"I bet it felt damn good, though," he'd pressed, and I had to admit, for a second, itreallydid.
But I didn't anticipate Atticus flipping the script. The fact he wasn't there on the eve of our biggest move yet shouldn't have bothered me, but it did.
It'sstillbothering me.
I should have my head in the game, getting myself ready for what's to come today, but that controlling, infuriatingassholeis all I can seem to think about no matter how hard I try to kick him out of my mind.
When a knock at the door comes promptly at six in the morning, I'm so amped up I have to take a second to ground myself before I can open it.
I'm really hoping it's the dog sitter and not my ride arriving early. I'm also hoping whoever Atty picked to watch Ellie passes the vibe check because I amnotleaving her with just anyone.
I mean, I get why the guys can't watch her for me, but I don't like the idea of a stranger staying with her even if it's only for twenty-four hours.
When I open the door, there are not one but two people there waiting for me. I know the surprise must be clear on my face, and instead of trying to cover it up, I lean into it. It's perfectly normal to be surprised when there's more than one person at your door.
Ellie pushes past me to sniff Céline while the driver, a man in a sleek black suit, stands at attention behind her.
"You must be Aurora," Céline says in a near-perfect American accent, and extends her hand. "I'm Céce, from Rover."
I shake her hand and mentally slap Atticus for not telling me it was going to be her. Granted, I'm sure he hadn't expected for her to arrive at the exact same time as my ride to the airport.
"Right," I say. "Céce. Thanks so much for agreeing to watch Ellie on short notice."
How the hell did Atticus manage to convince Céline to come all the way from Paris to watch my dog?
"Sorry," I call to the driver. "I'll be a few more minutes to get the pet sitter settled."
The driver nods. "Can I take your bag?"
I forgot the little rolling carry-on was by the door, and I wheel it out to the walk for him. "Yeah, thanks. Be right there."
Quickly, I usher Céline into the house and call Ellie back from trying to chase the driver to the car.
As soon as the door shuts, I'm dragging Céline to the living room. Ellie follows, sniffing around her and looking for attention that Céline gives with a smile, scratching her around the ears.
"Céline, what are you doing here?"
"Apparently," she starts, back in her natural French accent as Ellie licks her hand and she chuckles. "I am watching your dog. Ellie, is it? Hello, Ellie."
Ellie groans playfully, preening at the attention. She flops onto her side, exposing her belly for scratches like a total loaf.
"I don't…" I'm still reeling. "When did you?—"
"Atticus phoned me yesterday," she explains in a whisper. "Said I need to come and offered me—" Her eyes widen. "—alotof money. He wants me to watch your dog and also to walk her when you are in classes at school. He said something happened to your car, and you will need to take a bus? I don't understandwhy he does not buy you another one, but I think it's something to do with their less-than-legal dealings, yes? Probably why he said to 'be American' and not to use my real name."
I gape at her.
What the fuck?
"You should go," she tells me. "Your driver is waiting."
I shake my head. Well, at least itissomeone I know, and someone I'm inclined to trust. "Right, yeah. I should show you where everything is for her and?—"
She tuts, shaking her head. "Atticus already explained everything. I'm to call him if I have any questions. Don't worry, we'll have a lot of fun, won't we, Ellie?"
Ellie barks.
"Yes," Céline says. "Want to go for a walk, pretty dog?"
