Page 68 of Enforcer's Obsession

“You’re not trying to get hints?” I asked as I guided the car toward the interstate.

“I know where that’s going to get me, and where it’s not, so I’ll just enjoy the fresh air,” she said.

But as she spoke, there was a soft smile on her face, the sun against her hair and brown skin giving her an almost angelic look. I moved my eyes away quickly, trying to ignore the way my heart squeezed at seeing her.

A quick fifteen-minute drive, and I pulled off the interstate and guided us to a neighborhood.

“I don’t know that I’ve ever been this far outside the city,” she said.

“Well, hopefully you like it,” I responded.

“I’m sure I will. I love open spaces,” she said.

“I’m not sure if this will qualify, but maybe you’ll like it,” I said.

She looked at me, her mouth lifted in a smile and then she shifted her eyes to look out of the window.

We moved through a neighborhood with large lots and larger houses, punctuated by older ones that hadn’t yet been taken over and turned into mini-mansions.

Still, this area had a bit more personality than others. And, most importantly, it had something that I thought—and hoped—would put a smile on Hope’s face.

She watched as I turned down one long street, her eyes widening at the sight.

“I’m glad I found this place,” I said.

“We’re at park?” she said, her mouth opening and closing as she looked at me and then out of the window again.

“So it seems,” I responded as I parked. When the car stopped, I turned to her. “Get out.”

I exited the car, then circled it to open Hope’s door.

“This way,” I said.

“A dog park!” she said as we crossed the parking lot.

“Yeah,” I responded.

She practically beamed. “I love dogs,” she said.

“I know,” I responded.

“Did I mention that?” she asked, looking at me, her cheeks lifted with her smile, her eyes bright.

“Not in so many words, but your job was probably a hint.”

“Yeah, but you’d be surprised by how many people do my job even though they don’t necessarily care for animals,” she said.

“No, that wouldn’t surprise me at all, but I know you’re not one of those.

“Enzo!” I yelled, turning away from Hope in search of my cousin.

He turned, looking like an alien with black slacks and a black button-down shirt in the middle of a dog part.

“Where did you think you we’re going?” I asked, looking him up and down as he approached.

“Fuck off, Nico. I’m here for you,” he said. Then he looked at Hope and nodded an acknowledgement. “Cousin.”

She wrinkled her brow, but then spotted something behind my cousin.

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