“Sorry, sorry, my manners,” I say, knowing Amara totally understands. She’s used to it. “Kayla, this is my mate Amara. She works for me at the shelter. I’d be nowhere without her. Amara, this is Kayla. She’s…” And suddenly I draw a blank because I don’t know what she is. We haven’t really discussed anything within the terms of us yet.
“I’m staying with Lachlan,” Kayla finishes smoothly, shaking Amara’s hand. I eye Kayla carefully, wondering if she’s going to give Amara the side-eye. I won’t be surprised, nor will I be all that upset if she has a jealous streak, but even though Amara is striking with her Roman nose, fiery red hair, and freckles, Kayla is nothing but warm and genuine.
“Nice to meet you,” Amara says, looking briefly at me. Her face is composed, but I can stell she’s confused and shocked. I hadn’t exactly mentioned Kayla and in no way told Amara that a girl would be coming back with me. Luckily she takes it all in stride.
“So how was he, any trouble?” I ask, steering the conversation over.
“He really hates the muzzle,” she says, shrugging her shoulders. “At least when I put it on him.”
Kayla jumps back a bit, looking around for Lionel who is trotting back and forth across the drawing room, sniffing Emily. “He needs a muzzle?” she asks.
I shake my head, feeling a burst of anger flare up. “No. He doesn’t need one. He’s never bitten anyone, nor would he without a muzzle. But the U.K. sees pit bulls as an inferior breed. A bad one. A banned one. It’s tricky to own one—you have to prove first that yours isn’t dangerous, and even then, they all have to wear a muzzle. Even if they are old and have never hurt a soul. Sometimes I walk Lionel around here without one, but the neighbors know me. In other places though, you can’t be too sure who will see you.”
“That’s fucking stupid,” Kayla says, reaching for the hand that I’ve balled into a fist. She uncurls it and lets her fingers slip inside. My heartbeat slows.
“It is fucking stupid,” Amara says, nodding and angrily shoving a piece of hair behind her ear. “The law was introduced in the seventies when dog fighting was a problem. It needs to be bloody updated, but the government is a bunch of ignorant cunts. We’re working on it though, trying to educate that it’s the people who do that kind of shite that should be banned, not the breed.”
I exhale harshly through my nose. “Let’s not discuss this too much today. I need to stay in good spirits,” I tell them honestly.
Kayla gives my hand a squeeze and nods. She looks to Amara. “What are you doing now? Did you want to go out for a late lunch or dinner with us?”
We hadn’t even discussed a late lunch, so the fact that Kayla is already opening up to Amara and inviting her in warms my heart like a tonic.
“Thanks,” Amara says. “I’m good though. Going to head back to work. Maybe tomorrow, Lachlan. You can bring her by and show her what we do.”
“Aye,” I agree. “Before practice. That would be perfect.”
She waves goodbye and hurries off. I know that she doesn’t have to go back to work until later, so I get the impression that she’s trying to give us some alone time. I guess I am in just a towel.
I peer down at Kayla. “So about that lunch,” I say. “What other plans do you have in store for us?”
She gives me a grin and a saucy tilt to her head. “Not telling,” she says. “I like to keep you on your toes.”
She sashays her way into the drawing room and I watch her go.
Though she’s trying to look seductive, shaking that delectable peach-shaped bottom of hers, it only lasts about two seconds before Lionel comes bounding out of nowhere, jumping up on her legs, and enveloping her in a flurry of kisses.
She yelps, and if she was ever fearful, it’s faded into laughter. Lionel is merciless in his love and need for affection, and Kayla shrieks playfully as he chases her around the room, tongue hanging out if his mouth, wanting nothing from her but attention.
I know how you feel, old friend, I think to myself before following suit and joining the chase.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Kayla
I’m dreaming. I’m drowning. Everything is wet.
My face is wet.
Smelly.