Grayson leans over, whispering under his breath, “Is she normally like this?”
“Not at all.”
Kieran scoffs. “Trust me, you’ll want my number for later when you realize who I am.”
That has Layla stiffening. “I know exactly who you are.You’re the only dog here who deserves to be neutered and in a kennel.” With that, she spins on her heel, clipboard in hand as she stalks off.
My head tips back on a howl of laughter, Grayson doing the same. I have tears leaking out of the corner of my eyes from the shock of Layla turning down Kieran. I’ve never seen her like that with a man before. My sweet, kind, and caring Layla just handed Kieran his ass.
Grayson is hysterical beside me. “Holy shit, dude, I wish I got that on camera.”
Kieran clutches his chest as if wounded, his jaw open a little as he turns to us. “I’m going to marry that woman.”
Before either of us can stop him, Kieran is off, chasing after Layla and her flaming red hair.
Grayson shakes his head at his best friend’s retreating form. “He’s like a dog with a bone.”
“Then Layla’s assessment isn’t too far off.”
Grayson snorts at that. “Let’s just hope he doesn’t drool all over her.”
“Mr. Crawford?” a soft female voice interrupts.
Grayson turns to who I’m presuming is a worker of the shelter based on the uniform.
“ABC has arrived for the interview. They’re waiting in the main barn house, and they said they need an updated photo of the founder for the piece.”
“Well, that’s not happening,” he says in a flat voice.
“They aren’t taking no for an answer.”
“Seems like everyone is needing to be taught that lesson recently.” Sighing, he shakes his head. “I’ll handle it, Liz, thank you. Have you met my girlfriend, Bella?”
It takes everything in me to not widen my eyes at how easily that title rolled off Grayson’s tongue. Pointedly ignoring the way my heart flips, I smile. “Liz, was it?”
She nods. “I’m one of the co-founders. Have been working with Grayson since the moment he opened Safe Haven Trails.”
My head cocks to the side, my hand in hers going limp. “Since he opened…?”
Liz’s eyes widen before cutting to Grayson. “Seriously?” she hisses.
Grayson’s face turns red and suddenly everything clicks into place.
“You’re not just a volunteer…are you?”
Liz arches a pointed brow at her—I now realize—boss. “I’ll leave you to make amends for that one. I’ll deal with ABC, just be ready with the team for an interview,volunteer.” Liz spins on her heel, heading in the direction of the barn.
Bambi whines between us, demanding to be pet, and as Grayson kneels, giving her attention and love, I tsk. “No, don’t go being cute with Bambi. What the fuck, Grayson?”
He flashes me a crooked smirk. “You think I’m cute?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “For the love of god, Grayson, focus on what’s important.”
His eyes never leave mine as he whispers, “I am.”
Ignoring the way he’s looking at me, I bend, giving Bambi belly rubs as she rolls over onto her back, her Lamb Chop dangling from her mouth. “You don’t think your girlfriend should know that you created one of the largest animal rescue organizations in the state?”
I can’t keep the hurt from my voice, and by the way his back straightens, I know Grayson heard it. His shoulders slump as he reaches out, placing a gentle hand on my knee. “I’m sorry I kept this from you.”
