Page 118 of Beautiful Storm

“Not everyone. The jury is still out on Zane.”

We both glance at Zane as he talks to Emery. “He’s a dick and thinks with one, but so was I in my first season. Remember?”

“Luke, you were still a dick last season. And this season…”

“Alright, I get it and I guess I can’t argue.”

“Nope. How are things with—”

“I’m not talking about that here, Reed.” I throw my bag over my shoulder when I’m done and smile his way. “I’m off; enjoy your Saturday. I’ll see you Sunday to watch the games.”

Reed does nothing to hide his confusion as I slap him on the back. “You’re not coming out?”

“Nope, I’ve got plans.”

“Plans, hey?” He smirks, his eyes flashing toward the film crew as if that will clue me in on what he’s alluding to, and turns out, it does. But it’s annoying.

“Why the fuck are you looking at me like that?”

“Because you never miss a night out yet you’ve missed a few.”

I lift a shoulder as I walk away, but not before calling out. “People change.”

Amelia arrives a few minutes early for our date, and I tell Shadow to sit before opening the door. After a quick hello, she steps inside, and it’s nice having her in my space again. This time, under very different circumstances.

“Sorry, I’m a bit early. All the lights were gre— Hello.” She spots Shadow and her voice trails off. “My God, she’s even more beautiful up close.”

“This is Shadow, my firstborn.” I bite back my smile until she laughs.

“Hi, Shadow.” She takes a tentative step closer. “Can I pet her?”

“She’d be pissed if you didn’t. She loves people. Especially those that exude warmth.”

“I do that?” She stares at me confused until I laugh.

“You don’t normally, but you are right now. It’s obvious you’re a dog person.”

“I am. But you already knew that. Remember we found that lost puppy when we were…seven, I think?”

“I do. You begged your parents to let you keep it, and they finally relented an hour before the owner came forward.” She bends down to pet Shadow, and I keep my fingers crossed that she doesn’t get too excited. I don’t usually have her inside when people are over.

Amelia sighs longingly as Shadow licks her cheek. “It broke my heart.”

“So much so that you made me sneak into their yard to check up on it and make sure it was being treated properly.”

“Oh my God. That’s right. And there were two of them, so I gave in knowing it was better to keep them together.”

“Yep. Maybe Shadow can sense your love of dogs.”

“Maybe.” She smiles up at me. “She’s amazing, Luke. I can tell she’s loved.”

“Yeah, well, I had love to give and needed it to go somewhere. But don’t worry, I have plenty to share.”

“What?” She panics like I’m moving too quickly, and I hold back my smile at how adorable she is.

“For Jelly Bean. It’s our first date, Amelia. Don’t get ahead of yourself.”

“Of course. How silly of me.”

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