Page 22 of A False Start
I chuckle. “The window is open on my laptop, and I have spent a lot of time staring at it. Does that count?”
She nudges me. “Fill it out.”
“I…I don’t want to leave you in the lurch here. I basically just started again after ditching you to do my last program.”
“Hey. Look at me.” I do, and her fierce eyes bore into mine. “Don’t you ever apologize for going after what you want. Don’t you ever let anyone stand in your way. If they do, they don’t love you the way you deserve. And me? I love you. Apply. You have to try.”
That pinch in my chest is back, but for a completely different reason. I’m so lucky to have her and Stefan now. I may not have experienced unconditional love before turning eighteen and getting the hell out of Romania, but it’s better late than never.
The door swings open again, interrupting our sisterly moment and my chin jerks, following the sound.
Mira stands up immediately, but I’m stuck on the floor...at Griffin Sinclaire’s feet. Struck too dumb to move.
I keep telling myself that kiss two years ago was just that. A kiss. I’ve kissed a lot of boys. A lot of hot boys. But none of them have wriggled into my subconscious the way Griffin has.
Kneeling here, staring up at his unwavering gaze, not a shred of warmth on his face, I hate myself for still wanting him. I decide he’s more like a tick. All I did was brush up against a bush one night and he latched on. Now he’s stuck under my skin, poisoning me.
The good news is, I’ve pulled my fair share of ticks off animals in this line of work. So that’s what I’ll do. I’ll grab my imaginary tweezers and yank him out like a fucking bug.
Shiny new future doesn’t include Lyme disease, thank you very much.
“Hey.” I pat Tripod once more before pushing up to stand. Because over my dead body am I staying kneeling in front of him when he can’t even spare me a smile. “What’s up?”
His arms fold over his chest, and he scowls at me like he’s unimpressed. I don’t know what it takes to impress Griffin Sinclaire but based on the way he goes all stony around me, I’m going to guess that I’m not capable of it.
“Here to check on the dog.”
“Aww. Griffin, you’re so sweet.” Mira says lightly, walking back around the desk to sit at the computer. “As you can see, he’s doing fine. Dogs handle amputation pretty well, actually.” Her eyes scan the screen, and she clicks the mouse, probably breaking down the schedule for today as she continues. “I haven’t been able to track down an owner. So once the incision heals, I’ll start the process for placing him with a rescue.”
Griffin visibly jerks back. The corners of his mouth pull down farther than usual. Mira doesn’t notice; instead she casually carries on. “Actually, I have a favor to ask you guys.”
I arch a brow, not loving the sound of that.Guys.Plural. Griffin and I together. I’m already suddenly dreading the riding lesson I’ve been looking forward to since yesterday. It seemed like he and I had made some headway. Until he strolled in here and scowled at me like I’m an annoying teenager.
Griffin just grunts as a way of saying,No problem, what can I do for you?
Rude.
“I’m double booked with what I had to reschedule after yesterday. Actually,” she worries her bottom lip against her teeth, “I’m more than double booked. I have a lameness consult down at the track, but everything else is out here. Nadia, would you be willing to go take a look? Video call me so I can see what’s going on?”
I shrug. “I mean, yeah. Of course. But I can do that on my own.”
She turns wide, pleading eyes to Griffin, and I almost laugh. She knows how to wield the doe eyes to get her way.
“Griffin, the owner of the horse at the track is. ..well, I don’t want to send Nadia in there alone. Go with her? I’ll make it up to you with dinner at our place tonight.”
“Hi.” I wave an arm between them. “I’m right here. I don’t need the crabby mountain man to accompany me.”
Griffin snorts, but Mira turns pleading eyes on me. “Nadia, this guy is not one of the good people in this business. I don’t even like going by myself, but at least I have a few years’ experience handling him.”
I turn on Griffin, his eyes dancing with amusement that isn’t reflected anywhere else on his body. Aside from his eyes, the guy is like a fucking statue. “Fine, but you can just stand there with crossed arms like you are right now. I don’t need you to hold my hand.”
The brim of his hat tips down, his face disappearing behind it. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
Mira’s body noticeably relaxes now that we have agreed to her request.
“But I don’t want dinner.” Griffin is staring at the little white dog sitting on the ground, wagging its tail and staring up at all of us like he speaks English, too. “I want the dog.”
Mira’s head tilts and a soft smile plays across her face. “You mean you’d like to adopt Tripod?”
