Page 83 of Beauty and the Boss Man

“No, now.”

All I give in response is a loud scoff.

“Romy, we can do this one of two ways. You can go take a shower on your own, or I can bring a bucket of water and soap out here to dump on you.”

“You wouldn’t,” I taunt.

“We both know I would.”

She is right. She definitely would.

When I don’t immediately respond, she says, “Plus, I have a surprise for you.”

“Surprise?” My interest is piqued.

“Yep, a surprise. I’m going to go to my place and grab it, but so help me if you aren’t clean by the time I get back, you won’t get it.”

“Okay, okay,” I groan. “You win. I’ll shower.”

“The entire building thanks you,” she replies with a healthy dose of sarcasm before she gets up and heads out the door.

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Half an hour later, I’m showered and back on my couch. I mindlessly flip through the channels, trying not to think about Aiden. I seem to be unable to escape him, though—especially when I see things like Star Wars on TV.

The past few days have been some of the worst of my life. Not only do I not have Aiden, but I don’t have a job to go to—which makes me feel like I have no purpose.

I’m not just handling this whole ‘life’ thing very well at the moment.

Thankfully, I’m not trapped in my thoughts for long because Veronica strolls back in. I don’t immediately look at her, but I know it’s her because she’s talking from the moment she hits the door.

“Okay, Romy, I know you’re probably going to kill me, but I know how depressed you've been, and I thought maybe you could use some company—someone to cheer you up.”

Oh lord, she brought me a guy. I’m so pathetic that she had to get me a man. That explains why she wanted me to shower!

But when I sit up and turn around, she’s not with a man. No, my best friend is standing all by herself—holding a small white ball of fluff in her hands.

The furry thing pokes its head up, and I see it’s a dog. Maybe a long-haired terrier of some sort? I don’t know. I’m not a dog guru.

But he’s cute.

“It’s a dog,” I remark.

“Good job, Romy. You know what it is.” Her snarky sarcasm comes through. “But it’s not just any dog—it’s your dog.”

My eyes go wide. “You got me a dog?”

She nods.

“Why?”

“This lady I work with found him and has been taking care of him for a while, but she’s got some health issues that have just come to light, so she can’t keep him. He needs a good home.”

“V, that answers why the dog needs a home. That doesn’t explain why you brought it to me.”

She sighs. “Because you both are going through a rough time, and you can help each other. And I’m tired of you sitting around, feeling like you have no purpose. And the number one reason? His name is Romeo. How kismet is that?! Romy and Romeo!”

Without warning, she hands him to me. I have to admit that he’s pretty damn adorable. He has long hair which is a tan color, but the fur around his mouth is slightly darker, making him look like he’s got a cute little mustache.”

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