Page 10

“Ethan, what are you doing here?”
I hear a dog or two jumping up against the door from the other side.
“I came to apologize.”
Madison narrows her eyes at me, clearly skeptical. “Apologize for what?”
I take a step closer to her. From this distance, I could easily grab her hands and pull her into an embrace. “For earlier. I shouldn’t have been so defensive. I should have known Scout was one of your boarders, and I’m sorry for themisunderstanding.” I shrug, trying to play off the seriousness of my apology. “Just wanted to let you know.”
She crosses her arms over her chest, clearly not ready to forgive me just yet. But it’s hard to focus on our conversation when it feels like she’s pushing her breasts up just to taunt me with them. “You didn’t exactly make it easy for me, Ethan. You practically accused me of being irresponsible. I’m taking care of these dogs the best I can.”
“I know, and I was wrong. I’ve been hearing the barking coming from your place for weeks. I should have connected the dots. That’s why I’m here apologizing.” It hurts to apologize, and it’s not something I do often, but I did feel guilty.
I feel a little better now, though.
She studies me for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, with a sigh, she motions to the door. “Come in, but come in quickly. I’m not catching him again.”
Madison opens the door just enough for me to squeeze through, and I do so, right behind her.
Samson trots over to me, and Scout barks excitedly. It seems those are the only two pups here at present. I bend down and give them each equal attention before they run off, growling and tussling on the ground.
She nods, still wary. “So, what is it you really want, Ethan? You’re not the type to just apologize and leave. In fact, I have to trust my gut and say you’re not the type to apologize at all.”
She’s perceptive; I’ll give her that. Her comments might hurt me if my skin hadn’t grown thick with age. I take a step closer, closing the distance between us. “I’m not. I also wanted to see if you felt the same spark I did earlier.”
Her eyes widen slightly, and I can see the flush of color rising in her cheeks. She glances away, clearly flustered, butshe doesn’t step back. Instead, she holds her ground, flicking her gaze back to mine.
Because of the difference in our heights, she has to look up, and it makes her look vulnerable.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I think you’re an asshole for not even hearing me out.”
Then, she turns and marches across the living room. The puppies hop up and follow her before realizing she’s only going across the room. She stands behind the sofa, leaning on the back of it like she wants a barrier between herself and me.
I take another couple of steps into the room, but I don’t want to get too close. I’ll let Madison decide what she wants, and I’ll respect it.
“Yeah, I do have a tendency to be an asshole sometimes.” I shove my hands into my pockets and keep my gaze locked on her. “But then again, don’t we all?”
Madison finally smiles, but she can’t make eye contact with me while I’m smiling. “Sure, I’ll give you that. I may have had assholey moments.”
“Maybe even today. Maybe even with me,” I tease.
Madison presses her lips together, her eyes momentarily trained on the antics of the dogs. “Maybe. But I’m not admitting it. You don’t know how worried I was.”
“Tell me,” I suggest, stepping toward her.
She hesitates, then finally sits on the sofa which is right in front of me. I want to reach out and touch her, but I wait. I have to respect her space. I don’t want to make her feel uncomfortable even though I’m already imagining how it would feel to shove my dick inside her tight wetness. I want to hear her calling out my name…
“Well, I’ve just started the dog-sitting business, rightaround Halloween. I’ve only had a few customers so far, and it’s…my only stream of income. So, yes, I didn’t want anything bad to happen to Scout and his owners never find him again, but I also didn’t want to be sued. Does that make me sound selfish? Yes, but?—”
“No, I don’t think looking out for yourself is selfish. It’s wise. If you’re not looking out for yourself, who will?”
“Well, that’s true.”
“And I’ve never found a dog before or maybe I would have known the proper steps to take. And I really didn’t hear anyone calling his name. I promise.”
Madison blinks up at me. We’re only a few inches away on the couch, and her dark hair is so tempting. I want to lean forward and brush it back from her face.
“Why are you still here, Ethan? You said you wanted to apologize. You did that. Why are you still talking to me?”