I’m half expecting him to pull out his phone and make a big scene, but he doesn’t.
He’s a grade A prick, yeah, but at least he’s a generous one. That’s slightly less horrible.
I feel like I’m betraying myself by even admitting it.
But Mrs. Hernandez beams like it’s Christmas morning. She gives him a big, heartfelt hug.
“See?” Trish says sharply, drilling her gaze through my face. “Cute as hell, inside and out.”
“You better be talking about the dog.”
“Uh-huh.” She giggles again.
Sigh.
With one last wave, Brady turns and heads into the clinic.
My guilt eases quickly, knowing he’s here to make my day worse.
Trish rivets her eyes to the screen again, typing an email as she grabs her headset. “I’d better give you guys some space. Y’know, so you can talk out your feelings. Back room’s open if you need it.” She winks at me.
“Traitor,” I hiss.
Then the bells on the door jingle as Brady steps inside, something clasped under his arm.
“Lena,” he says with another look that snips my soul in half.
Holy hell. Is this man trying to start a fire with those eyes?
And when he smiles—I’m gone.
There’s a slight tilt to his smile—not quite the rehearsed look I expected.
Unexpected and, somehow, almost worse.
That doesn’t change anything, though.
“Special delivery,” he says, holding up the box under his arm. “Consider it a thanks to the clinic for all your help after hours. Lots of quality dog treats for your visitors.”
I don’t want to accept the box, but before I know what’s happening, he’s shoved it into my arms. The thing must weigh more than ten pounds.
“I also want to apologize,” he says.
“Apologize? For what?” I adjust the box in my arms, keeping my feet firmly planted on the ground.
His gaze flicks to my stance, and a smile tugs at his lips. “For not making a solid first impression. I regret it.”
Oh, so he picked up on the obvious, huh?
Fine, whatever. I don’t want to spend more time here gabbing with him than I need to.
“Don’t worry about it,” I say flippantly. “I’m glad Charlie could crash with you until his owner could pick him up.”
He meets my gaze with those flashing blue eyes that feel more piercing than they have any right to be.
“Actually, I was hoping I could thank you personally. How about a drink later?”
A. What.
