Blaze: Underground Encounters 6

by Carlisle, Lisa

  She came by looking super-hot in her yoga clothes. Somehow, I managed to restrain myself from grabbing her, so we could eat.

  She mmm’d in approval. “You didn’t lie. This is amazing.”

  After we finished dinner, I said, “I have a surprise.”

  Her eyes sparkled. “What?”

  “We have to drive there.”

  My legs twitched with excitement as I drove us to the animal shelter where Allana volunteered. Lily had told me which one it was, but only after drilling me about my intentions. After the yoga incident, she wasn’t going to provide the info without a good reason from me. When I told her, she agreed it was a great idea and wished me luck.

  Allana peered at me with confusion. “What are we doing here?”

  “Getting you a puppy,” I announced.

  Her blue eyes widened, the excited look that always sent blood rushing to my cock.

  “What? My landlord doesn’t allow dogs.”

  “I know, but since I own my house, I can have one at mine. Your dog can live there. You’ll be happy since you can have an animal like you’ve always wanted. And I’ll be happy since I’ll get to see more of you at my place.”

  She gave me a practical look. “A pet’s a huge responsibility, not one to be taken lightly.”

  “I had dogs growing up. I loved them. I could never have one with my schedule, but between the two of us, we’ll be around to take care of him. Or her.”

  “But you’re going on tour,” she said. “For three whole weeks!”

  The hitch in her voice gave me hope that she’d miss me as much as I’d miss her. “Move in with me. Or stay at my place as often as you wish. Mi casa.” I reached into my pocket and handed her a key. “Es tu casa.”

  She stared at the silver object in her hand and I feared I’d overplayed my hand. When she peered up at me, her eyes shone with tears. Ugh, I’d never get the hang of reading people. I thought for sure she’d love this, but she was crying. Did I fuck it up?

  “You’re sure about this?” she asked.

  “Of course. I want to be with you, Allana. This tour is killing me,” I confessed. “I want to get it over with and come back to you. Because I love you.”

  She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “You want me to move in with you and bring my pets? Including a new dog?”

  “Yes.” Was I pushing her? “If this is too much, tell me to back off.”

  Her eyes sparkled with joy. “Of course not.” She threw her arms around my neck and kissed me. When she pulled back, she said, “Tell you what. Why don’t we keep this idea open for when you return from your tour? I’ve been practically living at your place, anyway. It would just be a matter of giving some notice to my roommate and moving my stuff—and my pets—in.”

  It wasn’t a no, but leaving the future open. “I can live with that.”

  “You know I love you, too.” She touched my cheek. “But I don’t want to rush things and have it blow up. Moving in together is a big adjustment. Having a dog is another huge responsibility. You’re nervous about the tour, just as I’m preoccupied with the studio. Let’s move forward one step at a time, so we don’t take on more than we can handle.”

  “I hadn’t thought of that.” I grinned. “Genius plan.”

  “Oh, Mike.” She shooed. “It’s just being practical.” She opened the car door and bounded out the seat. “Come on. I want to show you all the animals inside. There are dogs, cats, a miniature pig…”

  “A pig?” I echoed. “No pigs, please.” I laughed. “I have a feeling our house will be overrun by animals if you move in.”

  “Our house,” she repeated. “I like the sound of that.” Her lips widened with a brilliant smile. “And then they’d be our pets, not just mine.”

  I pulled her body to mine, squeezed her ass, and then I winked. “Yes. One big, happy family.”

  * * *

  Author’s Note

  I hope you enjoyed Mike and Allana’s story in BLAZE.

  Book seven is next, COMBUST. If you’ve read previous books in the series, you’ll be reacquainted with many of them, such as Nike and Maya. If not, I recommend you read SMOLDER and FIRE to get the most out of the next book.

  Read more about COMBUST!

  Be sure to sign up for my newsletter, so you don’t miss any new releases, which are often released at a discount! New subscribers also receive a free read.

  www.lisacarlislebooks.com

  Acknowledgments

  As always, I am so grateful to everyone who helps make each book possible. Huge thanks to my fellow authors, critique partners, editors, beta readers, ARC readers, Street Team, and you, the reader! Thank you for spending time with me in these worlds with characters I love.

  About the Author

  USA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle loves stories with dark, brooding heroes and independent heroines. For much of her professional career, she’s written non-fiction — but she’s discovered writing romance is the most fun. Her romances have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Reviews and the Romance Reviews.

  When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She served in the Marines in Okinawa, Japan, backpacked alone through Europe, and lived in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s now married to a fantastic man, and they have two kids, two cats, and too many fish.

  Visit her website for more on books, trailers, playlists, and more:

  Lisacarlislebooks.com

  Sign up for her newsletter to hear about new releases, specials, and freebies:

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  Lisa loves to connect with readers. You can find her on:

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