Chapter 22 Dom

Chapter 22

Dom

There’s two ways this thing can go. She’ll either be too distracted by the animals to notice my tiny, adorable manipulation and just soak up the experience. Or she’ll realize that I didn’t exactly give her the entire story about why we’re here and kick me square in the nuts.

Either way, it’ll be worth it. Probably. No, it will be, we both need the distraction after this morning. Her mouth told me everything is fine, but the state I found her in last night and again this morning makes me doubt how true that is. She might not be sick, but something is going on with her and I’m going to keep chipping away at those walls until she lets me in.

“Hey, Simone,” I greet the adoption director for Saving Paws when Indie and I step inside the lobby. Concrete floors with the shelter logo stamped in the center gleam under the overhead lights. Indie looks around the space, her smile wider than I’ve seen it recently. A reminder of why I’m risking life and limb by not telling her what brought us here today.

“You ready for this? Today’s the big day,” Simone says, standing from her desk and grabbing a folder .

Indie looks between us, her brow wrinkling as she tries to work out what’s happening.

“Simone, this is Indie Moreno. Indie, this is Simone. She’s the shelter director.”

“Nice to meet you.” She holds out her hand, glancing at me before smiling warmly at Simone.

“Shall we go grab Ronnie before we sign the paperwork? I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.”

“Let’s do that. Indie, why don’t you tell Simone about the work you’re doing with some of the other nonprofits in the area?” I let my palm settle on her lower back as I guide her through the building, taking my time so she can keep up with her boot.

“What are we doing here?” she whispers.

“Right now, we’re making introductions.” Not a lie. I want Indie to focus on making a connection that can help make her dreams come true before I distract her with the real reason we’re here. Turning her smile on Simone, Indie launches into her pitch about how she wants to help nonprofits.

There’s a passion that I’ve only ever seen from her when she talks about her mom. Seeing my girl in action, I’m in awe of her. She’s poised and professional. Her ideas to help the shelter, even on the fly, are creative and well thought-out. It’s a new side of Indie and it only heightens the feelings I already have for her. I want to pull her closer and tell her how proud I am of her, but it will most likely make her run in the other direction.

“We should exchange information. The shelter could benefit from additional volunteers and the idea of co-hosting a volunteer fair sounds amazing,” Simone says, when we stop in front of a kennel with a boxer who immediately perks up at having visitors.

“Hey, Ronnie, girl,” I croon, stooping to her level. “It’s our big day.”

“I’ll grab her leash and you can let her out,” Simone says, leaving us alone with Ronnie.

“What is going on right now? This is Ronnie?” Indie’s curious eyes flick from me to the dog and back again .

“I’m entering my dog dad era.” To Ronnie’s delight, I reach through the kennel with two fingers to scratch her nose. “She’s just the goodest girl.”

“Blink twice if you’re being forced into something you don’t want, sweet girl,” Indie whispers from where she joined me on one knee.

“Nah. I won her over. Just like I plan to do with you.”

Instead of volleying an insult back, Indie asks, “What are you going to do with her when you travel?”

“I hired a service to help when I’m on the road, plus I have a few neighbors that will help. She’ll get three long walks and plenty of attention, but she’s pretty chill. Simone helped me pick a dog that would fit my lifestyle.”

“You’ve always wanted a dog.”

It’s the first time she’s brought up any of the things we shared on our night together. The glee that rises inside me at that little fact is hard to suppress.

“Yeah, I have. It just took some time to find the right one.” We might be talking about Ronnie, but I’m looking at her, hoping she’s connecting the dots; I can be patient with things this important.

“I’m glad you found her.” She tears her dark eyes from me and gives Ronnie her finger to sniff. “She’s beautiful and so sweet.”

“Sure is,” I echo.

“Sorry, guys, I ran into a volunteer that needed my help. We’re shorthanded, again.” Simone hands the leash to me and I unlatch the door, reaching in to hook it to her collar.

When she comes out, she goes right to Indie, burying her nose in her curls. I’m pretty sure Ronnie just secured her spot in the heart I’m vying for.