Page 19 of Taming I Do
“Yeah. I’m a sucker for sweets. Would you like to meet some of the other folks involved in the wedding business here in Ido?” he asked.
“Sure. But is there somewhere I can get rid of this first?”
His brow scrunched, making him look a little confused, even a tiny bit vulnerable. “You don’t like it?”
“I love it. That’s why I need to get rid of it. I’m on a strict no-sugar diet. How else do you think I fit into all of these gowns?” I cocked a hip and his gaze flickered down, past my waist. My cheeks warmed as the hint of humor in his eyes gave way to something darker.
He shook his head as he took my plate, folding the cupcake inside, and walked to the edge of the crowd. “It’s a damn shame to waste a cupcake.”
“You can finish it if you don’t want to waste it.” I wouldn’t blow my diet just to make him feel good.
“It’s all right. Just don’t let Helmut know. He might look like a badass on the back of his bike, but he’s a big softy. Now, let me introduce you around.”
We approached a circle of people who seemed deep in conversation. “Zina, Alex, meet Miss Lovin’ Texas, Delilah Stone. She’ll be spending the next month here.”
“Nice to meet you.” I shook hands with both.
“Zina runs the For Pitties’ Sake pit bull rescue and Alex here is going to be the best vet in town when he finishes his degree.”
I couldn’t help but notice the familiar warmth between them. The way Alex’s eyes softened as he looked at the woman next to him or the way she tucked herself against his side. Someday I hoped I’d have the chance to find a man to share that kind of bond with me.
“I read something about the pit bull shelter. What a great cause.”
“Unfortunately, it’s necessary around here.” Zina shook her head. “We seem to be a dumping ground for unwanted pit bulls.”
“I think it’s wonderful that you’ve got a place for them to go. I’m a huge proponent of supporting the underdog.” I smiled. “I’d love to tour the shelter while I’m here.”
Zina glanced at Jasper. “That would be great.”
“I’m sure we can find a time. Zina runs a great program over there.” Jasper’s chin tipped up. “She’s even started working with a veterans’ support group to train dogs to help soldiers acclimate to life outside the military.”
“Really?” I arched a brow. I made a mental note to spend some time getting to know the pit bull rescue director. Zina could be a good ally since we both had a vested interest in helping others.
“She’s amazing.” Alex turned a wide smile on the woman next to him. “We actually met while working on the dog rescue together.”
“I think it was more because of the penguins, wouldn’t you say?” Zina smiled up at him.
“Penguins?” I narrowed my eyes.
“It’s a long story.” Jasper nodded toward an area where a small band had set up. “I promised the band I’d introduce them if you don’t mind. It’s their first time to meet a reigning pageant queen.”
“Of course.” I tucked my arm into the crook of his elbow. “It was so nice to meet both of you.”
Zina and Alex nodded as Jasper led me toward the band. “I’ll check with Zina to find out when a good time would be to visit. She’s amazing with those dogs.”
“I’d like that, thanks.”
“In fact, I adopted my dog from For Pitties’ Sake last year.”
“I love dogs. I’ve never had a chance to have one because I travel so much, but once this trip is over, I’m hoping to get one of my own.” My mother never would have let me get a dog, even if we hadn’t spent most of our time running from pageant to pageant. In Stella’s eyes, dogs were slobbery, hairy, filthy animals that belonged outside. As I pictured my mother surrounded by pit bulls, I let out a soft laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Jasper asked.
“Just picturing my mom’s reaction if I came home with a rescue dog. She’s pretty particular.”
“I don’t know what life would be like without a dog. We’ve always had at least one or two running around the orchard. They keep the goat in line.”
“You have a goat?”
