Page 18 of Highest Bidder
Shaking her head, she says, “No. He loves squirrels, and I let him chase them in the dog park area. I guess he forgot we were no longer in the fenced area.” She raises her eyebrow at the dog who’s looking up at her, wagging his tail. She pets his head again. “Well, I’m sorry he stopped you. Don’t let us keep you from your run.”
“I don’t mind. Want to run together?” I point over my shoulder to the trail.
Hunter’s eyebrows furrow. “What?”
“You aren’t running?” I take a small step closer.
“Well, yes.” She runs the leash through her hands.
“We can run together if you want.” I can’t help but hold my breath hoping she’ll let me be with her for a little while longer. This feels like such a simple interaction, but neither of us has been an asshole. I don’t want it to end.
“No, no. It’s fine.” She waves me off.
My shoulders slump with the rejection, but I won’t go down that easy. “Next time, then.” I don’t ask, and the way she looks at me tells me that she noticed it.
“Maybe.”
I smirk, stepping back toward the trail. “One day soon.” I turn before she can say anything and bring my run back to normal speed, popping my earbuds back in. My run is a little easier now that I have a sexy visual to focus on.
After my shower, I lounge on the couch, watching a movie when my phone rings. “Mama” flashes across the screen. I expected it to be another text from JT since I told him about my run-in with Hunter. Underneath his playboy exterior, he is a true romantic. The girl that broke his heart changed him, but I know the real him. He tries hard to shove that part of himself down.
“Hey, Mama. What’s up?”
“Well, I haven’t heard much from you.” Her warm and comforting voice comes through the phone. “I know you’re still grumpy about me and Gus, but how long did you think I’d stay single?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. I hate talking about my mama’s dating life. Doesn’t help that mine is nonexistent while abeautiful brunette tortures me. I only want what is best for her, but this is a topic I’d rather avoid.
“Mama, I don’t care that you’re dating someone. I'm just worried about you, but I do want you to be happy. If Gus does that for you, just promise me you’ll be careful.”
“Oh, Miney, you worry too much.” She sighs. “Gus is a great guy, and you would like him if you gave him a chance. Thanksgiving is coming up, and I want the two men in my life to get along.”
Swinging my legs off the couch, I stand and pace my living room. “Mama, it’s only the middle of September. We have a while before we need to worry about Turkey Day.” I shake my head. This lady is going to make me gray before my time.
“Miney, I’m serious. Keep an open mind for me, please?” Her voice changes from a sweet to a more serious tone. “I want you to remember I spent twenty-five hours bringing you into this world. Myles Alexander Johnson, you owe me.”
I let out a long sigh. Bringing up her long labor is her favorite ammo. “You do realize I can’t owe you for the rest of my life, right?”
“Oh, no? Don’t test me, son.” I can picture her putting her small hand on her hip, just like she used to do when I was a child. I would do something she didn’t like, and she would take her balled-up fist stance and stare me down.
“Fuck! Fine, I’ll give Gus a chance.”
“Hey! Mind your language! And thank you. I’ll see you tonight at seven for dinner,” she says a little too sweetly before hanging up.
I pull the phone away from my ear.What the fuck?How did I get roped into dinner without agreeing?
12
HUNTER
The past week,I’ve picked up seven different sales along with a sale one Saturday each month. I absolutely love it. Jess and I decided Mondays are Hallmark movie night, accompanied by a tub of ice cream. She happily joined the dark side with my love of sweets and now complains that she will have to join me on a few runs.
“So when is he picking you up?” Jess asks from the kitchen while I get ready for my date. Nickelback lounges lazily on my bed, huffing every few minutes. I never thought of myself as a dog person, but Nickelback and I mesh well. He cuddles with me in bed at night and on the sofa while I binge Netflix or read a book. He keeps me motivated to stay active by either demanding we play fetch every night or go for a walk. He’s become one of my best friends, and Jess doesn’t mind because I share the “dog mom” responsibilities.
I check the time on my phone. “In thirty minutes,” I yell back to her.
“Where is he taking you again?”
Jess has made it clear she doesn’t approve of James. She’seither making subtle comments or in overprotective mode. It’s almost as if she can’t decide which way is best to go about it.
