Page 82 of Too Fast To Fall

“You’re family, Emilio. Family does not pay a commission. What are we thinking about offering?”

“Ten percent above asking? Will that help get the deal done?” Emilio asked.

“I have a feeling that offer will do very well.” Willa hitched her purse up onto her shoulder. “Are we meeting at the housefor dinner later? Or are you two coming over now?”

Piper opened her car door. “Actually, we need to go see about a dog.”

“Tracy found something for you?” her mom asked. “That’s wonderful.”

Piper and Emilio climbed into the car, and she started the engine. “Now. I want you to keep an open mind.”

“I already said yes to the house, and you know I’m going to say yes to the dog. What else is there to be open-minded about?”

Piper bit down on her lower lip. “Did I mention that the shelter also has a super-cute cat? Gray and white with a pink nose?”

“Do you have cat treats in your pocket?”

“Ummm...”

“Be honest.” He reached for her jaw and forced her to look him in the eye. Eh.Forcedmight be a little strong... She didn’t need much convincing to look at him. He was so very easy on the eyes.

“I’ve been working on a recipe.”

He shook his head slowly. “Piper. No.”

“It was Nom Nom’s idea. Harmony said they’d like more from me.”

He leaned in closer, his lips mere millimeters from hers. “What if I want something from you?” Infuriatingly, he kissed thecorner of her mouth.The corner.That was all he’d give her.

She closed her eyes as the physical frustration worked its way through her. “This isn’t fair. You’re too hot. You have undueinfluence over me.”

He laughed quietly, then planted a real kiss right on her lips—slow and soft and perfect. “I’m sorry. I will never again withholda kiss.”

Piper couldn’t help but remember that she’d once thought there had to be something else. Now she knew her something else wasall around her. It was inside her. And now she could share it with Emilio.

“That’s more like it.” She started the car and popped it into Reverse. “Now let’s go see a lady about a dog. And a cat.”

Gus

There’s another thing that is true of all dogs, including me. When we’re happy, and we have all the love and attention weneed, then we are so much fun to be around. If you want proof, ask my new grandpa, Josh. He thinks I’m the most fun.

He and my new grandma, Willa, are awesome. They let me swim in their pool, and I can shake as hard as I want when I get out.Josh takes me everywhere. Any place where he can bring a dog. He cracks the car window, and I hang my head out while he drives.He took me to a place called a drive-through, where a woman gave him hamburgers and French fries through a window. It wasmagical.

The best news is that Piper is back in our lives for good. She and Emilio figured out how to be in the same place at the sametime again. I’m not sure why it was so hard to figure out, but I’m just glad my hard work paid off. For now, I’m done interferingin people things. Emilio and Piper and I are a family. We all have the love we wanted. What’s better than that? Nothing.

“Gus! Are you coming?” Josh calls from the other room. We’re hanging out today. Which means today is going to be amazing.