Page 32 of Penn

“I know how people saw me after Mom got arrested. Probably even before that because Dad’s affairs weren’t exactly a secret to most. And when she ended up committed to the hospital? I cannot be a charity case. Being pitied makes me want to jump out of my skin and pull my hair out.”

I hadn’t thought about how she was seen with the shit her parents did. That changes things. When it was just because of her fucked-up ex, it was a bother. “I hadn’t realized that.”

“I don’t usually lead with my trauma,” she says with a shrug. “I cannot feel like a charity case. The last thing I need is someone’s pity.”

“You know that’s not how I feel, right?”

Her eyes lock with mine. “I don’t actually know anything about how you feel, Penn.”

Well, shit, and here I thought I was being rather obvious. “I want you here, Dixie.”

“To take care of me?”

“It’s in my nature. I want to protect people I care about.”

“And I’m one of those people?”

“No, I actually fucking hate you and want you to leave, but you’re misreading everything I do,” I say with a roll of my eyes. “What do you think?”

A smile appears, and I feel like I’ve won something magical. “You never know. I could be one of those girls who they report on after being missing for five, ten, fifteen years. And all anyone knows is she willingly went to live with a hot biker to never be seen from again. Until they find my body tied up in the basement.”

“I don’t have a basement.”

“You know what I mean.”

“See, all I heard was you wanted to be tied up.”

She laughs and redoes her messy bun on the top of her head. I’m always amazed at how efficiently women can do that, and it looks so damn hot. “Of course you did.”

“I know you want to pay me, but I can’t take your money, Dixie. It’s just not how I’m wired,” I admit.

“Then what do we do? How do we find a balance?”

“I want to get a dog.”

Blinking, she studies me. Really studies. “Did you say… I don’t understand how… What?”

“I’ve always wanted a dog. A German Shepherd, specifically.”

“Still not following, Penn.”

I smile at her and sit down next to her on the recliner. “Sometimes I’m away on a run for days at a time. If shit goes south, it could be up to a week. Which doesn’t really work with a dog.”

“So, you want me to help out by watching a dog while you’re gone?”

“Taking care of it when I’m not here. Walking, feeding, letting out. I’ll pay for everything, but I need someone to be able to devote time to him or her. Help train it and make sure it’s cared for.”

Tilting her head, she sniffles and narrows her eyes. “Are you serious?”

“Dead serious,” I say. “Plus, I’ll feel better when you’re here alone—or with the baby—while I’m gone. A German Shepherd is a great guard dog. Plus, it’ll get you used to cleaning up after something.”

Dixie giggles. “I’ve never had a dog before.”

“They’re amazing. I’ve had them all my life until I moved here. Had to leave my last baby behind when I… When my life brought me here. I’ve been dying for another dog for years now.”

“Okay, let’s do it.”

I smile, my heart filling. She didn’t turn me down. She didn’t say it was a terrible idea when she’s going to have a baby soon. I get to keep Dixie and the baby here with me, and I get to have another dog.