She worries her lip as she studies me, contemplating. And then she nods. “Fine. But I’m here to talk if you need me. I know you have Addison, but I’m here too if you need someone less…happy.” She gives me a knowing smile and fluffs her curly hair. “Anyways, your jeans are in your room. I’ll get out of your house, now.”
“Thanks.” I walk her out and give her a hug. “It’s still creepy the way you keep appearing out of nowhere.”
“I’m nothing if not creepy,” she says, a teasing glint in her brown eyes. “And your reactions are always worth it.”
I snort, because no one would ever guess how much Zara enjoys getting a rise out of me by her sweet demeanor. I don’t even make her take off my bathrobe before she gets in her car because I know she’ll be back when I least expect, claiming she’s here to return it.
When she’s gone, I take Jasper to the backyard. I don’t even have to motion him to follow me. He’s used to our night routine. When I open the chipped, white single door leading out, he’s practically sprinting. I sit on the wooden rocking chair on the porch while Jasper sniffs grass, rolls around, and sharpens his claws on the same post of the wooden fence as usual. The wood is splitting now from all the fun he’s had with it.
I take a deep breath, shutting my eyes against the cool wind stinging my face. And I hear Zara’s words again.
It’s okay if you want to be in a relationship, you know. You can admit it.
Out here, beneath the dark sky speckled with glittering stars, I can be honest with myself for once. I can admit the truth, pathetic as it is.
Zara is right.
I’m lonely, and I hate it.
Despite my efforts to stay busy with work, surround myself with fluffy critters, and volunteer nonstop at church, there's still a void—a longing to share my busy life with someone else.
I can’t help but remember the way Cole’s soothing presence, his kind voice, and his gentle touch all contributed to me trusting him and believing him when he told me my lack of experience didn’t bother him, and neither did my desire to wait until marriage.
And then I remember the night I discovered Cole left Meadow Hills to visit the woman in Bar Harbor he’d been secretly seeing our entire relationship.
Jasper rubs against my leg, purring. I break away from the memory with relief. “Men are scoundrels, aren’t they, buddy? You’re the only one worth knowing, aren’t you?”
He arches his back as an answer. I comb my fingers through his yellow and black fur, letting the texture calm me. Maybe these feelings are resurfacing because of a certain someone I just met who also has a smooth voice, a charming smile, and convincing words.
I may be lonely, but in my opinion, it’s better than being naive. And I’ve simply learned too much to ever trust another man.
Especially one like Sebastian Black.
Chapter Seven
BASH
I’m notsure what I expected Romilly’s workplace to look like, but it certainly wasn’tthis.
Paw-shaped flagstone leads a pathway through the grass to a small, wood-paneled building nestled between downtown Meadow Hills and a suburban development. It’s mostly isolated, save for a horse ranch half a mile down the road and a used car dealership. I open the glass, storefront-style door and step into the entryway. More wood paneling, but this time with teal accents on the doors, ceiling, and curtains. There’s an entire wall painted light pink, and a group of coral accent chairs opposite the check-in desk. Behind them is a wall dedicated to displaying a variety of leashes, collars, and…pet clothing for sale.
There are no cages in view. I don’t hear the barking and screeching of animals who think they’re being tortured. There’s a subtle scent of bleach, but it doesn’t sting my nose because it’s masked by a more intentional, pleasant aroma.
“Good morning, Sebastian.”
I smirk when I hear her voice. “Great place you got here,” I say, turning to face her. She’s wearing normal clothes instead of a uniform: straight leg jeans and a green, bohemian-style top.
Romilly beams. “Thanks. I actually had to move back with my parents to save up enough to afford it. I’m just grateful it all paid off.” She opens the picket-fence gate dividing us and motions me to join her on the side of the room.
I follow her to a kennel area against a wall. But it’s not just any kennel area. It’s a long, horizontal strip with teal gates closing off each section. But the most amusing part of all is the framed portrait of each dog hung above their designated area. She literally has portraits of her canine clients hung on the wall.
I point to the photos. “So, you clearly love animals, but this is a bit excessive, don’t you think?”
She laughs. “I just like my dogs to feel welcome. I keep fluffy beds for them here, too. That way they’re nice and comfy while they wait for me to work on them.”
“I see.”How is it possible that she just got even more adorable?
“The first thing I’m going to show you is how to prepare the kennels for the day. The photos are kept at the front desk, in the drawer on the right.” She points to the line of kennels. “And the pictures aren’t just for aesthetics. They’re a visual reminder of my schedule for the day, and they get switched out depending on who’s coming. So, as you can see, we’ll be working on six dogs today, and the order of the photos represents the order in which they’ll arrive.”
