Page 124 of The Vow

I glance around the house and then at King Madden. Riggs said he won't be home until tonight or tomorrow, but something doesn't feel right about leaving.

Me: Can we meet tomorrow?

Noah: He's leaving tonight. You'll only get one chance with him.

I glance at the piano, debating.

King Madden barks, pulling me out of my trance.

Noah calls.

I answer, "Hey."

"One shot, Blakely," he states.

King Madden jumps at my feet, barking.

I pick him up and reply, "Is it okay if I bring King Madden?"

Noah asks, "Who?"

I walk to my room, realizing I'm still wearing a towel and need to get dressed. "Sorry. My puppy I just got. He hasn't stayed by himself before. Would it be super unprofessional if I bring him?"

Noah chuckles. "Nah. It's L.A."

I sigh. "Okay. I need ten minutes though. I just got out of the shower."

"Fine, but hurry. He's more interested in seeing how your voice mixes with his than your looks," Noah teases.

"Then stop talking to me," I rebuke.

"Done. See you soon," Noah says and hangs up.

I hurry and get ready, then I text Riggs.

Me: Noah called. He's picking King Madden and me up to meet with Scratch. He wants to collaborate on his next album! I'll be home later. I hope you will be too. Love you!

I put my hair in a messy bun, toss on some makeup, and tell King Madden, "This is going to have to do!"

He barks and wags his tail.

I carry him to the kitchen and my phone buzzes.

Noah: I'm here.

I toss my phone on the counter. I grab the puppy purse we bought at the pet store and put King Madden in it. I coo, "Aww. Look at how cute you are!"

He whines.

I sling the bag over my shoulder, run out of the house, and go through the gate door. I slide into Noah's car.

"Hey, gorgeous," he says.

King Madden growls.

I ignore his remark. He does it sometimes when Riggs isn't around. I normally reprimand him, but King Madden's growls don't allow me.

"Easy, boy," Noah instructs, pushes his mirrored sunglasses higher on his nose, and reaches toward us.

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