My heart leapt.How did I not notice how damn attractive he is?Well, I might’ve in a more general sense. Like thinking the crow’s feet made him look distinguished. But actually making my heart rate accelerate and me think seriously about what he would be like in bed? No, this was the first moment for that.
He cocked his head—much the way Daphne had. “Everything all right?”
“What? Oh, of course. She’s done her business.” I held out the leash.
“You can unclip her. She’s free to roam this backyard. The gate’s always closed, and she actually comes when she’s called.”
“Ah, but will she come when I call?”
“Unclip her and let’s find out.” Zahir’s countenance was open and honest. To him, it appeared, things really were that simple.
“Okay.” I bent to unclip Daphne’s leash.
She scurried over to a clump of bushes.
I moved to stand next to Zahir.
He nodded.
“Daphne? Come.” I tried to inject as much authority into my voice as possible.
She poked her head up, regarded me, waited at least three seconds, then finally headed my way.
“Good girl.” I scratched behind her ears.
Zahir chuckled. “You had your doubts?”
I straightened. “Well, frankly, yes. I have no experience with dogs. Why would she listen to me?”
“Because her previous owner trained her well. She’ll respond to anyone who uses an authoritative voice.”
“Even if their intentions are ill?”
He eyed me. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
I waved him off. “Just fretting about bad things that might happen to her. To all dogs.”
“That’s really good of you, Andre. I think Gizmo and Gus are really going to like you.”
Demetrius’s dogs. Another reminder where we were headed and how crazy this journey really was.
“Daphne will be okay?” I eyed her as she slurped from her water bowl.
Zahir touched my biceps. “She’ll be fine. We should go.”
“Yeah.” I didn’t check the time on my phone because I trusted him to know what was best. I gave him my best smile. “Okay.”
He held his arms open wide.
I fell into the hug.
“I’m proud of you, Andre. No matter what happens—you remember that, eh?”
“Yeah. Thank you.”
With that, we headed out.
Chapter Thirteen
