Page 58 of Wild Embers
“I’m not reallyback.”
We’ll see about that, Butterfly.
“We should get a drink sometime. Catch up.”
My footsteps storm into the lobby. Blake stands there, alluring as ever. Her hair falls in its natural wave. Her oversized, cable-knit sweater and straight jeans do little to hide the curves of her figure. It takes every ounce of energy not to grab her and kiss her until we’re both breathless.
Abbott is situated on one side of the counter, and she’s on the other, but anything less than ten feet is too close for my comfort.
“Hey, Blake.” I give her a simple smile, then turn to my assistant with a plain expression. “Abbott, you can go home. It’s a slow day.”
“I don’t mind help—” he starts.
“I got it covered,” I interrupt.
He straightens his spine, ready to dispute further, but after a moment, he relaxes his shoulders and retrieves his things from where he stores them behind the front desk. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
Once he’s out the door, my muscles loosen. “Did you get back to your motel okay last night?”
“Yep,” she answers tersely. “You didn’t have to snap at him.”
“I didn’t snap at him,” I deny, taking a swig of coffee.
Blake’s raises an eyebrow as she folds her arms across her chest. “Would it make things easier if I let you pee on my leg and mark your territory?”
Bringing my mug to my mouth for another sip, my hand pauses halfway, and I perk up. A smug smile curves my lips. “Does that mean you’re mine to mark?”
Pink colors her cheeks. “I—Well—If you—” Blake stammers then shakes her head, changing the topic. “How’s Bear doing?”
We’ll circle back to this later.
Setting my mug down, I ask, “Bear?”
“The dog needs a name,” Blake clarifies as her chin dips.
My expression softens. “It suits him.”
“I thought so,” she returns with a closed-mouth smile.
“Let’s go check on him,” I invite, offering her my hand.
Her body shows no reservation as she strides toward me, placing her hand in mine and entwining our fingers together. My chest expands, finally allowing me to take a full breath.
I didn’t realize how badly I needed her here after last night until now.
Leading her through the clinic and to the kennels.
Once the pitbull comes into view, Blake releases my hand and rushes forward. “Hey, Bear! How’s my guy doing?”
Bear jumps up from his bed, licking Blake’s hands through the wire door, and his tail wags behind him.
I stay back, giving them room to reunite. “He’s happy to see you.”
“I’m sure he just smells the treats in my pocket.” Blake reaches into her denim pocket and pulls out a bacon-shaped treat, feeding it to Bear.
“Or he remembers that you saved his life,” I debate, challenging the way she’s downplaying her role in Bear’s rescue.
Blake shakes her head, petting Bear’s snout. “I didn’t do much. You’re the one that nursed him back to health.”
