“That sounds perfect.”
He nods, and a few minutes later, we pull into the parking lot of my favorite pizza place. We order quickly, and since the place isn’t packed, the food comes out fast.
I glance at him, taking a sip of my soda. “I’m going to apologize ahead of time,” I say, picking up a slice, taking a bite, and moaning at the cheesy flavor. I chew, swallow, and repeat, until I’ve nearly finished the one slice in record time.
I’m not even embarrassed.
It isn’t until I finish, drink some more, and look up that I notice him watching me, a huge smile on his handsome face.
“You weren’t kidding about being starving. I think you need to make time for food. It’s not good for you to be that hungry.”
I nod. “I know, but sometimes there are emergencies, and the day just gets away from me. Did you guys work in the studio today?” I ask as I take another slice.
This time, he picks up a piece for himself. “We’ve been working on music since I joined the band.” He takes a bite, taking the time to chew and swallow. “The guys had songs ready, and I had to learn those and give my two cents because… that’s me. Then we wrote together, used some, tossed more… Today we finished the final song for the album.” He follows that up with another bite.
“He says so easily.” I study him, proud of all he’s accomplished. “You’re amazing, Axel. You’ve really achieved your dreams.”
“Not all of them,” he says, meeting my gaze and holding mine captive so I am unable to look away.
His expression is serious, his lips in a set line, obviously attempting to impart a serious tone to our night.
I don’t want that kind of date. “What are we doing after pizza?” I ask, breaking the spell he’s woven over me.
He blinks and refocuses, shaking his head before he replies. “It’s a surprise, but I promise it’s right up your alley.”
I wonder what he has in mind.
“If you want to find out, finish eating so we can get going,” he says, his easy grin back on his face.
A little while later, I am beyond full, the kind of full where I ate faster than I digested and now regret the last slice. He pays, signs autographs for a group of teenage girls who walk in, and we head outside.
“Come on. Let’s walk,” he says, clasping my hand in his.
We stride along the sidewalk, talking about my day and Lucky, the dog who ate chocolate, until Axel stops in front of the pet store at the end of the row of stores where the pizza place is located.
“We’re here.” He looks through the window that has puppies playing in shredded paper, bouncing around each other.
“Why?” Confused, I turn to stare at him and not the adorable dogs who are no doubt from a puppy mill and whose poor mother is still there, suffering.
“I want to get a dog.”
I blink. There is so much wrong with that statement that I don’t know where to begin. “I don’t… A dog? You’re never home.”
He frowns. “Give me some credit for thinking things through. I can bring the dog to Dash’s when we’re working so he or she isn’t alone. I spoke to Brent, our assistant, and he’s more than happy to watch out for him when we’re locked in the studio.”
I nod, acknowledging he’s thoughtsome thingsthrough. “And when you’re on tour?”
He winces at that question. “Cassidy and Sasha said they could take over. Or I could hire a pet sitter or live-in house sitter to help out, too.” He shrugs. “I love animals, Tara. You know thatfrom when we were together last. Ask Xander how much time I spend at his place just so I can hang out with Bella.”
“I’m not denying you’d be a great doggie daddy, but… does your lease allow for pets?” In the house with no furniture?
He nods. “Yeah, it does. But like I told you, that’s not my permanent place. I’ll be buying something soon.”
I bite down on my cheek. “Okay. You’re serious about this, then?”
“As a heart attack.”
I shake my head and look at the cute puppies once more. “Then brace yourself for a lecture,” I say and explain to him about myadopt, don’t shopphilosophy and why. “So in my opinion, you should go to a shelter. Unless you have allergies and need a purebred dog that doesn’t shed and is as close to hypoallergenic as you can get, in which case, I recommend a breeder.”
