Page 109 of Captivating Anika

“What? Are you nuts?”

I tamp down that little ripple of excitement, and focus on the logistical nightmare that would create, with the dogs and the salon. It would be irresponsible, especially at this time.

“When’s the last time you’ve been on vacation?”

My spinning thoughts grind to a halt as I try to remember. Definitely not since I opened the Chop Shop. Every penny went either into the salon, or toward the down payment on a house I was saving up for.

“It’s been a while,” I admit.

“Right. And I’ve never taken more than a few days of vacation to go on a short hunting or fishing trip with one of the guys. Definitely never been on a beach vacation somewhere warm.”

“But, Hog, I have a business to run. I can’t just up and leave.”

Something must have shown on my face to encourage him, because he suddenly closes the distance and puts his hands on my hips, a bright smile on his face.

“You don’t have to. Technology can be a wonderful thing. The resort has Wi-Fi everywhere on the grounds. Which means all you need is a laptop, and you could do just about anything you’d be doing from home, if you wanted to. Even check in on progress at the salon every day.”

I open my mouth to protest, but then snap it shut again.

He’s right, I was going to rest and heal, maybe keep tabs on the goings-on at the salon. The only other thing is to find more staff, but I still have three days to get working on that, and even that doesn’t really require me being here.

“What about your work? You were just given a clean bill of health.”

“I have so much vacation time accumulated over the years; the chief encouraged me to use some of it up before I move to the captain’s slot in the fall.”

He gives me a little shake. “You running out of arguments yet?”

I am, other than to say I’m not really comfortable doing spontaneous things. I’m more of a planner, but damn…

“You’re crazy,” I repeat, for lack of anything better to say.

“Maybe,” he concedes. “But after the crazy start we have had, I’d love to get away for a bit where it’s just you and me. I think we both deserve that.”

I drop my forehead to his chest.

Grand Cayman, in four days. I don’t even know if I have a bathing suit that fits. I’m going to need a pedicure, definitely some waxing.

“The dogs!” I grab on to the last excuse I have.

“We drop them with your mother and she’ll be happier than a pig in shit. You know she will.”

I blow out a sharp breath.

“Better let me go then. I only have three days to plan.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Anika

Oh my God.

This is absolute bliss.

I’m seriously considering selling my business and my house, and moving here.

Of course, I’d probably be bored in no time, and I realize the shine would come off quickly if I had to build an entirely new life here, but a girl can fantasize.

Hog was right, my mother was absolutely beside herself to get a whole week to look after her granddogs. We’ll see how she feels after the week is over, because those two demand a lot of attention, not to mention still having the occasional accident.

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