Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“Not asking for advice.”
“Tough shit.” Robbie pulls out his phone, scrolls a few times, and flashes the screen to me.
My head pounds and my vision turns red. Anger rages through my bloodstream at the picture of Rowan, surrounded by firefighters. She’s holding a leash, laughing. Her smile is radiant and eyes are bright. The men around her are glued to her beauty.
“What the fuck is this?”
“That was an hour ago.”
“Whose dog?” Talon asks casually.
“Cruz and Alex adopted last weekend. They’re like crazy new parents. That lucky girl hit the jackpot.”
“She’s cute.”
I cut my eyes to Talon, wanting to knock the knowing smile off his face.
“Back to my advice,” Robbie continues. “When Alex and Cruz get involved, it’s a sign. I don’t know what happened, but they have claimed her. They're fiercely protective, which I know from firsthand experience. Time to man up. Uncomplicate things before she is out of reach.”
“Man, you know what she went through and what I’m up against.”
“What she went through is in the past and, to my understanding, she’s been healing. This picture is proof the only thing you’re up against is yourself. You procrastinate much longer, it’s on you.”
“We done?”
“Depends. What’s with the woman at the party?”
“Friend of my sisters who needed a favor, nothing more.”
“She breezed her way through this parking lot like a cougar.”
“Her life, her business.”
“Not sure having her around sends a friendly message.” Seems like Robbie has picked up the same vibe as Talon.
“She’s temporary.”
“Moving on. Do you like dogs?” Finn grins playfully.
“Who doesn’t?”
He glances at Robbie, both their expressions lighting with humor.
Before I can question their amusement, my phone chimes.
The incoming text adds to my simmering irritation.
Carson—Addie and I are driving in tomorrow for the weekend. Taking care of the Tera situation.
The irritation dies as an idea comes to life. Carson, Addie, Harley, Jewls… all the women. Rowan will feel comfortable.
“Party at the house this Saturday. Families are welcome. Spread the word,” I announce.
“Why do I suspect things just took a turn?” Finn asks.
Man-up… words I’ve heard and used.
Time I took the advice.
5
ROWAN
“Alright, girl, you’re my wing-woman tonight. When I say we have to go, act exhausted.”
Pepper wags her tail, nudging my chin as if she understands completely.
She leaps out of my car, running to the bushes.
Jewls swings open her door and screeches, “Oh my God, what a beautiful baby!”
When she crouches, I panic, scared Pepper will bowl her over. “Pepper, heel.”
The dog barely gives me a look, racing to Jewls and stopping only at the last second to sit.
Jewls offers her hand to sniff and then leans in for a hug, lavishing her with a full-body rubdown. “Who’s a pretty girl? Who’s a sweet lady? Oh yes, it’s you…” she coos, and Pepper soaks up the attention.
“That mutt knocks you over, we have a problem.” Major comes to stand behind her, scowling at the dog. “Actually, you let her lick your face again, we have a problem.”
“He’s a grumpy man. Don’t listen to him.” Jewls cuddles Pepper closer.
“She’s really friendly and sweet,” I offer, hoping to squash Major’s dislike.
He looks at me, his gaze going soft and lip curling to one side. “Come here.”
I go to him, melting into his embrace. “Hey.”
“You doing okay?”
I peer up at him, my heart seizing at the warmth in his expression. “I’m doing awesome.”
Approval flashes in his eyes as he gives me another squeeze. “Good.”
Pepper nudges my knee, making her way in between us. When I step back, she sits obediently, looking at Major for attention. He squats, rubbing her head. “Hey, girl.”
“Hope you guys don’t mind my coming to your entrance. I thought it would be easier to bring Pepper through the side gate than through the house. But I brought this.” I hold up the leash.
“No need, let her go.” Major opens the gate. “There’s already a crowd here.”
“Wait, I should escort her back there. She doesn’t know your place.”
“The area is fenced. Harley and Ace are back there, and they’ll watch her.”
I nibble on my lip, unsure that’s a good idea. I don’t know if she’s ever been around water. What if she falls in the pool? What if something happens? Cruz and Alex love this dog and she’s my responsibility.
“I’ll go with her.” Major picks up on my apprehension, motioning for an exuberant Pepper to run ahead. She takes off, never giving me a second look.
“Guess I’m chopped liver.”
“No offense, but if Major motioned to you to come with him, what would you do?”
There’s only one answer. I burst into giggles and nod. “Point taken.”
Jewls watches them, her hands going to her stomach, her eyes filling with happiness.
She is the strongest woman I know. Confident, smart, comfortable in her worth, and at the same time full of snark and sass. It’s in small moments like this that she lets her soft side shine.