Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
Hudson
“He’s over there!” Lucian called over his shoulder, pointing toward the wooded area across the street from the parking lot.
“Shit!” I muttered under my breath as I ran across the street, double-checking for traffic. “Gruff! Get over here!” I called, but he was nothing but a bolt of white-and-black fur darting around trees.
His behavior today isn’t normal for him, and I wonder if this is his way of getting me back for keeping him cooped up for most of this past week.
But bringing him with me to every job wasn’t easy, especially those farther away.
I wanted to enroll him in doggie daycare, but I’ve yet to find one close by with an opening.
Lucian came up behind me and pointed. “There!”
“Gruff! Come! Now!” I shouted. Gruff turned, looked at me, and took off again.
“Fuck!” I muttered once more.
“Got any treats we can bribe him with?”
“Yeah.” I dug in my pocket and pulled out a bone. “Hopefully, he wants it more than the bunny he’s chasing.”
“Any luck?” Carina appeared next to her brother, and I did a double take.
“No. He’s being a jackass, prancing through the forest and having a great old time. You didn’t have to come. I know you aren’t comfortable—”
Carina held her hand up. “It’s okay. I wanted to.”
I smiled at her before turning back in the direction of Gruff. He had moved closer. “Gruff, I have a cookie for ya, buddy. Want it?” I held it out and wiggled it around. Gruff stopped moving and sat, tilting his head to the side.
“Yes, good boy, come get your cookie. It’s okay you took off. I know bunnies are exciting.”
Gruff came close, and just when he was within reach, he darted off and blew by us. The three of us ran after him, out of the woods, back across the street, and into the parking lot. All I saw was disaster striking—a car hitting him, or him barreling over a person, causing injuries.
Thankfully, none of that happened as he ran straight to my truck, hopping inside the passenger seat.
The door was still wide open from when he ran off.
I hurried over and quickly shut the door.
I wiped the sweat off the back of my brow and leaned back against the truck, shoving the dog treat back in my pocket. No way he deserved it.
“Yay, he’s back in the truck!” Carina said between pants of breath. “Phew.”
Lucian shook his head before collapsing against the hood of the truck. “Holy shit, dogs are fast.”
“How did he manage to escape?” Carina leaned her side against the metal, her chest still heaving. I tried not to look at her ample cleavage in her low-cut shirt, but it was useless.
“While I waited for my order, I went over to the passenger side, opened the door, and pet him for a bit. I’ve done it a million times before. He saw something over my shoulder, and the next thing I knew, he knocked me sideways and took off.”
“Shit. Does he do that a lot?” Lucian asked.
“No. It’s my fault, honestly. He’s been cooped up all week. I’ve tried finding a local doggie daycare with openings but no such luck. He’s got a lot of energy. My previous job, I took him with me most days, but it’s harder now being on my own.”
“Poor buddy,” Carina said. “He’s got some energy to burn.”
“Yeah, I’m sorry that happened. Once I load up the mulch, I’ll be out of your hair.”
“I’ll go grab the cart.” Lucian headed to the front door. The rest of their family stood near the entrance, stopping him before he could get inside.
“Don’t worry, they don’t talk shit. Much.” Carina grinned.
“That’s comforting,” I teased. “I doubt they liked Gruff running around here like a maniac. Hopefully, he didn’t scare away too many customers.”
“Nah, I doubt it. My dad loves dogs, my mom not so much. She’s more of a cat person. Probably where I get it from.”
“You’re a cat person?” Another thing different between us.
“Yes, sorry to say. Gruff is cute and all, but he’s big, furry, and full of slobber.” Carina shuddered, yet a smile played on her lips.
“I’ve never owned a cat. Are they as easy as they say?”
“Pretty much. Sunny, my orange-and-white calico, is great. He doesn’t get into trouble and only cares about food and a clean litter box. Plus, he loves to cuddle at night.”
“He’s a lucky guy, getting to cuddle with you.”
Carina’s cheeks flushed. She opened her mouth to reply when her brother, Lucian, came with my order.
“Thanks, Lucian. And thanks for your help with Gruff. I’ll load my truck up and bring the cart back.”
Lucian nodded. “Got it. See ya around.” He left again, leaving only Carina and me, the way I liked it best.
“Thanks again, Carina. I know chasing my big guy wasn’t easy for you.”
“I’d do it again to spend more time with you.”
“Really?” I grinned, loving this flirty side of her. It made me feel giddy inside, like a little kid.
“Of course, Hudson.” She elbowed my side playfully, and as she went to jab again, I caught her elbow in my hand.
The connection of skin sent flames up my arm, and I inhaled sharply.
If touching her elbow caused such a strong reaction, what would it be like to touch her in other places?
I shifted on my feet and prayed my dick didn’t thicken beneath my jeans.
“Go out on a date with me.” The words rushed out before my body could physically find a way to stop them. Believe me, it would find a way.
Carina looked down at my hand still holding her elbow, and looked back up again, her tongue darting out to wet her lips.
Moments of silence felt like years stretched between us. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked. Maybe I overstepped. Maybe we’re too different in too many ways…
“Yes, I’d love to. But I have one question.”
“Ask away.”
“Gruff isn’t coming, right?”
I laughed loudly, and the sound surprised me. Was she rubbing off on me already? “Don’t worry, he’s not invited.”
Carina grinned so big, her whole face lit up. “Good. Then it’s a date.”