lint roller away from her, but apparently, my message isn’t getting across because as I watch his arm
comes up, and he runs that roller down Cadence’s arm.
Abby’s shaking with silent laughter. I am so embarrassed I can’t make my mouth move. What am I
going to say, anyway? Sorry, my boyfriend is a freak?
Actually, that might work.
As I open my mouth to explain, or apologize, Cadence casually turns to face Zach and spreads her
arms. A smile breaks over his face as he proceeds to lint roll every inch of her clothing, peeking at
her for permission before running in quickly over her chest. She stands patiently, a slight smile on her
face, until he’s done. The man’s smile is blinding when he’s finished. He even presses a kiss to the
handle of the roller.
“Nice job,” Candace says, grinning. “Follow me.” She turns and pushes through the door. Zach’s
just standing there, grinning, oblivious to everything. I stop beside him and grab the elbow of his
jacket. He turns to me, gets a good look at my face, lets out a ‘meep’ and bolts through the doors,
clutching the lint roller to his chest.
Abby’s laughter isn’t silent anymore. She attempts to speak through her giggles. “He went out…he
got it…from the car.” Her eyes are watering. “He travels with a lint roller.” I gave her a second to get
a hold of herself. “I was so wrong about him. You two are perfect for each other.”
“This is supposed to be work, Abby. Get yourself together.” I’m trying for stern, but I can’t pull it
off, my giggles slipping out.
This man. Even drunk, he needs things to be tidy. How would that work if we lived together?
Would he give me a room I can be messy in? Would he sneak into my drawers and color-code my
panties?
I mentally slap myself, not ready to go down that mental road. From what I can tell, my time is
better spent figuring out how to get all the men back home in one piece.
Abby wipes her eyes and sighs. “I’m trying. I swear. But this whole thing has gone completely off
the rails. I don’t think there’s anything to do but go along for the ride.”
I freeze for a second as I process her words.
She’s right. If this train’s about to go off the rails, I promised myself I’d hang on and enjoy the
ride.
I just didn’t image the ride would include corralling all my bosses at a dog rescue.
