Filed to story: Sinful Mates (Imogen) Book by Jessica Hall
I slip my shoes back on my now sore feet and cradle my head in my hands. How has life gotten this bad? When did I become some cosmic joke? What I wouldn’t give to have my stray here, I want to hug him. Did he even know I’m okay? Is he still at that storage garage? Maybe I’ll see him again. Lunch isn’t happening for me, but maybe I can get something for him. I head to the cafe and buy him some quality dog food. It’s even good for dogs with long fur. Not that he needs much work on his beautiful hair but I want to keep it in good condition.
With nothing else taking my time, I head to the park and to the place I met him before. “Here puppy, puppy,” I call out. I hope he recognizes my voice. But no matter where I look, he doesn’t appear. Maybe he’s mad about the puppy thing. He’s the size of a small bear. I need to get him a proper name the next time I find him, if I find him again.
My brain turns to the dark and I force it away from the negatives. I’m sure the dog is fine, probably just with his real owners. I need to get back to the apartments and it’s a fairly long walk. I hope I can remember how to get there. But isn’t this what I wanted to do at the start of my day? Ironic, I’m being forced into it now. My phone buzzes and I glance at the screen. What does Theo want? I try to ignore it but after the fourth ring I give up. It’s not like things can get that much worse for me. “What do you want?” I demand.
No, that isn’t what I need to say, even I know that. I take a deep breath, I’ll retry this. “Look I’m sorry, I know what I said was wrong. I was just angry.” Weird, I thought apologizing would be harder. Maybe because it’s Theo?
I expect Theo to be upset with me snapping at him, but his voice is warm, concerned even, “Where are you?”
“In the park,” I reply with a deep sigh. “I thought I could find something here, but no luck.”
“You can come back if you want, he has calmed down. He’s not going to run you out again. We are your ride home.”
I shake my head. I’m not ready to give up yet. “No, I think I will stay here for a bit longer. I’m looking for something.”
“Looking for what? Did you lose something? Is that what you meant when you said no luck?”
I try to talk nonchalantly but it comes out in a nervous cackle. I’m about to admit my only friend is a stray dog, “I’m looking for a dog.”
“A dog?” Theo echoes my words, a hint of amusement in his voice. I guess not much gets to him if he’s in good spirits so quickly after my blow up. “Why?” he questions.
“Because he used to sometimes stay with me when I lived in my car and the storage garage. I just miss him.” I think this has to be a personal record for the length of time Theo and I could have a civil conversation. Or at least not make me want to strangle him.
“Really? I will keep a lookout for your furry friend. If I see him, we can bring him back to the apartment.” When did Theo learn to be so nice? “By the way, turn around.” I follow his instructions and Theo walks across the grass towards me. I can’t help it, I smile at him. While I probably look like a splotchy raccoon, there’s no hint of anger in the man. He grabs my hand and puts his balled up one on top, transferring some bit of metal to me. I glance at it and stare at the BMW keys. I look from them to him, questioning him.
“After you left like that I kinda realized you came with us this morning. You don’t have another way home, so drive. Tobias has calmed down, but there’s no need for you to wait until we’re ready. Just go and get some rest. It might really help.”
My body warms at his words, I could get used to this Theo. Maybe I should complain about being pampered, but I really am exhausted. I need to get back and unwind. But wait, “If I take the car, how will you two get home?”
“It’s called a taxi. Oh, and please don’t destroy my car. If I get back and it looks like your train-wreck of a car, I will be pissed,” he says. But even with all this, he keeps smiling at me, even nudging my arm playfully. I rub my eyes with my fleshy palms. I look like a mess. “Here,” Theo offers me a handkerchief and uses it to rub at my face, removing some of the black smudges. I really look like a raccoon.
“Thank you, Theo.”
“It’s nothing. Come on, I’ve got to get back to work, but I’ll walk you the rest of the way, if that’s okay.” He raises a brow, waiting for my response.
“Sure,” I reply. I follow him back to work, parting ways at the elevator. I head in and he gives me a little wave. He waits for me to go down to the parking lot, and heads right back to the offices. I touch my lips, thinking of the last time with Theo. At least now I can look at it fondly without all the anger and rage.
I make it to the car without issues and drive it back to the apartment. The valet glares at me, ready to accuse me of stealing I bet, but he bites his tongue and just takes the keys from me. He isn’t willing to anger my bosses. I’m just glad I got the damn thing back in one piece. I hadn’t been so confident getting home. I was terrified of scratching or denting the car.
Even I will admit, I’m not the best driver. I’m shocked I even passed my driver test. I managed to parallel park once for the test, and since then didn’t even attempt it. Hence all the dents on my car. I’m one of the worst parkers and have hit many stationary objects mainly trying to reverse, not that I’ll admit that to Theo. He can believe all of that is from a previous owner.
I get back to my apartment, sit down, and glory in the absolute silence. I have free time! I don’t have to worry about running out my battery on my phone for once. I open up one of my reading apps and pick out a good story. I need a drink to fully appreciate it. I pour myself a large glass of vodka and drizzle it with raspberry syrup from the pantry.
I take a seat on the couch, stretching my body out and diving straight into my current favorite book on the platform. I flip through page after page, unable to set it down. I barely even drink my drink, I’m on edge the entire time. I wish I could give the author a tip!
A loud knock interrupts my reading and I glance over at it, scowling. I’m on the last chapter, I don’t want to stop. “It’s open,” I call. I don’t even bother leaving my seat, this is too good.
Theo walks in, closing the door behind him and takes a seat across from me. What is he doing here? I want to look to see the time but considering I managed to get to the last chapter I don’t want to stop.
“What are you reading?” Theo questions after I ignore him. I hold a finger up motioning for him to wait a minute. Thankfully, he actually listens.
“A book on Patreon called Dark Desires by a woman named Jane Knight.”
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