by Dena Blake
“I’m sure she’s fine. Probably just confused. She might’ve forgotten how to get back home.” That most likely wasn’t the case. Shadow was very smart, a fact she’d found out quickly after she brought her home. She knew exactly how to get treats out of Wynn and did so often.
Wynn followed Maria into her backyard and spotted Shadow asleep in the same spot she’d left her less than a half hour before. She stayed out of sight, just around the corner, watching as Maria came upon her.
“She’s here.” Maria immediately stopped when Shadow raised her head, then got to her feet and ran to her. She clutched her hands to her chest before she reluctantly put out her hand, and Shadow bathed it with kisses. Maria squatted to pet her. “And she’s adorable.” Shadow climbed onto Maria’s knee and then fell backward. Maria sat, and the little black ball of fur was on Maria’s lap before she knew what hit her.
“Wow. She really likes you. How come you and Jack don’t have a dog?”
“I had a bad experience when I was younger. I’ve been afraid of them since.”
“Nothing to be afraid of, right?”
“Seems not. Jack has always wanted one.” She smiled as Shadow rolled to her back so she could scratch her belly. “I’ve been trying to overcome my fear. We go to the pet store occasionally to see them. My therapist says familiarity helps.”
“Hey. I’ve got a great idea.” She sat next to her. “Why don’t you adopt one too? Then they could play together.”
“I don’t know. I’ve heard there’s a lot of training involved with puppies.”
“That’s true, but I just found out that Shadow’s mom, Buttercup, is up for adoption, and she’s already trained.” She looked at Shadow instead of Maria. “She’s a puppy-mill rescue. I’d adopt her myself, but two dogs might be too much for me.”
“Is she sweet like Shadow?”
“Sweeter.” She stood and wiped the stray grass from her jeans. “Are you doing anything now? Why don’t we go to the shelter and see her? You can make up your own mind.”
“Nope. Nothing but this.” Maria shook her head as she continued to pet Shadow. “Okay. I guess it couldn’t hurt to see her.”
“Awesome.” She left Shadow with Maria and walked to the gate. “Just let me grab my keys and pull my door closed, and we can go.” She’d already prepped the back of her Jeep with all the supplies they needed. She didn’t want Maria to have any time to change her mind.
Maria met her at her Jeep and slid into the passenger seat. Shadow climbed across the console to see Wynn and back across it and settled in on Maria’s lap.
She dialed the shelter as they pulled out of the driveway to let them know they were coming. She was trying to avoid any obstacles this time.
“So why hasn’t Buttercup been adopted?”
“The girl at the shelter told me it’s not uncommon for the mother to remain behind. Seems everyone wants a puppy rather than a full-grown dog.”
“Why didn’t you adopt her?”
“Honestly, I didn’t know she was Shadow’s mother, or her backstory, or I would have.” She glanced from the road to Maria, who was gently petting Shadow. “As it is now, I can’t give Shadow back.”
“She is sweet.” Maria rubbed her ear. “I hope Buttercup is too.”
“Oh, she is. Trust me.”
The sanctuary was set up with a main entrance and a chain-link fenced kennel area off to the side, where prospective adoptive families could walk an aisle between two large areas to view the pets. The kennel in the front was filled with a litter of what looked like hound puppies, the perfect sight to pull someone farther inside. They knew what they were doing here.
When they got out of the Jeep, Maria, still holding Shadow in her arms, stopped immediately at the sound of barking. “I can’t go in there.”
She could see the panic cross Maria’s face. “Okay. That’s fine. Why don’t you stay here?” She led her to a picnic table near the front entrance. “I’ll have them bring Buttercup to you.” She raced inside and told the girl at the desk what she needed. She’d briefed her on the situation when she’d called earlier, and she seemed to be prepared. As the girl went to get Buttercup, Wynn raced back outside and took a seat next to Maria. Shadow roamed the ground, sniffing around the table legs.
When Buttercup came through the door on a leash held by the girl, Shadow ran across the dirt driveway and weaved through Buttercup’s legs, almost tripping her.
“She’s chocolate?” Maria seemed surprised. “Are you sure she’s her mother?”
