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“What?” she asks.
“I think there’s a little bit more to your story, but I also remember thinking you were out of your mind, falling for him.” Of course, with Dane and Cami, it’s always been interesting. “Point being, you knew Dane was special and worth the risk, right?”
She lets out another weighted sigh. “I see what you’re doing here, Cassandra.” I remain silent. “And yes, you can fall for someone quickly. There’s no time frame in falling for someone, like you have with Dom. At the end of the day, it’s what I want for you.”
“I know, but what if Dom is the person I’ve been waiting for?”
“Then go for it. Just know I’m kicking his ass if he screws up again.”
“I’d be shocked as shit if you didn’t, Cami.”
And like we always have, we fall back into our normal rhythm as I watch Otis run and sniff every leaf, blade of grass, and flower around the dog park, making new friends in the hour we’re here. Cami will always worry about me, and I’ll worry about her, and the girls and her guys and now her pregnancy. It’s how we’re connected, but I may have found what she has. I don’t want to jinx it, but what if Dom could be my forever? Something tells me it’s okay to hope and wish for it. So many times before I’ve beenleft completely heartbroken. I don’t think it will happen again, not after Dom opened up to me.
After spendingthe morning with Otis, who didn’t leave my side except at the park, I begin getting ready for work, telling Matthias I’ll be in the office no later than noon.
“Otis, Mommy will be home tomorrow, I promise, and we’ll spend the whole day together.” He whines as I take the harness and leash but don’t put it on him. He knows it means he’s going to Mrs. Winslow’s. He loves her, and she feeds him strawberries, apples, and watermelon, and lets him watch television and lay on the back of the couch, all things I don’t let him do. But, I’m still his number one person.
My phone dings in my hand, and it’s Dom. The stupid as fuck smile that I can feel crawl onto my face is silly, like I have a crush on a guy and Cami and I are whispering about it at the dinner table.
Dom:Dress comfortably for tonight. You may want a jacket for later, and please pack an overnight bag. All my roommates are working tonight. We have my place to ourselves.
Me:I took the morning off. I’ll leave to meet you from work, if I’m allowed to know where we’re going? I already have a bag with me.
Dom:I’ll send you the address about thirty minutes before. Don’t look it up, please. And seven p.m.?
I send the thumbs-up emoji because it’s the most effective way to say yes, and it seems to bug most people. Cami hates it, always threatening to break my fingers.
Dom:I hate that fucker.
Me:Most do. See you tonight.
It’s the end of the conversation, and somehow Otis thinks because I’ve put the harness down, he’s in the clear and we’re snuggling on the couch today. “Sorry, buddy. Let’s get you to Mrs. Winslow’s.”
He whines again but follows me to the door. He stops a couple doors down and begins to scratch on Mrs. Winslow’s door.
“Coming, baby boy,” she calls out. He looks back at me, then at Mrs. W, and happily trots in after she mentions having cut up fresh strawberries. I’m his person, but strawberries are strawberries.
It’s not too hot,or too cold, for summer temperatures, and I take the time to walk to work. It’s typically a thirty-minute stroll, but I hope to make it in twenty.
I turn my watch over, and sure enough, it’s been nineteen minutes. I’m less than a block away when I’m grabbed by the arm and slung back. I grab my heavy purse, which I could use as a weapon in and of itself, and swing it at the asshole. My mace is in my lightweight jacket pocket and I grab for it before I recognize the fuckface in front of me.
“What the actual fuck, Trace?” I should mace him because he scared the hell out of me, and he’s an asshole who hurt all my guys.
“Oh, stop with the theatrics, Sandra.”
According to the lawsuit, and court order, Trace isn’t allowed within a thousand feet of our building.
“You’re breaking the law, you know. And don’t ever manhandle me again.” I adopt a forceful tone, though my insides are still jelly.
“Don’t act all high and mighty on me. You hated me from the beginning.”
“I didn’t trust you, Trace. There’s a difference, and you certainly didn’t prove me wrong. So, what the hell do you want?”
“I need to get in and see Matt. I have some new tech, tech he wants.”
“Oh, yeah?” I ask. “Are you a mind reader?”
“Always a bitch,” he sneers.
