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HALLIE

“ C ome give Momma a cuddle,” I coo to Bertie, my golden retriever.

His head flicks up, and he bounds toward me on the couch, launching his fluffy and extremely heavy body onto my lap.

“Awww. Can’t resist, can you?” I scratch behind his ears as he snuggles against me.

Since Dad died, Bertie and I have been inseparable. He was his best friend, and now he’s mine.

“Hal. What time are you going to work today?” Ben calls out from upstairs.

“Shift starts in two hours,” I shout back, rolling my eyes.

He already asked me this over breakfast.

It’s starting to piss me off—his constant need to know my whereabouts.

I’m either at home, at work, or at the gym. I’m hardly interesting enough to keep tabs on.

His heavy footsteps echo down the stairs, and as I turn to look at him, he’s finishing styling his black hair in the mirror.

I mean, he’s hot. He’s got a decent job running the finances for his cousins.

And the accent. That’s what won me over on our first date. Deep and British. Delicious.

He spins to face me with a smile and walks over.

“Get that lump of a dog off you and give me a hug.”

I frown and keep stroking Bertie.

“Don’t be mean to my dog,” I snap back.

“I’m only playing. I just want to snuggle with my girl before I go to work.”

I chew on the inside of my mouth.

“It’s 6 p.m.? Seems late to start working?” I tap Bertie, and he jumps off me so I can stand.

Ben's arms hook around my waist and pull me close.

“Business dinner. Anyway, you know it’s our six-month anniversary this weekend,” he whispers, brushing his lips along my cheek.

Interesting deflection there. That’s just one of many lately.

Late-night dinners, work calls, emergency appointments. I’m surprised he even stayed over last night.

“I do,” I lie. I had no clue. Who celebrates six-month anniversaries?

“Dinner? Hotel? How does that sound?”

I should have butterflies. Shouldn’t I?

“Perfect.”

He presses his lips against mine, and I close my eyes. Nothing. I feel nothing.

Maybe it’s because the anniversary of my dad’s death is coming up. I’ve felt pretty numb since I lost him.

Maybe once I get my spark back, I’ll feel something more for Ben.

He pulls away and assesses me with his blue eyes.

“You don’t seem excited. In fact, nothing I do excites you. When’s the last time I even had my dick in you?”

I cringe at his words and take a step back.

The only time I feel any kind of life is when I’m behind the wheel of my Shelby.

My best friend, Lily, keeps telling me it’s not me, it’s just that I don’t like Ben. Maybe she’s right.

“I just have a lot going on.” I tap my head, and his face softens.

“Always so busy in that head.”

I nod. He has no idea what it’s like to live inside my brain. It’s like a squirrel on crack lives in there—every hour of every day—frantically running from one idea to another. It’s exhausting.

“So, dinner Saturday?” I ask, switching the conversation.

“My treat.”

There’s an awkward silence as he adjusts his tie.

“Good. Well, I need to get going. Shall I come here after and wait for you to get back? What time would it be?”

I nod and offer him a smile.

Something isn’t right between us, and the longer it goes on, the more I’m starting to think it isn’t me. But I suppose he’s making an effort to see me more.

“Sounds nice. Probably about two am. Take my spare key by the front door and let yourself in.”

I wrap my arms around his neck and go up on my tiptoes, pressing my lips to his, trying to quiet my racing thoughts.

Nope.

Nada.

Maybe I’m broken. I haven’t had an orgasm in what feels like years now.

“Mmm, I’ll be ready and waiting in bed for you, beautiful.”

Great. Just what I need after a shift.

“Have fun at your meeting,” I whisper.

As he gives me one more kiss before leaving, a wave of relief washes over me when the front door closes behind him.

Peace.

Slumping back onto the couch, Bertie joins me again and I rest my head on top of his.

“What do you think? Does he need to go?” I whisper to him and laugh. He’s not going to respond to me.

“How about a ride in the car and walkies?”

Now that gets his attention. Bertie yelps in excitement and pounces to the floor, his tail wagging wildly.

And just like that, my stress melts away at the sight of his happy little face.

I’d be happy just with my dog. My baby and my cars are all I need. Oh—and my job.

Just as I slip the harness on Bertie, my phone vibrates on the couch with the one name I’d never ignore.

Dr. Finn Quinn.

I pout, picking it up. It’s his brother Declan's wedding today. What could he want?

“Dr. Quinn. Everything okay?” I ask as Bertie whines by the front door.

“Yes. Well. No, actually. Conan’s been in a car accident and looks like he’ll need some glass removed from his thigh. I’d go, but I’ve had too much to drink to be anywhere near a needle.”

I cringe. Ouch.

“Okay. You want me to do it? I can get to the hospital in fifteen.”

There’s a moment's pause.

“Could you pick him up? I’d rather not have this put on his medical records. For his fighting career and such.”

I swallow.

“Uh. Sure. I don’t have anything here, though.”

Finn blows out a breath. I keep telling him I need my own office, but the hospital finance director won’t give me one yet.

“Use my office and lock the door behind you.”

My heart races, but this means he trusts me. Which, as his mentee, means everything.

He’s the top of his field, and I want to be the top of mine.

“Text me the location and his number. I’ll leave now.”

“Appreciate this, Hallie. Thank you. If Conan is a pain in the ass, just don’t numb it.”

I chuckle. I’ve heard lots about Declan and Conan. They seem like a close family.

“Will do.”

I cut the call and crouch down to Bertie.

“I promise, I’ll take you out as soon as I’m home. Or maybe Lily can come over and walk you.” I kiss his head and take off his harness. He grunts and takes himself back into the living room.

“Love you,” I call out.

Before I leave, I lock up and turn on the new camera so I can keep an eye on him.

As I climb into the driver’s seat, I take a deep breath. My beast.

My dad left me some inheritance, so I took Finn’s advice.

I fixed up his car and bought myself my dream car. Well, then I supercharged it, renewed all the pipes, and made it as loud and as fast as I could.

It’s given me the freedom to smile again.

The engine roars to life, and a warm fuzz erupts in my veins.

Conan has always intrigued me. I guess now’s finally the time I get to meet him.