Now that you’re rich, you shouldn’t have any problem paying me my money. And I want interest. You owe me five grand now.
Anger rockets through my entire body. The nerve of Damien to demand money that he doesn’t deserve. I type a reply.
My name wasn’t on the lease or any of the bills. I don’t owe you anything. Leave me alone.
Heart pounding, I block his number. I take a deep breath, feeling on edge. I should have done that months ago, but I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. I told myself he was upset and would forget about eventually. But I was wrong. Damien is a jerk, and I’m done dealing with him.
I crouch down on the floor and cuddle with Gus to calm myself. He licks my face, and I can’t help but smile and feel calmer. Dogs are an instant mood lifter.
A few minutes later, the kitchen door to the garage opens, and Camden walks in.
His smile is shy when he looks at me. “Hey.”
“Hi.”
For a second, we just stare at each other, the air between us sparking with tension. We haven’t seen each other since that awkward run-in yesterday morning. Camden was gone all day for his training session, then he helped with some kids hockey camp the rest of the day and evening. I spent the whole day driving around to all of my dog walking appointments. By the time I got home, I was exhausted and went straight to bed before he even came home.
Gus runs over to him and jumps up to lick him. Camden chuckles. I do too. I let out a breath, thankful that that tension is starting to fade. I’ll have to give Gus an extra treat for that.
“Hey, big guy. Good to see you again,” Camden coos as he pets him.
Gus flops on the floor, and Camden crouches down to give him belly rubs.
“He loves you,” I say when I walk up to them.
“I’m surprised he remembers me.”
“Of course he does. You’re the guy who gives epic belly rubs.”
Camden chuckles. When he looks up at me, shyness flashes in his eyes. He stands up and rubs the back of his neck.
“Listen. I’m really sorry about yesterday morning.”
I shake my head. “It’s okay. It wasn’t a big deal.”
His brow lifts like he doesn’t believe me. “You sure?”
“Yeah. It was bound to happen. We’re living in the same house.” I’m proud of how easy-going I sound. I’m doing a pretty good cool girl impression right now.
A relaxed smile tugs at his mouth. “Thanks for being so cool about this.”
“No problem.”
“Promise it won’t happen again.” His cheeks are still flushed. It’s really cute.
I grab an extra treat for Gus and toss it to him. “I told you I’m watching Gus during an overnight stay, right?”
“Yeah. I’m excited to hang out with him.”
“You’re really okay with me doing overnights stays here at your house for my pet-sitting job?” I ask.
“Of course I am. I love dogs. I’ve wanted to adopt one for awhile, but I never have because I’m gone during so much of the season traveling for away games.” He smiles at me. “So this is perfect. I get to hang out with a bunch cool pups now.”
I smile at how sweet Camden is. “I’m taking him with me tonight on my Uber Eats shift so we’ll be gone for a bit.”
“Wait, you’re working tonight?”
“Yeah, but just for a few hours.”
