AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Can you see how upset she is? Can’t you please find it in your heart to have some compassion? You can tell the couple I’ll gladly pay for a new dog for them no matter the cost.”
She glanced at Lily, who’d left the chair, pounding her fists against the wall, the temper tantrum getting out of hand.
“Okay. Yes, of course.” The woman didn’t do it out of the goodness of her heart. She snatched the money from my hand. “Wait here.”
I hadn’t felt this much stress in a long time. Exhaling, I immediately went to Lily, dropping onto the floor. “It’s okay, honey. We’re getting Princess and I’ll take you home.”
She sniffed, placing her little hand on my shoulder. “Thank you.” While they might be crocodile tears, I could see confusion in her eyes.
I’d never been a touchy-feely guy. Sassy had certainly learned that, but I allowed my instinct to kick in, pulling Lily into my lap. She seemed so small. I closed my eyes, leaning my head against the wall. I’d never been a man of prayer. I’d said maybe two in my life.
Today made three.
I prayed that I could be a good surrogate father, but somehow, I knew that was next to impossible. I didn’t have what it took. No patience. No knowledge of what kids needed. No understanding of a school system. Hell, what about college? When did I begin looking for the right place? I was one freaking mess.
When a tiny bark appeared from only a few feet away, Lily sprang from my lap, racing forward. “Princess!”
The hateful woman pulled open a small door and out scampered a puppy who couldn’t have been more than ten weeks old.
As Lily and the pup took a few minutes to re-bond, I closed my eyes, thinking about my brother.
And just like that, I had an instant family. Unfortunately, this was no Hallmark movie, more like an episode ofThe Sopranos.
But I made a promise to my brother that I’d care for, love, and protect her to my dying days.
Like I should have done for him.
CHAPTER7
Harlow
Fear.
It swept through me like a tidal wave. I’d come close to having a panic attack twice while getting ready for work. Now I stood outside the building, my hands clammy, perspiration trickling down the back of my neck. Granted, the ninety-five-degree heat at seven forty-five in the morning might be part of the reason, but I also knew my excessive heartrate was another.
I glanced at my watch, trying to gather the courage to walk inside. The building wasn’t huge in comparison to so many of the skyscrapers I’d passed from the strip, but still formidable enough since only one business operated out of it.
Masters of Sizzle Advertising.
I’d spent as much time as possible searching their website and the internet in general learning as much about the company as possible. They were huge in Las Vegas, providing advertising for some of the largest hotel complexes in town, but they also had a national presence, competing for some of the same spots that my old name-who-will-never-be-mentioned firm did. That at least gave me a smile. Perhaps I’d buck heads with the son of a bitch in a few months.
There. Maybe that was the courage I needed. I finally walked inside, thankful the air conditioning was working full blast. I held my head high, heading for set of elevators. The ride seemed long enough my stomach churned. The top floor. Great. After taking a deep breath, I headed for the glass doors, noticing an incredible piece of art positioned behind the receptionist’s desk. At least the company looked the part of luxury. A good sign. When I walked inside, I wasn’t surprised to see the place was already bustling with activity. It would seem everyone got an early start around here.
The reception area was posh without being over the top, comfortable with leather seats, color splashed across the walls in the form of vivid art, none of which had anything to do with the advertisements they’d become famous for. Nicely done.
“Can I help you?” the receptionist asked. Then she grinned. “You must be Harlow Fox. Thank God you’re here.”
I wasn’t expecting that kind of greeting.
“Why thank God?”
“I’m sorry. I’m Krissy. Let me take you to our office manager. It’s just been crazy around here since the tragedy. We’re trying to keep up and the new owner is expected, but we’re having some… issues.”
Whoa. Hold up a minute. What was she talking about?
She jabbered away about the workload, not allowing me to get a word in edgewise, as she dragged me down a series of corridors. To say the firm seemed in turmoil was an understatement. I could easily tell by looking into the glass office doors that something was going on.
“What tragedy are you talking about?”
