“You sure about that?”
Sutton’s throat trembles with a rough gulp. “Yes.”
I wave her toward me. “Come on.”
Her movements are rigid and robotic. She creaks open her door at a pace that rivals paint drying. She steps out of the car even slower.
There’s no fighting my chuckle. “You don’t have to worry. I’ve got a strong hold on him.”
Some of the strain falls off her limbs. “Okay. I’m not really afraid, but he seemed pretty determined to get rid of me.”
I glance down at my trusty sidekick. “Most of that is for show. Not sure he’d really hurt anyone. He’s a total softie with me.”
Sutton doesn’t look convinced. “What’s his name?”
“Bear.”
She smiles. “That’s fitting. Can I pet him?”
“Go ahead and try.” I tighten my grip on his collar.
“You’re really selling it.”
I lift a shoulder. “I don’t get many visitors so this hasn’t been tried and tested often. He’s a guard dog. It’s his job to scare off harm.”
She shuffles another foot closer. “To keep you safe. You always wanted a dog.”
These strolls down memory lane are bashing at my armor. It’s a constant battle to keep my guard in place when she’s around. I force my expression to remain stoic. “One of my best decisions yet. He’s great company.”
“And very handsome,” Sutton coos while inching forward.
He yips and drags me her way. “Don’t just dive straight in. Let him smell you first.”
Sutton extends her fingers in Bear’s direction. One sniff of her hand and his defenses crumble. In the next beat, Bear’s tail is wagging in a happy dance. The final threads of his reluctance unravel within moments. His entire body begins wiggling with the type of joy that only occurs when he’s gained a trusted ally. He scoots on his ass trying to erase the remaining space between them. His efforts are successful when she kneels in front of him. If she’s not careful, one-hundred pounds of German Shepherd are about to be sitting in her lap. Lucky fucking mutt.
“Oh, you’re such a good boy.” Sutton scratches Bear behind the ears. Pretty sure he’s giving her a dopey smile in return. She’s been initiated into his inner circle and has no clue. Sutton is too busy fending off his slobbering kisses. Her giggle tells me she doesn’t mind too much. “What were you worried about, Gray?”
“Pretty sure you were screeching for help a minute ago.” I fold my arms. “Clearly I’m the one who overreacted.”
Bear rolls over, offering his belly for a rub. He’s a goner. I know the feeling well.
Sutton doesn’t hesitate, finding a sweet spot that makes his hind leg shake. “Does he always warm up this quick to strangers?”
“The few he’s met? Not at all. Bear still growls at Jace when he tries messing with me.”
“He’s a great judge of character.”
I stare at her smiling face. The happiness radiates off every feature. “He certainly is.”
She peeks up from under her long lashes. “Thanks.”
I rip my gaze off her. “So, you found me. What now?”
She stands and nudges me, the playful move familiar. “Just returning the favor. Figure it’s only fair since you sought me out last time.”
“That was different.” And her brother is really to blame, not that she needs to know.
“Well, yeah. Tracking me down at the bar was a bit unnecessary. But I’ll let it slide.”
