I lifted the carrier in front of me, and opened it to let him peek inside.
“Holy shit, who’s this little darling?”
I grimaced, holding the carrier tight as I headed toward the office building, so we could get my little girl out of the cold.
“She doesn’t have a name yet. I found her this evening, and I’m keeping her. I’m hoping you’re not gonna give me shit about that.”
Micro leaned over to push the doors open ahead of me and when we stepped into his office, he hovered over me as I lifted my new little baby out of the carrier, grinning at the soft growls she tried scaring us with.
“Fuck me, she’s tiny. Where’d you find her?” He leaned a finger closer, probably meaning to stroke her, but she snarledand snapped at it, like she wanted to bite it, even though it was bigger than her tiny mouth.
“Whoa. I like her. Sassy little thing.”
He poured two coffees and slid one over to me as he took his seat behind his desk, and I snuggled baby on my lap. At some point she needed a name, but for now, I’d call her baby.
“So, you wanted to see me? I assumed Harley had told you I was bringing a dog onto the site.”
Micro shrugged, a blank look on his face. “He hasn’t said a word, but he’s doing the whole ‘meet the family thing tonight’ so I think he’s too busy. Ugh… that shit’s always unnerving.”
Baby shivered in my lap, so I tucked her closer to my chest and nuzzled her soft hair.
“Uh, you wanna do this another time?”
I lifted my head again, offering my Pres a sheepish grin.
“Sorry, Pres, it’s just… she was cold.”
He smirked. “Yeah, of course. Not that you just wanted to nuzzle her like that because you’re a sappy fucker.”
I didn’t disagree with him, because the proof was right here, wasn’t it? Baby made a weird sound which I realised was a sneeze, and I chuckled, because how adorable was that?
“So what’s this about?”
Micro wrapped his hands around his coffee mug, which I’d read before he did it. It said ‘World’s Best President’ on it, and I had to bite back my snarky comment about it. It was obviously a gift from Sophie, but he had yet to prove himself to me. I mean, Reacher was a fucking god compared to him.
“I guess I just wanted to touch base with you, see how you’re settling in, how things are going with Harley, you know… just kinda making sure you’re doing okay.”
Huh. I never saw that coming. I expected to get chewed out about something, but this was unexpected. I almost regretted my thoughts of just seconds ago.
“How I’m settling in? I’ve been here a year or something, man.”
I might have felt touched by his words, but I couldn’t show it, could I?
“I know. I’m sorry. It’s been a weird fucking time, but I’m trying to put my focus on the members as individuals right now. Making sure you’re okay, that you’re settled, that you aren’t having issues with anyone, that kinda thing. Plus, the business with Harley is still in its first few months, so I was curious how that’s working out. Seems like a match made in heaven to me.”
I was nuzzling baby again, so I didn’t really absorb his words immediately, but slowly they infiltrated my brain, and I nodded at him.
“Working out good. He’s a bit of a tight ass at times, but it was good of him to bring me in, and give me this chance. Even tried not charging me rent, but I’m no sponger. I’ll pay my way.”
Micro grinned, leaning on his desk with his eyes firmly on the snoozing pup in my hands.
“This is a good look for you, man. Showing your softer side. I didn’t know you had one, but I can see she’s going to be a very lucky pup to be yours.”
His words were like a kick in the chest. At first, it was because I felt like he was calling me a pussy, but as the rest of his words sunk in, I realised what he was saying. He thought I could do this. Be a dog dad. Raise this little baby well. For some reason, it made my eyes sting and my throat feel a little tight.
I took a deep breath. “Thanks. I uh… some fucker was dumping her because,” I trailed off, because I still didn’t understand why, “he said she was worthless. Imperfect. I guess… I guess that resonated with me. She’s like the puppy version of me. Maybe together we can become more.” Jesus fuck, did I grow a pussy or something? I forced a laugh.
“Whoa. Guess I’m getting puppy whipped or something.” Micro laughed accordingly, but his eyes were shrewd. He saw through me. He fucking saw. Time for me to get the hell out before he poked his nose in. I stood up, hugging baby against my chest.
