Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
“Took care of it, yes.” He placed his hand under her chin and pushed her jaw closed, chuckling as he did.
“But… But… you didn’t want the dog here.”
“I never said that, exactly. It just wasn’t part of the plan. You took me off guard.” Something she seemed to do regularly. “Anyway, I want you to be happy and Lucky does that for you.”
“Dinner is ready!” Maggie called out from the other room before Nikki could react to Asher’s unplanned admission. He’d never meant to confess to those feelings out loud.
Since Nikki still seemed to be in shock, he stood, grasped her hand, and tugged her to her feet. “Come on. Let’s eat so we can get to the vet.”
* * *
Lucky’s appointment went well, though Asher admitted to holding his breath while he waited for the dog to get a clean bill of health. Although they wouldn’t get blood work and other samples back for a day or two, the vet said the dog was in decent shape for a street pup.
He was skinny but had obviously been fed by restaurant workers who’d probably kept an eye on him and the other strays, feeding them leftovers and scraps, as was common practice. Unlike some others he’d seen who’d been abused.
The vet gave her better food than what Corey had picked up. Lucky had received his shots and appeared to be in as good of health as they could hope for. She’d have to follow up with a vet once they returned to New York.
By the time they made it back home, it had been a long day. They walked Lucky until he did his business and brought him inside.
She held his leash and stopped by the stairs. “Asher, I can’t thank you enough. Today has been so many things. Surprising, for sure, finding him, taking him with me. But you’ve made it possible and I’m so grateful.”
“Don’t be. You deserve to have someone do something good for you without expecting anything in return.”
She tipped her head to the side, studying him as the dog rubbed against her legs. “Who does those kinds of things for you?”
He swallowed, the question hitting hard, though he knew from her tone of voice she hadn’t meant it as a dig. Just the opposite.
“I have my family.”
“And you’re fortunate but that’s not what I meant.” She pulled him into a spontaneous hug, her cheek pressed against his. “Thanks again,” she said, turning to go upstairs.
Which left Asher with a choice. Do the smart thing, let her go to sleep in her room, and keep pushing her away? Or call her back, invite her in, and give in to what they both wanted for as long as it could last. For whatever time was left here on the island.
* * *
“Nikki, wait.” Asher’s words took Nikki by surprise, and she spun around, the dog halting on the step above her.
Asher had walked to the edge of the staircase. “You,” he said. “You do that for me. You’re here because you have to be, but you’re pushing me out of my comfort zone. And you’re showing me life can be fun if I let myself relax and stop trying to control everything.”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “Can you do that?”
He grinned, a sexy smile that melted her inside. “I’m working on it.”
“I’m glad.” Warmth spread through her at his words.
He was doing her a huge favor by having her here, not to mention allowing her new dog to stay and going out of his way to make sure she could bring Lucky home. But to know she was giving something valuable to Asher in return? That was important to her.
“Are you going to sneak into my room tonight?” he asked.
She gripped the stair handle hard. “Do you want me to?” Her heart seemed to rise to her throat.
It was one thing to crawl into his bed when she’d been scared. And though she’d been touchy with him throughout the day, kissing him when she felt like it, she didn’t have a seduction planned. He’d pulled away often enough that she needed him to extend the invitation and admit he wanted her first.
“Come.” He extended his hand, and she looked up and along the leash to the patient pup. For a street dog, he was such a good boy. “His crate and bed and things are set up in my room,” she said, glancing back at Asher.
He raised an eyebrow. “I’m not having sex with a dog watching me.” An amused expression settled on his face, lips lifted as he shook his head.
She let out a loud laugh. She wouldn’t want that, either. “I’ll settle him in the crate and come down once I know he’s quiet.”
And after Asher fell asleep, she’d bring the dog into his room so she could keep an eye on him and stay the night in Asher’s bed.