Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 16894 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 68(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16894 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 84(@200wpm)___ 68(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
“If you keep giving them treats, they’ll love you forever.” I laugh.
“As long as you love me forever, life is good.” Adam stares into my eyes.
“I’ve loved you for seven years. Nothing is going to change that now,” I remind him.
“Good. I’m glad to see we’re on the same page.” Adam steps out the door. “I’ll probably have to work until five tonight.” He stares into my eyes. “I’ll grab dinner on my way over?”
“That sounds great.”
I spend the day arranging to return to work. The dialysis center has been short-staffed this week while I sorted out my legal troubles, and my boss is only too happy to have me return. Since Wednesday is my day off and Thursday and Friday are light days, she tells me to return to my normal schedule on Monday.
Slinky and Yo-Yo sit next to me on the sofa, and I reach down to pet each of their little heads. “Well, guys. Mom goes back to work on Monday, so don’t get too used to having me at home with you.” Neither animal seems to be interested in the conversation. While they dose on the sofa, I read the latest book Scarlett has been raving over.
CHAPTER
EIGHT
ADAM
Over the next few days, I make progress with my girl and the two furballs. “I can’t believe you had a fence installed.” Cora points at the new six-foot-high fence enclosing her small backyard. “I can’t afford to pay you back.”
“You don’t have to pay me back.” I reach down to pick up Yo-Yo. “I did it for my little buddies.” The small dog licks under my chin while I debate telling her about the next thing I’m having installed. Slinky isn’t ready to commit to our friendship, but his brother has already bonded with me. Hopefully, the doggie door giving them access to the backyard at any time of day will win the little shit over.
I pull my baby doll into my arms. “With you working ten-hour days and my crazy hours, the boys need someplace to run off energy.” I place a kiss on her soft lips before adding, “By the way, I’m having a doggie door installed tomorrow.”
“What?” Cora steps back and places her hands on her hips to glare at me. “You did that without talking to me? You can’t spend all that money.”
“Of course, I can.” I won’t take no for an answer. “I’m going to take care of my family.”
“We need to talk about this first,” she insists.
“Baby doll, one thing dealing with criminals has taught me is it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.”
The doorbell rings, interrupting our conversation. “We’re going to finish talking about this after Auntie O, Finn, and Scarlett leave.” Cora gives me her sternest look, and I barely resist the urge to kiss her soft lips.
“That’s fine.” I shrug, knowing I have ways of convincing my baby doll to let me install the doggie door.
“Hi.” Cora opens the door and steps back to let them in. “I’m so glad you guys could come over for dinner.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, Little Spring.” Ophelia gives Cora a hug and then walks over to me. “And you, handsome man. Do you have a hug for an old lady?”
“Anytime.” I hug the elderly woman.
When she steps back, Ophelia turns to Cora. “If I was ten years younger, I’d give you a run for your money for him.”
“I have no doubt.” My girl laughs and leads everyone into the living room.
While the women discuss girly topics, I turn to Finn. “Want to help me get the steaks on the grill?”
“Lead the way,” he agrees and follows me from the room. I stop at the refrigerator and grab us each a beer and the plate of steaks.
“So.” Finn watches me start the grill. “You met Cora in college?” I’m pretty sure his wife has already told him the entire story, but I guess he wants to hear my version.
“Don’t tell me you haven’t already done a full investigation on me.” I shrug.
“I did but it didn’t have any information about you and Cora,” he admits. “Look, Cora is my wife’s best friend, and I don’t mess around with my family’s safety.” The biker stands a few inches taller than me and glares down. “Start talking.”
Figuring my baby doll might be pissed if I don’t play nice with her best friend’s husband, I give in and tell Finn the entire story.
“It’s an amazing coincidence that you ended up representing her.” Finn stands on the other side of the patio with his arms folded across his chest.
“I don’t know what in the hell I did to earn a second chance with her, but I won’t blow it,” I tell him. “And I won’t allow anyone to come between us.” We need to get that clear before there are any misunderstandings.