Chapter 12
Gianna
FOUR YEARS AGO
I only stall the pickup twice trying to leave the Fernando Garage. Once on take-off, and a second time at the lights. Ryker’s in the passenger seat, rummaging through the glove compartment. Papers rustle around before he pulls out one of my old sketchbooks. He runs his fingers over the brown faux leather cover. I’d forgotten about that one.
‘Can I see?’ he asks.
I nod, glancing over from the road to watch his reactions. He flicks through the pages, turning the book to study different angles, before stopping on one page.
My fingers tighten around the Camino’s wheel at the sight of the last charcoal portrait piece I ever drew. Pa’s arm is around my shoulders as we lean in front of the Mustang in the garage. I stopped drawing and painting for a while after that one.
‘Your dad was cool.’ Ryker smiles, giving my leg a squeeze.
Even though my chest tightens, I manage a smile. ‘He was the best.’
As we round the corner in the town centre, my eyes catch on the sign for Paws on the Coast.
‘Oh, hey.’ I jerk upright, shaking away the heaviness. ‘Do you mind if we stop here? I want to check on something.’
‘You’re in control here.’ He snaps the book shut and places it back in the glove compartment. ‘I’m along for the ride.’
I pull into the driveway, turning down the music so I can see better. Ryker allows silence as I reverse park. We jump out and I see I’m taking up two car spaces. Ryker looks at me with a question in his eyes.
I shrug. ‘We’ll be quick.’
He laughs and hooks an arm around me, slowing his steps to stay in line with mine as we head inside. The bell jingles with our entrance.
‘Hey Gia, how were your classes today?’ Dr Aimee asks as she files away a few papers.
Two of the regular volunteers behind her shoot glances Ryker’s way and giggle between themselves. IknowI’ve never been the only giggling girl, but my insides flare with extra heat and a wave of possessiveness washes its way into my bones. Ryker leans on the counter and offers Dr Aimee an easy smile, completely oblivious to the effect he has on people. But that’s just Ryker. He doesn’t have to command the room – he owns the space just by existing in it.
‘Class was class,’ I answer. ‘You know that puppy from yesterday? Did you find his owner?’
‘No.’ Dr Aimee sighs. ‘Sadly, he’s not microchipped and no one’s come looking for him. I’ll call the pound tomorrow to transfer him. I’m giving him fluids but can’t keep him, with the back kennels so full.’
‘The pound? Really?’ My heart breaks at the thought.
Moving around Ryker’s large frame, I pull up the partition and make a beeline into the back room, headingright to the puppy. He stands up as soon as he sees me, his whole body swaying as he wags his tail wildly. I take him out of the cage, holding him close with a tight squeeze. His fur is soft, and he licks and nibbles at my fingers.
‘I wish I could keep you.’ I kiss the top of his head.
Kneeling down, I let him have some freedom to move; he jumps on my chest and plants more slobbery kisses on my face. I smooth my hands over his body and he rolls onto his back, enjoying the attention.
Ryker kneels beside us and scratches his belly. ‘Do you want to?’
‘Want to what?’
‘Keep him.’
‘Of course! Look at him,’ I croon. ‘Ma would kill me, though.’
‘She’ll get over it.’ He turns to face Dr Aimee, who followed us to the back room. ‘I’ll pay for whatever he needs. We’ll take him.’
‘Ryker!’ My eyes widen. ‘I don’t think … What about—’
‘Gianna, relax. Look at how he’s looking at you. You were meant to find him.’
