Page 72 of Hooked On Him

“Are you sure you don’t want anything for him?” I ask, frowning.

“Nope. He’s free. He’s been here so long, we just want him to get a good home. And knowing he’s going to be Levi’s, he will be well loved and cared for.”

No one knows Levi lives with me. We decided to just keep it to ourselves for now. Cole and Charlie think Levi is just rooming with someone he found on the internet in a basement suite.

But seeing how I have no experience with animals, and I needed references, I had to come clean about who this dog was for and where it was going to live.

Abby’s face lit right up, and she wasted no time handing over the adoption papers for me to sign.

“Here. At least take this. Consider it a donation to the center.” I pull out a few hundred-dollar bills.

“Thank you.” Abby smiles warmly. “We could use it.”

“Everything good?”

“Yup. You're good to go.” Abby nods. “If you need anything, let us know. And because Levi works at the clinic, any basic check-ups are free.”

“Awesome.” I nod.

“He’s really lucky to have you.” She smiles wider. “You must love him a lot.”

My heart warms at the thought of Levi and how happy he’s going to be when I show up with Peanut. “Yeah,” I whisper, staring at the dog who stares back. “I do.” More than I think is healthy. But that's a problem for another day. Or not.

With the dog in my arms, I head out to my car and place him in the passenger seat. “You better not shit on my leather,” I warn him.

He blinks up at me, little tongue hanging out, and lets out the smallest bark. Ugh. How can anyone say no to that?! He really is so ugly he’s cute.

Peanut sleeps the whole time on the drive back .

It’s Levi’s day off, and I know he’s home studying. I slipped out of the house, telling him I was going to grab some groceries.

“Come on, little guy.” I scoop up his sleeping body into my arms. “Let’s go meet your new daddy. I hope Snicklefritz likes you. He’s the real one you have to win over.”

As I get to my floor, nerves start to kick in. What if he didn’t mean what he said, and he didn’t actually want the dog? What if he thinks I’m crazy for showing up with him?

I mean, who just goes out and gets a pet just because the guy he’s seeing shows interest?

Crazy people. That's who.

Taking a deep breath, I unlock my door and head inside.

“Austin?” Levi calls out. “Is that you?”

“Yup!”

“You need any help bringing things in?”

“Nah, I’m good.”

“Are you sure? I can—” He meets me at the front door, eyes going wide, mouth parting in shock when he sees what I’m holding.

“Why is Peanut in your arms?” He blinks, pointing at the dog.

“Because he only has three legs, and it would take days to walk up here?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “Why is he here?”

“Because this is his new home?” I rub the back of my head awkwardly. “Surprise?”