Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
He stepped out of his bedroom and walked toward the kitchen, wondering if he’d find the dog roaming around the house. Instead, he discovered Lucky in the kitchen where he happily gnawed on a chew toy. Bowls of dry food and water had been placed in an out-of-the-way spot, and a leash hung over the doorknob on the French doors leading to the patio.
Nikki, Maggie, and Corey were talking near the center island. And since Nikki’s focus was solely on her new pet, Asher couldn’t bring himself to care that Corey was there, too.
Nikki had showered and left her damp hair in two long braids hanging on either side of her head. With no makeup, she was fresh-faced and beautiful, giving him no doubt why she succeeded in the modeling world. There was something inherently natural about her. Sweet, with the ability to hold her own. Though he knew how rocky her life was, both at home and within her career, she amazed him with her ability to be cheerful most of the time and to instill that same positive feeling in others.
“Asher, come in,” Maggie said, noticing him in the entryway. “Dinner will be ready soon.”
“I told Maggie we should eat inside.” Nikki glanced at him. “I don’t want Lucky wandering off. Once he’s microchipped, we can see how he does outside without a leash. If he stays nearby or wanders.”
“Makes sense to me.” He walked in and joined them, nodding at Corey, who was munching on a carrot.
“I was asking Maggie if she knew anything about vets on the island, but she’s never needed one so she doesn’t know.” Nikki glanced at the dog and her gaze softened.
“Already handled,” Asher said. “We have an appointment at seven p.m. Dr. Young is willing to see Lucky after what would have been his last patient for the night.”
Her eyes opened wide. “Thank you! I didn’t expect… Never mind. Just thank you.”
He chuckled, not surprised at her reaction. He hadn’t been on board bringing the dog home. “You’re welcome.”
Asher settled onto a stool and made himself comfortable. A crudités plate sat in the center the countertop. He picked up a yellow pepper, dipped it in hummus, and took a bite.
Corey glanced at his mother. “I’m out. I have a date,” he told her, and since the man was now off the clock, it was none of Asher’s business.
“Have fun,” she said.
“Thanks. Night, Mr. Dare, Nikki.”
“Bye, Corey. Thanks for picking up everything for Lucky. I really appreciate it.” Nikki treated him to a beaming smile, but for once, Asher’s stomach didn’t twist with jealousy.
“I’ll be back. I want to check on dinner.” Maggie disappeared into the main kitchen, where the chef had more room to cook for guests, since Asher’s large family often came to the island together.
The family-style kitchen where they now sat was for casual gatherings. And if his mom or anyone wanted to cook for themselves, they could do it here. Asher had gone all out with this house, wanting everyone to have what they needed.
He took a moment to study Nikki. She wore ripped jean shorts and a flowing pink top, her tanned skin shimmering beneath the lights overhead. Then again, it could be his imagination. He just liked looking at her.
“I need to pay Corey back for the dog supplies. He really went overboard and I’m so grateful,” she said, pulling up a stool near Asher’s and sitting down.
He shook his head. “I gave him the list and he paid with my credit card. Consider it a gift.”
“That’s … wow. Thank you.” She paused. “This from the man who didn’t want the dog in his car?” She met his gaze, curiosity dancing in her eyes as a slight crinkle appeared above her nose.
Asher chuckled. “You have to admit we had no idea what was living in his fur.”
“Eew. Well, we gave him a good bath and the vet can look him over tonight. As for the car, I suppose you can have it washed?”
He nodded. “I already had someone take care of it.”
“I’m not shocked.” She propped her elbows on the island and her chin on her hands. “So, I was doing some googling about what I’d need to do to bring Lucky home with me. He needs a rabies shot and certificate, which I’m sure he can get tonight, and an ISO-compatible microchip, which I’m also hoping can be done by the vet.”
“The doctor can do it all. I’ve already asked and confirmed with him on the phone when I made the appointment. And since the Bahamas isn’t a high-risk country for rabies, you don’t need to wait thirty days after vaccination to bring him into the United States. You’ll be fine whenever it’s time to leave,” he assured her.
She sat up straight and stared at him, her mouth opened in surprise. “You—”