Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 97767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
I follow, pulling Gio back by his collar before he can launch himself at the delivery guy and to both of our surprise, he lets me.
“Relax, buddy. It’s just food.”
Opening the door, I’m greeted by a guy holding a takeout bag and wearing the world’s most unimpressed expression as he holds it toward me, blue ball cap pulled low over his eyes.
“Thanks, man.” It smells so fucking delicious and my stomach agrees. “Tip is in the app.”
“Sure,” the delivery guy mutters, barely sparing me a glance as he turns and goes to stride back down the hall.
Stops in his tracks.
Looks over his shoulder.
“Are you…” His head gives a shake. “Montagalo?”
I grin, hand still curled around little Gio’s collar as he does his best to break free and tear the man to shreds, all false bravado and posturing.
Meanwhile, the delivery guy drops his act completely, replacing it with a wide grin that looks out of place under the shadow of his cap. He takes a half step back, looking me up and down like he’s trying to match the face in front of him with the one he’s seen on game highlights or the roster page.
He can’t believe it.
“Damn, man, I knew it,” he says, pointing a finger at me like I’ve just won a game in overtime. “Man, you have no idea how much I love you, holy shit,” he continues, vibrating with excitement. “That double save in OT last night? The glove snag, and then the pad stack? I rewound that three times.”
“Well it’s good to meet you.”
“I’ve delivered here before,” he says. “Never seen you.”
“I’m new here,” I laugh.
Gio barks sharply, trying once again to launch himself at the guy’s legs, his tiny frame full of unnecessary aggression. I tighten my grip on his collar and hold him back. “Dude, chill. He’s a fan.”
The delivery guy laughs, stepping back again like Gio might actually take him down—all ten pounds of him. “I mean, I’d probably be barking too if I got to live with you!”
“Thanks man, I appreciate it.”
The guy hesitates. “Could I…I hate to ask. Can I get a picture?”
“Yeah—sure, no problem.” Austin sneaks up behind me and takes her dog, carrying him out of the doorway and into the living room while the young fan takes a selfie.
“Man, my buddies are gonna freak when they see this,” he says, holding up his phone like it’s a trophy. “You’re their favorite player. Hell, you’re my favorite player.”
I laugh, rubbing the back of my neck.
My stomach protests. “Thanks, that means a lot. Glad I could make your day.”
The guy laughs again nervously, clearly not wanting to leave but aware he’s pushing his luck. “Alright, I’ll let you eat. Thanks again, man. Seriously. Highlight of my week.”
“No problem,” I say, giving him a wave as he finally turns to head back down the hallway. His footsteps echo away, but his excitement lingers in the air like static.
I close the door.
Austin lets Gio loose.
He scampers into the kitchen. Sits.
Stares up at me expectantly, whip of a tail wagging.
“That’s a first,” I say to him, rummaging through the food to unearth a fry. “Is this all it takes to win you over?” He’s been growling at me nonstop!
Unreal.
I toss him a sweet potato fry, and bend over.
Behind me, I hear Austin’s soft footsteps, and then her arms slide around my waist, warm and steady. Her chin comes to rest lightly against my shoulder as she leans into me, her body fitting perfectly against my back.
“Looks like you’ve won him over,” she murmurs, her voice low and teasing. Her breath brushes my ear, sending a faint, pleasant shiver down my spine. “Guess you’re not so bad with small, feisty creatures after all.”
I smirk, tossing another fry into my mouth. “Feisty creatures like you?”
“Ha ha,” she says dryly, but I can feel her smile against my shoulder. “But yes.”
27
austin
Me: You should come up to your brother's place. He’s at practice and I’m here with my dog…
Nova: You brought your DOG?! OMG I love dogs, be right there.
I’m hunkered down in his living room, the massive windows offering me a view of the entire city as I lay wrapped in a faux fur blanket, little Gio burrowed near my feet.
So warm.
So cozy.
Moments later, Nova bursts into the penthouse, her excitement practically bouncing off the walls as she slips out of her sneakers by the door.
“Where is he? Where’s the dog?!” she demands, eyes scanning the room with the determination of someone on a mission.
I lift the edge of the blanket I’m wrapped in, revealing Gio, nestled comfortably by my feet. His big ears twitch at the sound of her voice, and his nearly hairless head peeks out from under the throw.
Nova gasps like she’s just seen the most precious creature on the planet. “Oh my God, look at him! He’s so weird—but so perfect! Come here, little guy! Come to Auntie Nova.”