Page 62 of Force Play

“I’ll grab her leash and you can let her out,” Simone says, leaving us alone with Ronnie.

“What is going on right now? This is Ronnie?” Indie’s curious eyes flick from me to the dog and back again.

“I’m entering my dog dad era.” To Ronnie’s delight, I reach through the kennel with two fingers to scratch her nose. “She’s just the goodest girl.”

“Blink twice if you’re being forced into something you don’t want, sweet girl,” Indie whispers from where she joined me on one knee.

“Nah. I won her over. Just like I plan to do with you.”

Instead of volleying an insult back, Indie asks, “What are you going to do with her when you travel?”

“I hired a service to help when I’m on the road, plus I have a few neighbors that will help. She’ll get three long walks and plenty of attention, but she’s pretty chill. Simone helped me pick a dog that would fit my lifestyle.”

“You’ve always wanted a dog.”

It’s the first time she’s brought up any of the things we shared on our night together. The glee that rises inside me at that little fact is hard to suppress.

“Yeah, I have. It just took some time to find the right one.” We might be talking about Ronnie, but I’m looking at her, hoping she’s connecting the dots; I can be patient with things this important.

“I’m glad you found her.” She tears her dark eyes from me and gives Ronnie her finger to sniff. “She’s beautiful and so sweet.”

“Sure is,” I echo.

“Sorry, guys, I ran into a volunteer that needed my help. We’re shorthanded, again.” Simone hands the leash to me and I unlatch the door, reaching in to hook it to her collar.

When she comes out, she goes right to Indie, burying her nose in her curls. I’m pretty sure Ronnie just secured her spot in the heart I’m vying for.

The Myth, The Man, The Legend - Dad Chat

Dom:

I present to you . . . Your grand-dog.

[Picture attached]

Dad:

Your mother will be thrilled that

you’ve finally made her a Mimi.

Dom:

What the heck is a Mimi?

Dad:

That’s what she wants to be called.

Dom:

I didn’t realize she’d picked out a title.

Dad:

The moment she heard that you

had a potentially serious suitor.

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