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I don’t know what I was expecting from Penelope—to admit that she knows me? Tell me why she hates me so much? Is it just me, or does she hate my music in particular? But she doesn’t miss a beat.
“She’s one of your biggest fans. Maybe you should have asked her to help you instead?” With that, she turns on her heels and starts walking away from me.
Again.
I lift my hand, ready to grab her and tug her back, but I stop myself at the very last second.
She asked you not to manhandle her, idiot.
So, instead, I go after her. Because apparently, that’s the way the two of us roll. I do or say something stupid that upsets her, making her walk away, and I chase after her trying to get her to give me another chance.
“Well, I don’t want her. I want you,” the admission slips from my tongue easily. “I think we’ve established that.”
She stops mid-step, surprise flashing on her face. I look up, over her shoulder, at a one-story building in front of me that I hadn’t realized was our destination.
Well, Penelope’s destination, at least.
“What is this place?”
It’s like my question snaps her from whatever haze she’s been under.
“My new job.”
An item from the list.
As if she can read my mind, she lifts her chin a notch. “You didn’t think I was going to wait for you, did you?”
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
PENELOPE
I don’t want her. I want you.
Sebastian’s words ring in my head as his intoxicating scent clings to me like a cloud, making my head spin. I push open the door, needing to put some distance between us, but damn, it’s hard. So freaking hard when he’s so insistent. Always so close.
The bell chimes as Henry leads me into the foyer of the dog shelter.
Work. That’s what I need to focus on. Work, not Sebastian and his persistent ways. And most definitely not the way his scent makes my stomach clench in need. Nope, not thinking about that.
“You’ve started the list,” Sebastian’s softly spoken words startle me out of my thoughts.
This man will be the death of me, I swear.
“I started the list a while ago,” I point out. Not waiting for his answer, I turn toward the front of the room and call out, “Hey, Angie.”
My voice echoes in the space, and soon I can hear the soft footsteps coming from somewhere in the back.
“Hey, Penny. Good to see you back.” Following the sound of her voice, I move further into the room until Henry pulls me to a stop.
“I’m ready to be put to work,” I say, a small smile working its way on my mouth at the prospect of helping around the shelter and spending time with the dogs. Dogs, I understood. They are simple creatures. Give them water, food, some belly rubs, and a walk, and they’ll be happy. A complete contrast to people. Especiallycertainpeople.
“And I see you brought a friend. Is he also volunteering, or is he just here for moral support?”
I open my mouth to tell her it’s just me, but Sebastian’s faster.
He steps closer, his front brushing against my back. The touch sends a shudder down my spine as his warmth spreads through me.
“Sebastian,” he says, his hand brushing against mine as he extends it for a handshake. “It’s so nice to meet you, Angie. And I’d love to volunteer, too.”
