Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 26941 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26941 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
He blinks and refocuses, shaking his head before he replies. “It’s a surprise, but I promise it’s right up your alley.”
I wonder what he has in mind.
“If you want to find out, finish eating so we can get going,” he says, his easy grin back on his face.
A little while later, I am beyond full, the kind of full where I ate faster than I digested and now regret the last slice. He pays, signs autographs for a group of teenage girls who walk in, and we head outside.
“Come on. Let’s walk,” he says, clasping my hand in his.
We stride along the sidewalk, talking about my day and Lucky, the dog who ate chocolate, until Axel stops in front of the pet store at the end of the row of stores where the pizza place is located.
“We’re here.” He looks through the window that has puppies playing in shredded paper, bouncing around each other.
“Why?” Confused, I turn to stare at him and not the adorable dogs who are no doubt from a puppy mill and whose poor mother is still there, suffering.
“I want to get a dog.”
I blink. There is so much wrong with that statement that I don’t know where to begin. “I don’t… A dog? You’re never home.”
He frowns. “Give me some credit for thinking things through. I can bring the dog to Dash’s when we’re working so he or she isn’t alone. I spoke to Brent, our assistant, and he’s more than happy to watch out for him when we’re locked in the studio.”
I nod, acknowledging he’s thought some things through. “And when you’re on tour?”
He winces at that question. “Cassidy and Sasha said they could take over. Or I could hire a pet sitter or live-in house sitter to help out, too.” He shrugs. “I love animals, Tara. You know that from when we were together last. Ask Xander how much time I spend at his place just so I can hang out with Bella.”
“I’m not denying you’d be a great doggie daddy, but … does your lease allow for pets?” In the house with no furniture?
He nods. “Yeah, it does. But like I told you, that’s not my permanent place. I’ll be buying something soon.”
I bite down on my cheek. “Okay. You’re serious about this, then?”
“As a heart attack.”
I shake my head and look at the cute puppies once more. “Then brace yourself for a lecture,” I say and explain to him about my adopt, don’t shop philosophy and why. “So in my opinion, you should go to a shelter. Unless you have allergies and need a purebred dog that doesn’t shed and is as close to hypoallergenic as you can get, in which case, I recommend a breeder.”
By the time I finish my long spiel, he’s smiling and nodding in agreement. “So take me to the shelter.”
“Now?”
He nods. “I told you, I want a dog.” His expression is earnest, his tone serious. He looks like an adorable kid who can’t wait to get his pet.
“Okay, look. I volunteer at Norah’s Ark Rescue. I can call and see if Norah stayed late so we can stop by.” I pull out my phone and make the call.
Next thing I know, Axel and I are standing in the parking lot. I spent the ride over trying to understand his sudden need for a dog.
“Axel, wait.” I place a hand on his arm. “Why are you doing this?” The only reason I’ve come up with is that he’s trying to make a good impression on me. Why else would a man who lives the way he does suddenly want a pet?
He tips his head to one side. “After you left, I looked around the house and saw it for the first time. I realized you’re right. It’s ridiculous that I haven’t put down roots in any way. And I’ve been lonely, but I haven’t bothered to look into why. I just kept going to Xander’s… I mean, Dash set that example, but I bonded with Bella. So I decided I need a dog of my own.” He shrugs as if the simple answer makes sense.
I suppose it does. “I’m just worried you don’t realize the work that goes along with owning a dog, and I’d hate for you to pass all the responsibility off to someone you pay to take care of the pet for you.”
He shoves his hands into his jeans pockets. “I’ve been with you long enough in the past to know what responsibility means. Despite what you said on Sunday or think today.”
At that moment, I realize I hurt his feelings, and that is the last thing I want to do. Stepping forward, I cup his face in my hand. “I’m sorry. I never meant to insult you. Not over the weekend and not now.” I sigh. “In my profession, I see too many people take on the responsibility, then dump an animal when they realize all the work and money pet ownership entails.”