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I swear I see him crack a smile when he reads it before he goes inside his house.
7
James
“Officer Russo. What a pleasant surprise.”
It’s a surprise to me too.“Hi, Sadie. Just came by to drop these off.”
Her eyes widen when she spots the two officers behind me, each holding two boxes as large as the ones I’m carrying. “What is all this?”
“Supplies.” I step into the shelter and lower the boxes onto the floor. “You said you were low on some things, so I wanted—wewanted to make sure you had everything you needed for the puppies we unloaded on you.”
She touches her fingertips to her lips. “Oh, my goodness. Thank you so much. This is too generous.”
I’m as much of an animal lover as the next person, but something made me want to go out of my way to make sure Sadie was able to care for the dogs. Or maybe it was someone.
My head has been all sorts of fucked up since Phoenix moved in next door. I find myself thinking about her at random times throughout my day. What she’s doing, if she needs help renovating, if she’s hungry. I tell myself not to get distracted by her, that I need to focus on Leo right now.
Yet I can’t get her off my mind.
So here I am, bringing supplies to the shelter, knowing it’ll make Phoenix happy.
“Your girlfriend was here earlier,” Sadie says. “She’s been stopping by to spend time with the puppies, and she’s been such a huge help.”
My partner, Phil, slaps me on the back. “You got a girlfriend, Russo? You’ve been holding out on me. I knew something was up with you lately.”
My head jerks back. “What do you mean, something’s up with me?”
“You’ve been acting strange. Stranger than usual. Mumbling to yourself and shit. Barely listening to anything I’ve been saying.” He shakes his head. “I should’ve known it had something to do with a female.”
Sadie waggles her eyebrows at him. “She’s very pretty.”
“Oh, I don’t doubt it. My man right here can pull just about any lady he wants.” Phil sucks his teeth. “It’s a damn shame he doesn’t take advantage of his powers.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re an idiot.”
“It’s true, and you know it.” He drapes his arm around Sadie’s shoulders. “Tell me more about this pretty girlfriend of his.”
She beams up at him, and I shake my head. Phil has enough charisma to choke a horse, and he can manipulate any conversation with a flash of his smile.
“She’s got long brown hair and pretty dark eyes. She looks a little sad until she smiles and her entire face lights up.” Sadie nudges me with her elbow. “That runt pup makes her smile. You want to be boyfriend of the year? Get her that puppy.”
I’d be lying if I said the thought hadn’t already crossed my mind.
“Yes.” Phil points his index finger at me. “I second that. Chicks love puppies. That’ll get you major pussy points.”
I cringe. “I’m so sorry about my partner, Sadie. Would you mind taking us back to see the dogs? Then we’ll be out of your hair.”
“Of course.” She waves a hand, and we follow.
Phil leans in. “Seriously, bro. Why didn’t you tell me you’re seeing someone?”
“Because I’m not. She’s just my neighbor.”
“The one that moved into the vacant house next door?”
I nod.