She nodded. “I’m sure.” She’d forgotten to mention that detail and hoped it didn’t make a difference. She’d explain the genetics to Maria on the way home.
Maria smiled widely. “They know each other.”
Buttercup sniffed Shadow completely from head to toe before she gave her a lick on the nose. They played, going around in circles for a few minutes before the girl led Buttercup over to them. Buttercup took her cue immediately and sat directly in front of Maria, like she was a movie star playing the most important role of her life. She stared up at her with beautiful brown eyes. Anyone with a heart couldn’t refuse this sweet girl.
Maria reached out and petted Buttercup gently, and when she stopped, Buttercup came closer and nudged her for more.
“I think she likes you.”
Maria chuckled. “I think I like her too.”
Exactly as she’d hoped. Wynn took a deep breath and smiled at the girl holding the leash. “Can we give her a little time to make sure?”
“Sure. I’ll be inside. I’ve got the paperwork ready. All you have to do is sign.” She handed the leash to Maria and went inside.
Maria raised her eyebrows. “You were pretty sure of this, weren’t you?”
“I’m going to adopt her if you don’t.” She tilted her head. “I was struggling before, and I can’t leave her now that I see this.” Buttercup was lying at Maria’s feet with Shadow curled up next to her.
“They can have playdates?”
“Whenever you want, and I’ll be happy to look after her when you’re away.”
Maria drew her eyebrows together. “What if I can’t handle her?”
“If that happens, I’ll take her.” She shrugged. “Make it work somehow.”
Maria stilled and then took in a deep breath. “Okay. Let’s do it.”
After they got back home and Wynn had set up everything Maria needed for Buttercup, she headed back home. Maria was still a bit hesitant after they arrived, but by the time she’d left her house, she was all in and had agreed that Buttercup was a wonderful addition to their family and that Jack would love her.
She kissed Shadow on the head. “One task accomplished. You’re a hell of an operative.” She walked outside into her backyard for a few minutes and filled in the hole she’d dug under the fence. With Jack and Maria’s approval, she’d have a gate put between the yards in the coming weeks to make the dogs’ access to each other easier. Once Shadow was done with her business, Wynn went into the bedroom to get dressed. She chose something different to wear tonight, something softer—a pair of black skinny jeans, a white button-down shirt left untucked, and a casual gray cotton jacket. She settled on black, high-top Vans for shoes. Jordan would probably give her shit, but she wasn’t going for best-dressed today. She wanted something more approachable.
She practiced her best smolder in the mirror as she brushed her teeth. She’d learned that habit from watching Jordan. Mimicking her sister had been a daily ritual when she was a kid. She’d idolized her growing up, but all those habits had to stop—now. She wasn’t Jordan, would never be her, didn’t want to be like Jordan anymore at all. She wanted everything Jordan didn’t—the house, the picket fence, the family. And she wanted it all with Carly.
She rinsed the toothpaste from her mouth and spotted the trail of it that had landed on the front of her shirt. “Jesus, Ms. Butterfingers.” She grinned at the name Carly had given her yesterday. “Why not start the evening out with a ban
g?” As she headed back to the closet to change her shirt, she hoped it went uphill from here.
* * *
As Wynn walked out the door to leave for the fund-raiser, she saw Mrs. P sitting on the porch drinking a glass of iced tea, just like every other day she’d experienced this week. She’d been so wrapped up in getting Maria to adopt Buttercup that she’d totally forgotten again to let Mrs. P know she had other plans tonight. She crossed the yard and took the seat next to her on the porch.
Mrs. P poured her a glass of tea. “I saw you and Maria come home with a new dog.” Mrs. P grinned. “How’d you manage that? Maria’s afraid of dogs.”
“You can’t tell her, but I kind of tricked her into it.”
Mrs. P’s eyebrows rose. “Do tell.”
“I pretended to lose Shadow and engaged her help in finding her.” She laughed. “She wasn’t actually lost. I left her in Maria’s backyard.”
“That was sneaky.” Mrs. P raised her glass. “Good job.”
She picked up a glass and clinked it with Mrs. P’s and then took a sip. She made the best iced tea. It was always perfect.
