Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 31927 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 160(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 31927 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 160(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 106(@300wpm)
I ignore the peanut gallery and head straight for the coffee pot, needing a caffeine infusion to get my brain functioning.
“Don’t you three have actual work to do?” My voice is rough, mean, and bossy as hell. Or, at least, it would be, if I’d gotten enough sleep last night. Fuck.
Atlas just winks. “Already done, Chief. I ran the truck check and filled out the weekly inventory before you even got here. We’re operating at peak efficiency, sir.” I grunt, but inside I’m cracking up. Atlas is running a victory lap because he managed to finish the truck check without any adult supervision. Dawson’s acting like the king of the universe, sipping his coffee and smirking at me over the rim. Ian has both elbows on the break room table, grinning at my neck like he wants to take a damn picture and send it straight to Mom.
I swear to fuck, I’d rather run into a burning building naked than deal with these idiots before I’ve had two cups of caffeine.
I pour myself an industrial-sized mug of coffee. I slug half of it down and let the burn clear out the leftover fog from last night. My girl wore me out. I’m pretty sure there are scratch marks on my back and a permanent smile burned into my face.
Atlas elbows Ian. “You think the vet left those marks with her teeth?”
Ian looks thoughtful, like he’s considering the forensic evidence. “Based on the bruising, I’m thinking teeth and maybe a little suction. Like, that’s not an amateur job.”
Atlas cackles, nearly choking on his damn pancakes. “Never thought I’d see the day. Mr. Uptight’s neck looks like a crime scene, and he’s not even trying to hide it. It must be love.”
I glare at the table, jaw clenched so tight I might break a tooth. My dick’s still half-hard, thinking about the way Elsie bit down and left her mark. I fucking loved it, too. I don’t care if they give me hell. I want the whole fucking town to know she belongs to me.
Dawson raises an eyebrow, all smug. “I’ve been waiting for the love bug to bite this asshole.” I flip him off again, halfheartedly. “My life is now perfect.” I snort out a laugh and shake my head. The insanity never ends.
“Glad you’re so invested,” I mutter, but I can’t keep the smirk off my face.
I glance at Ian, who’s busy inhaling his breakfast like he hasn’t eaten in a month. “Hey, you’re on deck for animal duty tonight. I need you to watch Pork and Beans again.”
The grin on Ian’s face dies instantly. “Absolutely not,” he snaps, all the teasing gone. “You don’t get it, man. That pig lost his damn mind when you left last time. He paced the living room all night, making these pathetic little sounds, like his soul was dying. Every time a car drove by, he’d run to the window and whimper. It was brutal. I almost called you at midnight.”
I stare at him, shocked. “Fuck. I didn’t think he’d be that upset.”
Ian fixes me with a dead-serious glare. “Mom had his favorite pancakes ready when I dropped them off this morning. He took one sniff and lay down in the corner like he was dying.” My fucking animal is so goddamn dramatic, but I love the little shit. “I’m not dealing with him again. You’re going to have to take him with you.” I groan and press the heels of my hands to my eyeballs. This is what I get for spoiling the pig rotten. Now, the little shit has separation anxiety.
“Fine,” I mutter, half to myself, half to the universe at large. “I’ll pick them up after shift.” My brothers immediately start up again with the commentary, but I block them out, grab my coffee, and stalk to my office.
Once the door closes behind me, I finally take a deep breath. No way in hell am I ditching Pork and Beans again. Elsie’s right—I treat my animals like family because they are. I’ll just text her and see if she minds switching up the plan tonight.
My fingers hover for a second, nerves zapping through me like a live wire.
Me
Hey, can we do dinner at my place tonight instead? I don’t want to leave Pork and Beans another night.
I hold my breath as three little dots dance across the screen.
Hot Doc
No biggie. Are we planning on another sleepover?
Hell fucking yes. I consider my response.
Fuck it.
Me
Hell yes. I can’t imagine sleeping without you.
Hot Doc
Can I bring Mr. Snugglebutt?
Hell fucking yes. I fist bump the air as things fall into place.
Me
Bring him. I’m sure he’ll love Pork and Beans.
Hot Doc
I wouldn’t go that far. The only things he loves are food and toys.
Me
I’ll have both for him.
Hot Doc
See you tonight.
Hell fucking yes. Tonight, I get Elsie, my crazy pig, my drama queen wiener dog, and the world’s angriest orange cat under one roof. I’m not even gonna pretend I’m not thrilled.