Page 90 of Painting Her Fate

Gavin’s grin was hardly unnoticed as he slung his arm over the sofa’s back, “Yeah, Blake said he moped around after you left. He didn’t even wanna play fetch.”

I stay quiet as I run my fingers over Hank’s head and through his big ears, my only focus is how relaxed he makes me. He is helping to clear the haze, a glimmer of what I want to put to canvas flashed across my eyes. Maybe I will be able to paint something tonight after all.

Just then a knock sounded, Emma popping up and racing to answer. I

didn’t care who it was, I was too entranced with the animal in my lap.

“You’re here early.” I vaguely hear Emma state as the door shuts. Hanks ears twitch but he doesn’t move otherwise.

“Things were slow, so I closed up shop.” I hear his deep tone rush though me, sending shivers down my spine.Alexander.His eyes lock with mine before I turn my gaze back to Hank. He looks up at me with his sad hazel eyes, and I have the feeling he knows he has to go. I don’t want to him to either, but I need to get back home now that my inspiration has come back to light.

I sigh and shift so I can stand,“I need to get home. It was good to see you again Gavin.” He half grins and flicks a finger wave, too entranced in his phone to focus on what is going on. Then he turns his gaze to Zander, giving him a smug look. Not sure what that is all about. I turn and walk to Emma and Wyatt who stood near Zander, Hank right at my side. “Thanks for inviting me tonight, I had a nice time. Wyatt, I’ll see you tomorrow to check out a few vehicles.”

“Anytime girl. And you better send me a pic of what car you pick.”

Emma’s mood is right back to her normal self; carefree as she bounces on the balls of her feet.

“We need a shopping day, you and me.” I hug her, “pampering day.

You say when. After all, I still owe you.”

“A thousand times, yes! This girl right here could use a day out.” Emma hugs me once more.

I laugh and hug her back, then run my fingers over Hank’s back.Zander kept quiet, reminding me I needed to get back to my place I lost my inspiration for my art piece. I give one last goodbye before making my way to the entry, not making it far before he spoke.

“Lili, wait.”

Damn it.Then I realize Hank is following me to the door, ready to leave right along with me. I hear Zander quickly thank his sister and Wyatt for allowing Hank to stay, then he’s at the door, Hank’s leash in hand, the three of us ready to go. When Hank see’s what is in his hand his tail starts moving excitedly.

“Ready to go home Hank?” Hank whimpers once and I turn my gaze to Zander. I couldn’t help noticing his posture is relaxed as well, hopefully his doctor’s appointment went well enough.

Hank follows me to the corridor where I walk to my door. Zander curses again. I turn around and find Hank following me, again. I smile and crouch down to get face to face with him. He licks my cheek twice before I laugh and wipe it away with my sleeve.

“Someone doesn’t want to leave.” I say to no one in particular. Zander’s warmth engulfs me when he steps close.

“I’m sorry.” He says as he crouches down next to me. Hank sits and holds his paw out for me to shake. I take his paw and set it down, he brings the other one up to have me do the same thing. I chuckle and look to Zander, about to tell him that his pup is something else. I’m knocked off balance by

Hank who doesn’t like that my attention isn’t on him. I fall backwards, my back hitting the floor with Zander’s arm pinned under me and Hank licking my face happily. I close my eyes and burst out in giggles until I feel Hank moved away by his owner.

“Hank, sit.” I hear the collar jingle and Hank follows orders. I open my eyes to find Zander staring at me, a deep furrow in his brow. “Are you okay?”

I giggle a little more, then our eyes lock, “I’m fine.” I feel his arm around me as he pulls me into him.

Zander’s brow tightness lightens, and I can smell fried food mixing with his own musky wood scent. I look to his lips, those perfect kissable lips.

He clears his throat and sits back on his heels when my features change into what must look like agony, “I’m sorry if he has been up your ass all night.”

I smile gently at him and wave it off, too captivated by his eyes, then I just blurt the next thing that comes to mind, “Are you hungry? There are plenty of leftovers.”

A low growl sounds as his response, “I could eat.”

What passed through those eyes of his just now? Was that – desire? Is he still wanting me after what he saw last night? Why? He helps me stand back onto my feet and grabs the leash from the floor. No hesitation in his actions, he’s comfortable, as to where my mind is still playing catchup.

I unlock the door to my flat, Hank storms inside, making his way through the dark lit corridor and investigating his new surroundings. Zander let out a curse as he tries running to grab him, “He’s fine. There isn’t much he can get into.” I give him a small smile, “let’s get you fed.”

He follows me inside and I round the counter, grab the takeaway boxes from the fridge, then ready the cooker.

Hank is rolling around and grunting on the shaggy white carpet by the sofa, making himself right at home. Zander kneels and unhooks the leash then scrubs and pats his belly.

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