Page 13 of Inevitable

Leaning back in his chair, he looked at Winky and wondered if he could help her find one. “Does it have to be a rescue dog?”

“I’d like it to be. A lot of good dogs need homes and I’d like to start there.”

“Makes sense.” He slid his arm around her shoulders and let his fingers trace over her skin.

“Well, I should get out of your hair,” she said suddenly as she moved away from his touch.

He tightened his hold and shook his head. “You just got here. Why don’t you stay and I’ll show you the lake?”

“Brady, I’ve taken up too much of your time, what with the rescue last night and now inviting myself for breakfast. I’m going.”

“No.” Her face scrunched up and she frowned, so he figured he’d better rephrase it. “What I meant to say is, please stay.” When he got a small smile, he leaned forward. “We can walk the dog back home and then I can show you around.”

“Well, I guess that would be okay.”

He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. Success! he shouted silently. They were going to have the whole day together and if things worked out, by the end of it, she was going to be good and ready to give him a chance. “I’ll get the kitchen cleaned up and then we can go.”

“Thanks again, Brady, for last night. I felt dumber than a post for allowing myself to be in that stupid situation last night.”

“Darlin’, all we can do is our best with the information we’re given. Sounds like Roy gave you some bad intel. Wasn’t your fault.”

“Guess so. I think he really did consider himself single because when his ex-girlfriend approached us, she informed him that they would be done when she said. The look of surprise on his face wasn’t fake, but the fact he was sucking her face after she threatened me meant that he was an asshole. No matter the circumstances.”

As they stood, he leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Well, at least it’s done and you don’t have to worry about it.” As they cleared the table, he thought about saying more but decided against it. She didn’t need to hear anymore because she would just feel bad. Best thing he could do was take up all her time and make sure she never had an opportunity to be with someone else. Now, that was a fine plan, and one he would enjoy executing.

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