“You came home from work early today. You never do that.”
“I had a big morning and just needed some time to take care of a few things.” She rolled her lips in. “I’m sorry. I’m not going to be able to make dinner tonight. I have to help out at one of Jordan’s events.” She glanced at the time on her Apple watch and noticed the screen had dimmed. That hadn’t happened before, had it? She shook her wrist and it brightened again.
“It’s okay, although I’m not fond of being deserted because of your sister. She’s a bit ungrateful, that one.” Mrs. P patted her hand. “I’m feeling a bit tired tonight anyway.”
“Did you get your nap in this afternoon?”
“Actually, no. I spent most of the day pulling weeds in the flower garden.” She took another sip of tea. “Probably got a little too much sun.”
“It’s been pretty hot lately.” She remembered her being dizzy the day before. She took out her phone and found Mr. P’s number. “I’ll call Mr. P. Maybe he should come home.”
“No. Absolutely not. I need my time away from him as much as he needs it away from me.” She frowned. “Retirement can give you all too much togetherness sometimes.”
“I’ll remember that.” She chuckled. “You want to come with me? I’d love to escort the most beautiful woman to the ball.”
“Nope. I’m sure you have someone waiting to be picked up.” Mrs. P winked. “Planned or not.” She drank another sip of tea. “If there’s cake, bring some home for me. A big slice, not one of those dinky ones they cut nowadays. Cake used to be fun to eat. Now everyone just makes you feel guilty about it.”
“Nope. You should never feel guilty about cake.” She stood. “I’ll bring you two huge pieces. I can get them before anyone else does.”
Wynn heard Jack drive up and glanced over. She’d been hoping to see his reaction to their new family member before she left. The door flew open, and Maria stepped out onto the porch, followed by Buttercup. Jack stopped and grinned, then said something she couldn’t quite hear to Maria. She nodded, and he ran up the steps and kissed her before dropping to sit on the step and pet Buttercup.
“That seems to have worked out well.”
“It did, didn’t it?”
Jack still had his job, Maria was happy, and Buttercup wouldn’t have to spend any more time in the shelter. Everything was falling into place today. Now she just had to make sure she kept Carly away from Jordan.
Chapter Twenty-six
When Carly came out the front door of her townhouse, Wynn was speechless as she took in the gorgeous sight before her. Carly was even more stunning than she’d been the previous nights. She’d changed her choice of clothing to a V-neck, distressed-cotton dress that fell just below her knee at an angle. The colors ranged from black to white to tan. Her jet-black hair was draped to one side, exposing the loveliness of her collarbone, and a large drop-pendant necklace mixed with several small-patterned chains hung just above her belly. Everything she’d done had made the dress look absolutely elegant, yet still casual. She didn’t know how, but they matched perfectly again, as though they’d planned their outfits together.
She jumped out of the Jeep and rounded it. “You look stunning.” She pulled the passenger door open and took Carly’s hand to help her into the seat, noticing that her tan, cork-wedge sandals brought her to the same height as Wynn.
“Thank you.” Carly kissed her on the cheek and smiled as she got in. The best payment, ever. “I’m sorry about this morning.”
She snapped her head to Carly. “You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for. I’m the one who should be sorry. I came to your office and kissed you without asking.”
Carly took in a breath. “Indeed, you did.” Her cheeks reddened. “Are you? Sorry?”
“No. Not really. It was the best morning I’ve had in a long time.” She stared at the road and smiled as she glanced at Carly again. “It gave me something to look forward to tonight.”
“Me too.” The words were low and quiet as they came from Carly’s lips. “I haven’t been able to think about anything else since you left my office this morning.”
She reached across the console and took Carly’s hand in hers, then placed them together on her leg. The warmth that Carly’s touch sent through her was amazing.
