From what the vets say she’s lost all hearing capability.”
“The poor baby,” Layla murmurs, now giving belly rubs to Bambi. “Who would ever want to give her up? Look at her, she’s so precious.”
“Would you want to adopt her?” Grayson asks, hopeful.
