Page 7 of Rain Delay

“This is so good,” Ivy said around a low groan, taking my attention from Finn. She licked her lips and took another quick bite.

“Thanks.” I took a long drink of coffee, hoping it would clear the husky tone from my voice and shift my focus off her mouth. “So how old is Finn?” Thankfully it worked.

“Two,” she said. “I adopted him last year. A friend of mine volunteers at the rescue he was brought to and ended up fostering him. I’ve never had a dog and wasn’t looking for one, but I applied to adopt him right after I met him. It was love at first sight. Right baby?” Finn wagged his tail. “He was in horrible condition—malnourished with matted fur and cracked pads; he was definitely abused. He had lash marks on his back and a wound on his right paw that was infected.”

She took a few more bites before continuing.

“They think a man abused him because he freaked out anytime a male volunteer went near him. He still growls at men until he gets used to them.” She smiled. “Present company excluded. For whatever reason, he took to you right away.”

“I told you, it’s a ginger thing.”

“Are you forgetting that he’s color blind and can’t see red?”

“He can sense it.”

She rolled her eyes and chuckled.

“What about you? Do you have a dog? Or any kind of pet?”

“I had dogs as a kid, but not since I’m on my own. It’d be really hard with my lifestyle. I’m on the road more than half the year and have long hours when I am home. I live alone so it really wouldn’t be fair to the dog.”

Ivy ate everything on her plate then reached over and grabbed a sausage off the platter and handed it to Finn.

“And that’s it for the table food,” she told him. “I don’t need you having stomach issues while we’re on the road.”

Which reminded me that she’d be leaving in the morning. It’s funny, the last time I saw Ivy she seemed shallow and flighty and I couldn’t wait to get away from her, but now I’m really enjoying her company. I’ll definitely be sad when she and Finn leave. I’d ask her to stay, but I don’t know if that’s smart.

I’m not blind and Ivy is definitely attractive. I’ll admit, I’ve found myself checking out things on her that I have no business looking at. I’d feel guilty but I’ve caught her doing a pants check or two on me. Of course, I have to use my imagination when looking at her curves. I haven’t had the privilege of seeing her naked in the shower.

Before I could start imagining that scene, I decided to change the subject.

“I’m running to the supermarket. Do you need me to pick up anything for you or Finn?”

“A case of water would be great. It would save me from stopping with him in the car tomorrow. Thank you.”

Ivy stood and picked up her plate. “Are you finished?”

“I got it.”

“You cooked, I’ll wash the dishes. It’s only fair.”

Considering how Ivy grew up, I’m surprised she knows how to wash a dish. Then again, I’ve been surprised by her quite a bit in the past twelve hours.

* * *

Ivy

Rusty had showeredand left as I finished washing the dishes and cleaning up. I still can’t believe he made me breakfast. Not to mention he fed Finn while I was sleeping.

I really like his mom Marian but until seeing him here, I thought Rusty was a pompous prick. I’ve only been in his company on two occasions prior to this and avoided him as much as possible each time.

It’s actually a good thing that I’m leaving tomorrow because he’s really hot and the only thing that kept me from being even somewhat attracted to him before was his shitty personality. And now it turns out he’s actually a nice guy. Plus Finn likes him which gives him tons of bonus points.

My last boyfriend had been around for two months and Finn still growled and bared his teeth at him, even after being in his company for hours at a time. That guy seemed to think I should lock Finn up when he was around. He even mentioned getting rid of him. Like that was going to happen.

I broke up with that guy and haven’t felt the need to date since.

“Come on Finn, let’s go for a walk on the beach.”

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