Page 13 of Scoring His Obsession

Athena lifted debris with her mouth, dug with her paws, and made such a ruckus that it brought the attention of the emergency crew who finally pulled an unconscious Raeann out of the rubble of her family’s mobile home. Her father was later found dead.

Athena’s been by her side ever since. The article doesn’t tell me that, I just know it. The way she jumped between us when she sensed Raeann was agitated. She’s an angel in dog form.

Next, I read up on anxiety. I’ve had a few bouts myself during intense moments of my life, but I don’t deal with it daily. I wonder if Athena was ever fully trained to be an emotional support dog, or if it’s just the connection she has with Raeann. Either way, they’re both impressive.

An hour later, I’m chewing my already raw lips while staring at Raeann’s number in my phone. My texts are open, and I’ve been wondering whether or not I should say anything. Or call her. By now, she’s probably put two and two together if Joey put my name on the card for the dog gift basket.

I don’t want to freak her out if I call her, so I decide on a text. That way she can return it in her own time. No panic-inducing, having-to-think-on-the-spot moments.

Me: Raeann, it’s Micah. I’d like to offer up a private jet to fly you and Athena back to Tennessee.

The thought of Athena in the cargo hold of a big passenger jet makes me squirm, and I highly doubt Raeann is okay with it either. It must’ve been traumatic for the both of them. This way, they can fly in comfort back home.

Raeann: That sounds…extravagant, and I’m not comfortable with that. We only just met you.

Me: I won’t even fly with you. I have first-class seats on American tomorrow.

She doesn’t answer for a few more minutes. I have my hopes up that she’s actually going to accept, but when I get her response, those dreams are crushed.

Raeann: I think we’ll be fine in my car. Thanks for the offer, though.

Raeann: And the hotel room. Athena is currently sprawled out on this massive bed. I bet she won’t even want to leave tomorrow.

Relief hits when I read that she’s driving instead of flying, but then another host of worries bubble up.Car accidents are actually far more common than plane accidents. What if something happens?

On the other hand, I can’t go around making demands when Raeann barely knows me. Apparently. It’s not her style, and although I’m disappointed, I can respect that. I don’t think many women would’ve turned down a private jet. Hell, I wouldn’t turn down a private jet.

Me: And the treats?

Raeann: She says you’re welcome.

Me: For?

Raeann: Your note said “Thanks for the hump.”

My eyes bulge out of my head, and I immediately call Joey. When he answers, I launch into a tirade.

“You wrote thanks for the hump?”

“Yes, and you should take credit for that one. It’s good.”

“Thanks for the hump?” I repeat, not even bothering to camouflage my disbelief. “It sounds dirty and disturbed.”

“You told me to pull everything I can on her, had me research anxiety—which I’m guessing she has—and put her up in the penthouse along with a doggie gift basket. If she doesn’t already think you’re disturbed, that’s on her.”

My jaw drops, but then I school my face. “Why? Too much?”

“Are you a stalker or the number one running back in the league? You never try this hard to get girls. I’ve seen your game. It’s bad. Not that I can blame you. You don’t usually have to try.”

“You have a lot of thoughts about this.”

“You asked my opinion.”

“This must be why I never bother to ask.”

“That’s on you. Also, your mom and dad called. They want to schedule a dinner.”

“They calledyou?”

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