Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
The air thickens around us, charged with a mix of tension and unspoken desires. For a moment, we’re suspended in time, the world falling away as I lean in ever so slightly. As I kiss her soft lips, the world around us disappears. She runs her soft hands up my side, sending electricity shooting down my spine. Before things go too far, I pull back and lay my forehead against hers.
There’s something intensely personal about sharing the small space with her, an intimacy I didn’t expect. Her laughter, rich and inviting, echoes off the metal walls and wraps around me, drawing me in closer with every moment.
“Let’s get our shit done so we can continue the fun part.” My cock urges me to kiss her until we’re both breathless, but we don’t have time right now. Getting her van ready is the first order of business. Then we’ll see where things go.
We spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon working side by side. When I realize we worked straight through lunch, I order us sandwiches from the little deli in town.
A while later, my phone buzzes in my pocket and I pull it out to see a text from Dillon. Fuck. Emily has been occupying my mind all day, and I forgot all about my boss and my dog.
Asshole in Charge
Have you forgot something?
Me
It’s Forgotten not forgot
I laugh when I see the middle finger emoji he sent to me.
Asshole in Charge
You’re pushing your goddamn luck.
Me
I’ll be there in a few minutes.
Asshole in Charge
I’ll believe it when I see it.
After tucking my phone into my pocket, I glance over at Emily. “I have to run over to Dillon’s and pick up Edna. I’ll drop her off at my house and grab us some dinner on my way back.”
Emily narrows her eyes playfully, a grin tugging at her lips. “Don’t drop her off at home by herself. Bring her back here and we’ll try out my new set-up. She can be my first client, and we’ll order a pizza for dinner.”
Fucking perfect. “Sounds great, gorgeous.” Pulling her curvy body close, I place a soft kiss on her lips. “I won’t be long.”
I knock on Dillon’s door, and he opens it. “It’s about fucking time,” he grumbles as Edna lumbers out of the kitchen, holding her pink unicorn lovie in her teeth.
“Were you a good girl?” I bend over and give my spoiled pooch a pat on the head, and she responds with a snort of acknowledgment, while her eyes are saying, “Finally, you’ve returned to serve me.”
“She was great,” Dillon tells me as I lead my dog over to the truck. “Much better than her owner.” When I open the back door, she hops in and lays across the entire back seat.
As I head back toward Emily’s place, I find Edna peering through the seat, staring at me like she’s already plotting her revenge for my abandonment.
“I promise I’m going to make this up to you,” I say to her as she gives me her most intimidating side-eye glare.
When I pull into Emily’s driveway, I park and hop out, instantly greeted by Emily’s curious gaze as she steps outside. “Everything okay?”
Edna slumps out of the car, drooping like a heavy sack of bricks, giving Emily the full force of her smiling bulldog charm. "Meet Edna, the reigning queen of attitude and slobber,” I introduce, chuckling at the sight of them.
Emily kneels, warmly extending a palm toward my dog, who approaches with a half-hearted sniff, then rolls over as if to say, "Pet me." I can’t help but laugh at the sight while feeling a swell of affection for both of them.
“You’re a pretty girl,” Emily says, petting her head as Edna groans in contentment. “We’re going to give you the full spa treatment today.”
I lean against the side of the van, arms crossed, just soaking it all in. My heart warms as I watch Emily handle this dog, her gentle yet firm demeanor instantly winning over Edna.
Chapter 6
Emily
As I groom Edna, the transformation begins with a generous splash of dog shampoo. This furry diva, with her stubborn glances and sagging jowls, is surprisingly enjoying every moment of it. Who knew a grump could be so easy to pamper? Her fur shines as I work, and she seems to puff up with pride, flaunting her clean coat like it’s her crowning achievement.
I give her the royal treatment, and she’s loving every minute—leaning into my touch and rolling onto her back for scratches. I giggle at her antics, already completely in love with her.
“What a pretty girl,” I coo as I carefully paint her nails, taking my time to make sure each paw gets the attention it deserves. The bright pink polish glistens against her white fur, adding just the right amount of sass to Edna’s otherwise gruff exterior.