Page 22 of Glitz & Goals

Viktor’s forehead is wrinkled with concern when I open the front door. “Everything okay in there?” He peers around me warily as if expecting Blade to bust through the wall like a murderous version of the Kool-Aid Man.

“Yeah, just my idiot dog.” I shake my head. “Don’t worry, he’s outside now.”

He hesitates. “And there’s not, like, a dog door or anything?”

“Nope, you’re safe. Hecouldkill you, but I won’t let him.” I wave him inside. “Come on.”

In the kitchen, Viktor unpacks a respectable number of fresh ingredients, which reassures me that I’ve made the right choice. He lays everything out, then rubs his hands together. “Okay, let’s get this show on the road. Where’s your garlic press?”

“Uh.” I open a few of the drawers, knowing full well that I won’t find one. “So, I don’t exactly do a lot of cooking…”

“How about a citrus juicer?”

“Yeah, like I said…”

Viktor inhales deeply and steeples his fingers over his mouth. “Coach, we’re really going to have to work on your lifeskills. Have youheardof seasoning? If your mermaid is spicy, she’s not going to want to eat bland food.”

“Cut the sass,” I shoot back. “Can’t you just crush the garlic with a knife or something?”

“That depends. Do youhavea knife?”

“Of course, I have a knife, smartass.” In fact, I have a high-end set, one that someone gave us as an engagement present, and which Larisse had no interest in taking during the divorce. I’ve let go of a lot of old possessions, but it’s not like I have a lot of emotional attachment to this cutlery, which oddly made it easier to hold onto.

Viktor gets to work, although he keeps grumbling as he peels, chops, and slices. He’s not pleased by my selection of cookware, either, but he makes do. Once I’m sure he has everything he needs, I turn my attention to the other details: the candles, the place settings, uncorking the wine to let it breathe, and so on. I’m so engrossed in my efforts that I’m caught off guard the next time the doorbell rings.

“Shit,” Viktor hisses. “I’m not done yet.”

I check the clock. Sure enough, it’s seven-thirty. “I thought you said it only took forty minutes?”

“Yeah, it does when I’m not cooking like a caveman!” Viktor drags his hands across his face. I know whyI’mworried about Vivian showing up early, but I’m a little surprised by his dismay. I guess he’s more invested in helping me out than I realized. I’m touched.

The doorbell rings again.

“You’ll have to go out the back,” I tell him. “What still needs to be done?”

“Just garnishing,” Viktor says as he whips the chicken off the heat. “At least it’s cooked through. You’ve got this, but… isn’t your hellhound out back?”

“Right. I’ll grab him, and you make a break for it.” I head to the back door and gesture for Viktor to follow me. “Let me grab him, and I’ll give you the all-clear.”

Viktor falls into a fighting stance and nods that he’s ready. I say a little prayer that my knee will be a match for Blade’s fury and lunge through the door.

Blade is going out of his mind. I haul him away, leaning my full body weight against his collar as he snarls and snaps. “Go!” I say.

But Viktor didn’t wait for the all-clear. He moved too soon, and Blade takes the opportunity to nip for all he’s worth. Viktor howls and claps both hands over his butt-cheeks as he sprints across the yard. Blade, satisfied with a job well-done, is content to get in a few more deep barks. Viktor clears the stucco wall with an impressive leap that makes me wonder if he ever did track and field, or if adrenaline has simply given him a boost in his flight from danger.

“You’re a menace,” I tell Blade. “Now, get it together because I’ve got someone waiting at the door and we’re trying to impress her—”

“Hello?” Vivian’s voice calls from inside the house.

Blade freezes. I freeze. If Vivian’s voice is coming from inside, then that means—

He’s totally going to bite my dream girl.

Blade breaks away from me and rushes to the front room, legs churning as he pelts through the house. I’m right behind him, but I can already tell I’m not going to be fast enough. According to the rescue, Blade has one bite on record, and I’ve taken precautions to ensure he hasn’t had the opportunity to hurt anyone. He nailed Viktor right on the ass cheek, and while I’m sure that’ll hurt, his thick jeans made sure the dog didn’t draw blood, although he might have if I wasn’t holding him back.

I turn the corner of the kitchen just in time to see Blade launch himself toward Vivian. She’s standing in front of the open door, eyes wide, painted lips forming a perfectOof shock.

“Blade!” I call in one last attempt to get his attention.

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