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CHAPTERSEVEN
FALLON
DAY 4
I wakeup to an empty bed. I reach over to Levi’s side, but it’s cool to the touch. Last night, although I threatened him not to get too close, I woke up with his body pressed against mine. However, my threats were empty, and I soaked in his warmth like summer sunshine. I shouldn’t trust him and don’t, thanks to my previous shitty relationship, but I do believe he means well.
I suck in a deep breath, stretch, and then get out of bed. After I use the bathroom, I go downstairs and notice Levi putting on his boots. I take a second to admire him but quickly avert my eyes when he notices me.
“Breakfast is waiting for ya. No pork,” Levi says with a wink.
“Thanks,” I say, then gasp when I realize the power is fully on.Finally. “Going somewhere?”
“It’s plow day,” he explains. “Gotta take care of the driveway, the private farm road, and the parking lots. It’ll probably take me all day, so I wanted to get started early. How’d you sleep?”
“Okay, I guess. Didn’t feel like I was lying in a freezing tundra, so no complaints.”
“Happy to be of service.” He licks his lips, and I roll my eyes.
“Be of service and bring in more wood for me.”
“Already done. Oh, I’m leaving Dasher with you today.”
“Oh, uh,no. I didn’t sign up to dog sit,” I argue, putting a hand on my hip.
“And I didn’t sign up for an unannounced houseguest. Guess we’re both shit out of luck.” He grabs his jacket off the hook by the back door. “Don’t worry, he’ll let you know when he needs to go out. Dog food is in the pantry. I already fed him this morning, but you can give him another can at dinnertime. He can have as many treats as you think he deserves. I left my number on the fridge. Add it to your phone then text me. If there is an emergency call me immediately.”
“Levi!Please, no.Dasher doesn’t listen to anything I say. How am I supposed to watch him while I work?”
“You were the one worried about murderers. I’m leaving you a guard dog. He’ll protect you while I’m gone.”
I give him a look and cross my arms.
“You really should be thanking me right now.” He smirks, zipping up his coat.
“Oh, please. He’s a bigger chicken than me. If someone broke in, I’d have to protecthim.” I roll my eyes.
Dasher follows him, and Levi stops to pet his head. “Don’t listen to her, and be a good boy.”
“You literally just told him not to listen to me!” I shout, but he continues walking out the door.
I glance down at Dasher, who’s looking up at me. “What? You’re screwed. I’m not entertaining you.”
Turning around, I go to the kitchen and find a plate of eggs and hashbrowns that are still warm. While I eat, Dasher sits at my feet, begging for some. Instead, I eat every bite, rinse the plate, then nearly trip over Dasher on the way to the living room.
I sit on the couch, watching the flames lick the inside of the fireplace, and wish I had a mug of coffee.
Dasher stares me down, then trots to his pile of toys as I grab my laptop. The first thing I do is try to connect to the Wi-Fi, and I nearly cry when it works.
Dasher has a squeaky ball in his mouth and places his head on the edge of the couch. While I catch up on emails, I try to ignore him, but he nudges his cold nose against my hand.
“Go lie down.” I position my body away from him so he moves into my line of sight. It’s impossible to avoid those big brown puppy dog eyes. Eventually, I pull the ball from his mouth and throw it as hard as I can across the room.
Biggest mistake of my life.
He immediately returns it, his tail wagging in excitement. I toss it again, and this time, it bounces off the wall bolting in the opposite direction. The pads of his feet tap along the hardwood floor as he retrieves the ball and brings it back to me.
I type an email to my boss with my free hand and eventually finish, but it takes me twice as long. Then I open my document and read the last paragraph I wrote.
