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I catch Talon’s disapproving glare and know exactly what he’s thinking.
What the hell just happened? That was not the type of greeting two old family friends share.
Goddammit! I fucked this up again.
3
ROWAN
The beep over the door sounds loudly, announcing my arrival. I’ve been to Clyde’s Formalwear several times, and usually, someone is always in the galley. It’s eerily quiet, with no one around.
“Hello?”
A flash of black and white comes barreling toward me from the back.
“Pepper, halt!” Cruz yells, following casually.
The dog stops at my feet, its tail wagging and tongue panting excitedly.
“Oh my God! Aren’t you the most beautiful dog ever?”
“Shake,” Cruz orders.
I take the paw offered and squat to eye level. “Who are you, handsome devil?”
“Actually, it’s a she-devil. This is our new addition, Pepper.”
“Is she full Dalmatian?”
“She is. Two years old. We fostered her for a little while to make sure we were ready for the commitment. She officially became ours this weekend. That’s why we missed the party at the Club.”
My stomach twists at the mention of the party. “You didn’t miss much.”
I want to kick myself for the bitterness that bleeds in my tone.
Cruz kneels, scratching the underside of Pepper’s jaw, his gaze pinning me. “You okay?”
“Perfect,” I lie.
He scans my face, his eyes filling with warmth and sympathy. “Not a fan of the monumental fireworks display?”
“Fireworks never were my thing.” I shrug, standing. “Sorry to pop in unannounced. I’m hoping to ask for a teensy little favor.”
“What kind of favor?”
“Can I get a peek at Jewls' wedding dress?”
He falls back dramatically, a hand covering his heart. Pepper immediately pounces on his stomach and nudges his hand playfully.
“Not now, Pepper. Rowan is trying to get me killed.”
I giggle as the dog jumps, covering Cruz from shoulder to hips.
“Dammit, dog, Alex is going to have to stop wrestling with you all the time.”
My heart warms at the thought of Cruz’s partner, Alex, rolling around on the floor with the dog.
As if he’s being summoned, Alex walks in from the hall. Pepper goes crazy, whining and jumping in circles. In her excitement, she bounces directly on Cruz’s groin.
