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"I believe you," I laugh softly. "But I have to admit...the pain meds should be knocking me out, but I think the adrenaline is still pumping from the mugging."
Ryan nods. "Right. Of course. Uh...how about a hot cocoa?"
I smile. "That would be great."
Ryan heads over to the kitchen and begins to prepare the hot cocoa while I make myself comfortable on the sofa. Tex jumps into my lap, and his tongue lolls out as he rolls onto his back, his little paws up in the air. As I watch Ryan move around the kitchen, I can't help but feel a stirring of attraction for him. I don't know him very well, but it feels like we're already friends.
Maybe more.
For the first time, someone is trying to take care of me.
He brings over a steaming mug of hot cocoa and hands it to me, his fingers brushing against mine in a brief moment of contact. I feel a jolt of electricity shoot through me, and I know that I'm in trouble. We sit silently for a while, sipping our cocoa and petting Tex, until I clear my throat.
"How long have you had him?" I ask, tilting my chin at the dog.
"Tex? Oh...I think it's been four years or so?"
"Wow," I murmur. "He's still got some crazy puppy energy."
"He's an energetic guy," Ryan grins. "I have to admit I didn't really know what I was in for. He didn't start out as my dog, but—"
"Whose was he?"
"Oh...Amanda," Ryan says. "But that's another story. He's mine now, and I wouldn't trade him for anything."
"He's obviously a very good boy," I coo, leaning down to kiss the dog's forehead. He licks me on the cheek, and I laugh.
"You got any pets of your own?"
I shake my head. "I can't…a big portion of my income is from pet sitting for people from the White Oak. I end up staying in other people's houses more than my own, and I run a boutique out of my apartment, so I can't have allergens in there anyway."
"Really?" Ryan says. "Shit...you do a little bit of everything, huh?"
"That's the hustle," I shrug. "Living as a young single woman in New York without a college degree, I do what I can to get by.
Ryan nods, a look of respect on his face. "I can't even imagine. It takes a lot of strength to do what you're doing."
I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me at the compliment. "Thanks, Ryan. It's not always easy, but I make it work."
We fall into a comfortable silence again, finishing our cocoa and scratching Tex behind the ears. I'm starting to feel a little drowsy, my eyes drooping as fatigue begins to creep up on me. Ryan seems to notice and stands up, stretching his arms above his head.
"I should probably let you get some rest," he says. "I have a spare toothbrush if you need one and fresh towels in the master bathroom upstairs. Just yell if you need anything."
"Thanks," I say, standing up and stretching as well. I'm about to get going, but my head suddenly swims, and I stumble—only for Ryan to catch me.
"You good?" he says.
"Yeah," I nod. "I think it's just...fatigue, adrenaline, blood loss...the works."
"Let me help you to bed," he says. "I promise I'm not being a creep. You're safe here."
"Thank you," I mumble.
We walk together to the spiral staircase, and I'm grateful for Ryan's strong presence as he guides me up the stairs. The bed is neatly made, massive, with a fluffy white comforter on it. Tex gets in like he's expecting both of us to join him, and Ryan laughs. "Bed's right here," he says. "I'll leave you to it—and if you need anything, holler."
I nod, feeling the tiredness start to hit me in waves. "Thanks again, Ryan."
He smiles and heads back downstairs, leaving me alone in the loft bedroom with Tex. I take a deep breath and sit on the edge of the bed, my head spinning as I try to process everything that's happened tonight.