Carly’s townhouse wasn’t far from Waterbar, and it wasn’t long before they arrived. Wynn pulled up in front of the restaurant and put the Jeep in park as they waited in line for the valet. She glanced at Carly and couldn’t resist kissing her. Carly met her halfway, and their kiss made every part of her sizzle with excitement. She wanted to skip the party and take Carly home—make incredible, limitless love with her just as they had before. That wasn’t possible, though. They had to be here tonight for this day to run its course. A whoosh of air entering the Jeep when the passenger door swung open startled them both. The valet stood waiting to help Carly out of the Jeep. His face was red, perhaps a little embarrassed that he’d just glimpsed a private show.
“Sorry. I couldn’t resist.”
Carly trapped her bottom lip between her teeth and smiled. “Promise me you’ll never be sorry again about kisses like that.”
“I promise.” Goose bumps covered her skin as the feeling of happiness rushed through her. Carly made the rest of the world disappear. She wanted to throw the Jeep into gear and drive to absolutely nowhere, until the wheels fell off, just to spend more time with her without anyone else around. Instead, she watched her take the valet’s hand and slide from the passenger seat. A huge lump formed in her stomach at the thought of that never happening. She sucked in a deep breath and got out of the Jeep. Tonight had to be the night for everything to come together.
They made their way inside and found Suzanna at the bar reviewing her checklist.
Suzanna turned and smiled widely. “You two made it.” She gave each of them a hug and then took Carly’s hands. “You’re absolutely gorgeous tonight.” She let one of Carly’s hands drop and took Wynn’s. “I say you both forget about work tonight and enjoy yourselves.”
Carly suddenly seemed confused. “Oh, my. I forgot my clutch in the Jeep.” She glanced at Wynn and broke into a sexy smile. “I got distracted.”
“Good distraction?” Suzanna asked.
Carly didn’t take her eyes from Wynn’s. “I’d say more like spectacular.”
Wynn was beginning to enjoy the heat that burned her cheeks as she grinned. “I’ll be right back.”
Suzanna took her by the arm. “Hang on a minute. We don’t have the bottle of Louis XIII.”
“It’s on its way. I pulled in a favor from a friend of mine who owns a liquor store. Her name’s Jean. Introduce her to Jordan when she gets here, will you? I think they’ll get along well.”
“It’ll be my pleasure.” Suzanna whispered in her ear, rubbing Wynn’s shoulder as she said, “I’m really proud of you for
making this move, sis.”
“Thank you.” She left Carly with Suzanna and made her way across the room to the door and then outside. After she retrieved her key fob from the valet, she headed to the usual spot where her Jeep was parked. She glanced at her watch—only a few more hours to make this day end right. The date on her Apple Watch grew lighter, then darker, just like it had earlier. What the hell was wrong with it? Something about the date was familiar. A siren in the distance made her freeze. Mrs. P. A chill swept up her spine as the memory hit her. How could she have forgotten—just blocked it out. She had to leave. Now. A rush of panic flashed through her as her adrenaline spiked. Mrs. P was in trouble. She sprinted to her Jeep, jumped in, and sped out of the parking lot, hoping she wasn’t too late.
She hit the button on her phone for Mrs. P and waited. After several rings it went to voice mail. She called again. No answer. She looked at her watch again. It wasn’t even eight o’clock yet. She cancelled the call and hit Mr. P’s cell number.
He answered after two rings. “Hello.”
“Hey, Mr. P. I called Mrs. P to ask her something, and she’s not answering.”
“What? I can’t hear you, Wynn.” She heard bowling pins crashing in the background. “I’ll call you back when I finish my game.”
She ended the call and tried Mrs. P again. Still no answer. She hit Jack’s number, and he answered immediately.
“Hey, Boss. What’s up?”
“Are you at home?” She heard loud chatter in the background and knew he wasn’t.
“Sorry, no. We’re out celebrating. All three of us. We found an outdoor micro-brewery and brought Buttercup along with us.”
Fuck. “Did you see Mrs. P before you left tonight?”
“Nope. She must’ve already gone inside.”
She glanced at her watch again. “Thanks.”
“Hey. Maria and I love Buttercup. Thanks for taking her to pick her up, and thanks for everything you did today.”
“I’m glad everything worked out the way we planned.” Her concern lulled briefly as the nice feeling of doing something good for someone took over. “Sorry. I gotta go. I need to check on Mrs. P.”