Page 9 of Embers of You (Amity #1)

Sutton

I ended up researching how to groom a horse, and it isn’t that complicated. At least it’s not when the horse just stands there and lets it happen. Though, I’m not sure how common that is. I love grooming big dogs, but a horse is another level.

I’m also still unsure about spending any time alone with Jameson. He seems sweet, which is a scary thought because it would be so easy to fall into him. That’s something I can’t afford to do. It’s best to keep my distance and eliminate any risk of getting too close so I don’t fall into his trap.

I might be overthinking this. In fact, I know I’m overthinking this. I just can’t find it in me to care because it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Jerry Lee starts barking in the other room pulling my attention back again, and I realize I have a very large dog on my table that’s been standing patiently as I’ve been brushing the same spot for way too long.

“Sorry, buddy,” I apologize, though he just wags his fluffy tail like it didn’t bother him one bit.

The front door opens, and this time I’m not even surprised when I see who just walked in, but I am a little surprised to see that he has a dog with him this time.

Jameson looks over at me with a wide smile and I fight to return it with one of my own and probably end up scowling or making some ridiculous face in return.

“Whose dog did you kidnap?” I joke.

“No one’s, he’s mine,” he answers easily.

I lead the large St. Bernard off my table and put him in the back room to greet the cute pitty with the extremely hot firefighter.

I kneel down, extending my hand and the dog immediately licks it, coating me in too much dog saliva and I chuckle, wiping my hand off on my pants. “What’s your name?”

“It’s Duke, I just adopted him yesterday,” Jameson answers with an even wider smile.

“He’s so sweet. What made you decide to get a dog? Please don’t tell me it was because of me.”

He shakes his head. “No. I’ve wanted one for a while, just have always been too busy. But it also helps to know of a groomer to take him to.”

“I’m sure you’ve known Trish.” I stand up, narrowing my eyes at him slightly.

“Anyway,” he diverts. “How often do I need to bring him to you then? Once a week or more often?”

I rear back slightly. “Whoa, no. If you’re wanting him to get baths, maybe bring him in once every two months. If that.”

He looks genuinely confused. “He doesn’t need to be bathed more than that?”

I shake my head adamantly. “No, that’ll dry out his skin. I mean he may need his nails trimmed every four to six weeks if you really wanted to keep up on it.”

“I’ll bring him in as often as he needs.”

I go back to petting the adorable dog’s head while hiding my smile from him because I don’t want him to know how amusing I find this interaction.

“If you’d like. You don’t need to make an appointment. Just come in any time.”

“You know I will.” His eyes shine in a way that makes my stomach swoop. “I guess I’ll let you get back to work then.”

I nod. “Yeah, okay.”

Standing, I let them head toward the door. And of course, because I can’t have a single time where Jerry Lee doesn’t do the absolute most in trying to embarrass me, he squawks, “Hot guy Jameson.”

I rush to grab the St. Bernard again and hide the redness that’s taken over my face and neck, not wanting him to see me and the effect he has on me.

“This bird is pretty opinionated, you know that?” he calls out, the humor evident in his voice.

“Have a great day,” I squeak out weakly. I swear I hear him laughing before the door closes, and I drop down, sitting on the floor as the St. Bernard comes up to my face, staring at me and I swear I see the judgment there. “I don’t want to hear about it from you.”

He huffs and I drop my head back against the wall. I have a feeling keeping him at arm’s length is going to be harder than I thought.

When I get home, I notice that my neighbor, Bailey, is outside again.

I wave in her direction as she’s getting stuff out of her car.

She sends a small one back, then balances the bags on her arms carrying them inside.

I hesitate for a minute, wondering if I should offer to help but she doesn’t seem like she would accept it if I did.

After an awkward amount of hesitation, I turn to go inside.

“Hey,” she calls out. I almost don’t turn around, convinced she’s not talking to me. When she calls out again, I turn.

“Sorry, I didn’t want to say the wrong name. It’s…Sutton, right?” She hesitates.

I nod. “Yeah, sorry I wasn’t sure if you were talking to me.”

“Yeah, I wanted to see if you’ve heard about the local rodeo in a couple weeks.”

I shake my head. “No, I haven’t.” I don’t admit that I’ve never been to any rodeo or know anything about them.

“It’s kind of a big deal around here. A yearly tradition that everyone turns out for. If you wanted to, I thought we could maybe go together? If you wanted.”

“Oh.” I’m taken aback slightly that she’s inviting me somewhere. “Yeah, uh, sure that seems fun.”

“Cool.” She nods.

I smile widely, and she returns it with a small one of her own. After having an awkward parting we head into our own houses. I appreciate the fact that she’s not overly friendly or mean. She seems to be somewhat awkward like myself and seems like she would make a good friend for me.

Maybe someone who wouldn’t betray me in an awful and weird as fuck way.