Page 149 of Breaking Point
It makes me realize just how much he cares about these dogs getting adopted. It’s not just a social media post or how it looks to the internet, he truly cares.
Layla’s smile vanishes. “I wish. I meant what I said before, I’m moving to Berlin next week for a year.”
Grayson’s gaze immediately jumps to my face, a flash of concern there and gone before he turns back to Layla. “You don’t sound too thrilled about the move.”
She gives him a friendly smile. “It’s a sore subject.”
Remembering what Layla said before, I clap my hands. “How can we help? Put us to work!”
Taking the hint, Grayson drops the subject, and I don’t miss the grateful smile Layla sends my way.
“Just give any dog you pass love. A lot of them have tragic backstories and just want attention.”
Layla clutches her chest. “I hate people who do this to animals.”
“Same,” Grayson agrees, a faraway look entering his gaze. “The stories I hear at the shelter give me nightmares.” Shaking his head, his eyes widen before a pink tint blooms across his cheeks. “Fuck, I’m sorry, I’ve heard so much about you I feel like I’ve already met you.” Holding out his hand for Layla, he drawls, “I’m Grayson, and it’s so nice to meet Bella’s best friend.”
Layla’s smile stretches wide as she stands, to Bambi’s dismay. Shaking Grayson’s hand, she chuckles. “The same could be said for you. Thank you for taking care of her, by the way. I know it isn’t an easy feat.”
“Hey!” I protest, but the pair ignore me.
“So, it’s not just toward me then?”
Layla rolls her eyes. “God no. She’s been this way since middle school.”
Bending down, I lock my gaze on Bambi’s brown eyes, noting how they seem to melt as she gives me a puppy dog look. “I don’t mind being ignored when such a cute girl like you is around.” I scratch behind her collar, seeming to hit a spot as her back leg begins to thump.
How could anyone give up a pet?I will never understand abandoning an animal that I willingly went out of my way to get.
As my heart pangs, I refocus on Layla and Grayson’s conversation, realizing that he’s handed her a clipboard.
“Thank you, this would help so much. If anyone talks about wanting to adopt in the near future, try and get them to write down their details so we can contact them about pets who come into the rescue. Even those who might want to foster.”
Layla’s nodding along, her bottom lip caught between her teeth as she takes the instructions seriously. It’s the thing we bothhave in common and why we bonded so much in school. I was a stickler for rules and Layla never wanted to disappoint her parents or teachers. We were a perfect fit from the moment we met.
Grayson whistles as he spots something behind us. “Here you go, you can try on this big bastard. Care to put your name and number down for rescuing or fostering an animal in the future?”
A derisive snort at my back has me rising, then Kieran’s voice adds, “Fuck no, don’t put my number down.”
Grayson rolls his eyes. “The women at the shelter aren’t going to stalk you, Kieran. Believe it or not, not every woman loves you.”
“Probably the opposite,” I mutter, earning a snort from Grayson.
“Why don’t you put your number down?” he shoots back.
Grayson gives him a deadpan glare. “Just let her write your number down, dipshit.”
Kieran rolls his eyes but as Layla turns, his stride comes to a stop as he notes the clipboard in her hand. His smirk is slow but ravenous, and his eyes eat her up. “Okay, put my number down,” he drawls.
I’m about to snap my fingers in front of him like he’s a dog who needs to be told off, but to my utter shock, Layla looks him up and down, not affected in the slightest. “No thank you. I don’t want to catch something if you touch my pen.”
My jaw practically unhinges. Grayson stands beside me, shell-shocked, as Kieran’s eyes widen.
“Have a thing against hockey players?” Kieran asks, blinking away his surprise.
“Hockey players, no.Players, yes.”
“Damn, Lil,” I whisper, but she barely registers me as Kieran bites the inside of his cheek.
