“What’s her name?” I nod toward the Neptune lookalike.
“That’s my best friend, Skye.”
I look back at Neptune, currently shoulder-checking Skye into a pile of kelp. “Well, Neppy’s officially obsessed.”
“Neppy?” His brows lift, a smirk beginning to form.
“Short for Neptune.” I shrug. “It fits.”
He laughs quietly, the sound warm and low, and for a moment, I forget the breeze entirely.
His laugh tickles a part of me deep in my chest. It’s a strange feeling when someone laughs, and you feel it all the way down in your bones, like your body recognizes something before your brain catches up. I can’t help but watch him, and I have to admit… he’s a beautiful sight.
He’s tall at around six feet, maybe a little more—lean but clearly muscular, the kind of build that looks earned rather than sculpted. Bright blond hair, slightly tousled by the ocean breeze, and the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen in my life. Not blue like the sky or the sea, but that sharp, impossible shade that makes you forget what you’re thinking. His lips are soft and pouty, and when he laughs, I catch a glimpse of big, bright, perfect teeth.
It’s honestly hard to believe he’s a firefighter and not some kind of model.
Makes me wonder if the local fire department sells an annual calendar.
I may have to look into that…
“So,” he says, interrupting my very important internal investigation, “you both permanent residents now?”
I blink, refocusing, and smile. “Yeah. Officially permanent implants.”
That earns another soft laugh, and there it is again—that feeling. I glance back toward the dogs, grateful for the distraction. Neptune and Skye are still tearing around the beach, chasing each other like kids.
“I just signed our lease today,” I continue. “We’ll be moving out of the hotel in a few days.”
His brows knit together slightly. “You’ve been staying at a hotel?”
There’s something in his eyes when he looks at me then. Concern, maybe? Or curiosity edged with something gentler.
“Yeah. I had a rental arranged, but I found out on my way here that they weren’t dog-friendly. So, I had to start the search over. But I got lucky and ended up with a pretty good deal.”
He nods slowly, still watching me. “Was bringing him not in the original plans?”
“Oh no,” I chuckle, “Not at all.”
I shake my head, smiling at the memory. “Neptune has been with me for a very short period of time. Let’s just say I already had my luggage packed when I saw him on a Facebook post from a local rescue. His picture spoke to me. I had to see him. And well…” I shrug. “It’s hard to explain how fast we bonded, but we did. I took him home, canceled my flight and my rental, and drove instead so he could come with me.”
Aiden’s expression shifts from astonishment to surprise before breaking into a big, open smile, like something just clicked into place.
“Do you know how old he is?” he asks, nodding toward Neptune, who’s now on his back, rolling blissfully in the sand while Skye watches, tongue lolling.
“The rescue vet thinks he’s about five.”
Aiden starts walking toward them, and I follow.
“Is he trained?” he asks.
“He seems to be,” I answer. “He follows commands and waits for permission to eat, even when given treats.”
Aiden steps in front of Neptune.
Immediately, Neptune stops rolling and snaps to attention, eyes locked on Aiden.
Aiden doesn’t raise his voice. Doesn’t make a big deal of it.
