As I turn the corner, I find Sloane and George sitting on the sofa watching television. I’ve decided not to fight the inevitable name change. George fits him more than Alberto did. The beautiful girl glances over at me and grimaces. “I’m sorry about the rough night. I wanted to take George somewhere for my birthday, so we went to Sobu Sushi.” As she looks down and gently runs her fingers over his head, I’m jealous of my dog. “I had no idea it would upset his stomach.” The spoiled dog lays his head on her lap and whimpers a little, and I roll my eyes. Big baby.
Her words snap me out of my musing. “Happy Birthday, Sweetheart.” I’m about to suggest a breakfast date when my phone rings. Holding my finger up to her, I grab the offending phone and answer, “I’m on vacation.” Of course, I’m not lucky enough for the caller to take the hint. Travis, one of my assistants, needs me to meet him and sign papers.
“There are a few things that need my attention at the office. Would you stay after your walk? I need a quick word with you.” Worry passes through her expressive eyes, and I smile to reassure her. “Don’t worry. Nothing bad.” After giving George a pat on the head, I wave to Sloane and rush out the door.
As the car slogs through the packed streets, I look down at my sweats and groan. I didn’t bother to change before racing out. Oh well, I won’t be in the office for more than the two minutes it takes to sign the papers. The entire ride over, plans for my little dog walker run through my mind.
Time moves at a snail’s pace. The elevator cruises slowly to the top floor. I step off and race down the long, carpeted hallway leading to our lobby. Sally looks shocked to see me when I rush past her office door. She steps out into the hall and calls, “What are you doing here? Aren’t you on vacation?”
Not wanting to waste too much time explaining, I look over my shoulder and growl, “Travis needs my signature. Act like you didn’t see me.”
I rush into Travis’ office and point at my watch. “I don’t have long.” He hands the papers over and shows me where to sign.
True to my word, I sign the papers and instruct Travis in under four minutes. I’m on my way back to the apartment within the hour. Time to put Operation Catch a Dog Walker into action.
Chapter Three
Sloane
Kelsey talked me into taking a risk and helping her out one more day. Since I’m a sucker for my best friend, I’m back at Knox Walker’s apartment. I have to keep reminding myself that I’m here to help my roommate out and not for another look at the yummy Mr. Walker. Being within five feet of the man makes my heart race and my palms sweat. If I’m being honest, I’d kill for more than a look. I’d love to keep him all for myself. Where are these crazy thoughts coming from?
I can’t believe he didn’t fire me, I mean Kelsey, over the puking dog fiasco. But hey, who’s arguing. After he leaves for the office, I bundle up my little furry friend and head out for our walk. Twenty minutes later, I come to the conclusion that I might have permanently damaged poor little George. I feel horrible when we have to turn around and return to the penthouse before we make it past Mrs. Beasley’s poodle. Halfway back to the apartment, George lays down and refuses to walk another step. As I’m carrying the overweight English Bulldog six blocks back home, I’m cursing yesterday’s decisions. We’re both in extreme pain by the time I stumble into the building’s lobby. The security guard looks up from his computer and gasps. “Is Alberto okay?”
Sure, worry about the dog. I glare at the jerk. I’m sure, with physical therapy and time, my back will recover from the damage. The big lug in my arms groans, earning more sympathy from the guard as I stumble toward the elevator. Shaking my head, I grouse, “Can you call the elevator for me? I need to get the poor thing upstairs.” My tone is a little snarky, but sue me. The entire ride, I lean against the wall for support and wonder if this day can get any worse.
I stumble down the hall while shuffling my cumbersome load. I manage to open the apartment door, and Mr. Walker’s masculine scent suddenly surrounds me. Why does this gorgeous man affect me so much? Coming here again was a horrible idea. After managing to stagger into the living room with my whimpering load, I settle him on the sofa and hunt for a heating pad to soothe his sore stomach. It takes searching, but I’m able to locate one tucked all the way in the back of the under-sink cabinet in the hallway bathroom. When I return to the living room and find it empty, I panic. After assuring myself George can’t leave the apartment, I go in search of the missing little troublemaker.
On a hunch, I look in the master bedroom, and sure enough, he’s sprawled across the huge bed, snoring. Not wanting to wake him up, I make another bad decision and curl up next to George. I need to keep an eye on him until his owner returns. He snuggles in and sighs when I hug his warm, cuddly body.
The next thing I know, I blink awake to find smiling deep blue eyes staring down at me. Oops. I have no idea how long I slept in here with George. As I’m struggling to sit up, Mr. Walker lifts the grumbling dog off my chest. Attempting to slide over the side, I apologize. “Oops. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” I bite my lip and wonder if this is the last straw that broke Kelsey’s job’s camel’s back.
Before I can scoot free of the tangled mess of covers, he places a hand on my shoulder and smiles at me. My heart does a funny little jump in my chest, and I blink at him. My mind can’t wrap around what’s happening to me. He looks down and assures me, “You don’t need to get up. Stay in bed and rest. I’m going to make some lunch, and then we can talk.” He turns to leave the room, and I stare at his retreating back. My heart thunders in my chest, and I realize I’ve been sitting here with my mouth hanging open. I turn off my common sense and the doubts floating through my mind and fall back on the bed to snuggle in for another nap surrounded by his delicious scent.
I wake up to George whining from the side of the bed. “Do you need to go out again?” I ask the dog. I wonder where his cute owner has gone?
“I just took him out. He’s letting you know lunch is ready.” I jump at the sound of his deep voice and turn to see him standing in the doorway. There’s a look in his eyes I don’t understand. He blinks, and it’s suddenly replaced with a smile. “Come on, your lunch is waiting, sleepyhead.”
After he leaves the room, I take a few seconds to calm my nerves before following him. Stumbling into the kitchen, I find the breakfast bar covered with plates. Worried that I’m not dressed for a get-together, I turn to him. “How many people are you expecting for lunch, Mr. Walker?”
He shrugs and points at a barstool. “Please, call me Knox. I didn’t know what you liked, so I fixed a little extra. Eat whatever you want, and I’ll save the rest.” Wow. He made all this food for the two of us. Next to a plate piled high with delicious-looking sandwiches in the center of the bar, there’s a crystal bowl filled with pasta salad.
I try not to stuff myself in front of Knox, but I haven’t eaten since yesterday and I’m starving. At least my hunger distracts me from the nervousness that courses through me every time he’s around. When I reach over for my second ham sandwich, he looks at me and winks. “Is there anything else I can get you?” I shake my head and quietly finish off the rest of my lunch. I still have no idea why he wanted to have lunch with me, but I don’t have the nerve to come right out and ask.