Crash: Crash & Burn Duet Book 1 (Shaken)

by Grahame Claire

  More sniffles. “Me too. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  I closed my eyes as I dropped the phone on the seat beside me. The blows just kept on coming. I missed him too. It seemed impossible he was gone. I understood what it was like to lose someone, but I’d been too young to have to deal with the arrangements.

  What strength Ellen had.

  My mind drifted back to the days after my mother died. Had it been hard on my father? I honestly couldn’t remember anything but his blank expression at the funeral.

  I dreaded tomorrow.

  Which was completely unfair. I owed it to Cassano to pay my respects, but I hated funerals and all the memories they brought back. All the uncontrollable emotions. I’d learned to wrangle them on a daily basis, though they came at me no matter what.

  At least Beau would be there.

  Tap. Tap. Tap.

  Burke’s face pressed against the window. I jumped, beyond startled, and flipped him the bird. He laughed.

  “Thought you had a family emergency?” he asked as I opened the door into him.

  “Wasn’t what I thought,” I said gruffly. It was worse, but I needed to take my brother’s advice and not do anything to push our father into a frenzy.

  “Captain was so pissed when you left, he was muttering to himself.”

  I scowled. That wasn’t good. I clapped Burke on the back. “Here’s hoping I don’t get suspended again.” I faked being at ease.

  “How many you got left?” He shoved me.

  I stumbled and flipped him off again. “Pretty sure I’m about out.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Pepper

  “Umm, wow.”

  The second we’d gotten on the elevator of Daniel and Vivian’s apartment building, I’d tried not to touch anything. It was posh and . . . I was far from it.

  But when I stepped into their penthouse, it was like being transported to another world. Even in movies, I’d never seen anything like this.

  The living room had no furniture, just as he’d promised only a couple hours ago. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided a view of the city that was breathtaking.

  Vivian elbowed me in the side. “I felt the same way the first time I saw it.”

  They were so down-to-earth. Well, Daniel was a little scary, but they were good people.

  But even in the grandeur of the apartment, something odd stuck out to me. It felt like a home.

  “What do you think?” Muriella asked, gesturing to the open space. “If it’s not big enough, we have the floor below and our family also has several apartments in the building.”

  Not big enough? The entire rescue could fit in this room.

  I put my hands behind my back and took a tentative step forward. I didn’t want to dirty anything. “Should I take off my shoes?”

  “If it’ll make you feel more at home.” Vivian linked her arm through mine and dragged me farther into the room. “Will this work?”

  I looked around at all of them. These people were normally the picture of confidence, but they all seemed to be anxious to hear my verdict. Like they truly cared if I approved of this space for the dogs.

  “It’s . . .” Vivian leaned in while I tried to find adequate words. “Fantastic.” So that wasn’t the most articulate, nevertheless it was the truth.

  She relaxed against me. “Think they’ll like the window?”

  “They’ll love it. I just hope you have a lot of glass cleaner.” I tried to contain my excitement. This was just a temporary home until we could get that inspector off our backs, but it was a relief knowing we wouldn’t have to be hiding the dogs in closets or cars or wherever we could find.

  “My grandmama made me clean windows every Saturday,” Stone said. “I’m great at it.”

  “Good to know.” I laughed before I walked along the perimeter. “If you’re okay with having them loose in this area, we have enough beds to set up here.” I motioned toward the wide opening between the living room and foyer. “I think we have enough gates to partition this off.” I glanced down. “I am concerned about the floor. These hardwoods and dog nails . . .”

  “Do they like rugs?”

  Once again, Daniel caught me off guard with his question. For such a closed-off man, he seemed to catalog everything.

  “That would be okay. I’d be more comfortable if we could preserve the integrity of the floor,” I said.

  Vivian dragged me down the hall that forked off from the foyer and living room. She flipped a light switch when we were halfway down it and pointed at the floor. “Does this look like we’re worried about puppy writing on the floor?”

  There was a long gash in the hardwood and another shorter one not too far away.

  “No,” I finally said. How had we gotten so lucky to have these people in our lives?

  “If a rug is better for them, that’s what we’ll get. But don’t you worry for one second about a few little dings.”

  I released a breath. “Thank you.”

  Daniel appeared at the end of the hallway. “We’ll get everything set up tonight. Tomorrow we’ll transport the dogs here.”

  I wouldn’t be able to watch the dogs 24/7, but they’d be in loving hands.

  I had Miss Adeline and the dogs. That was more than some people ever had. Family took all shapes and forms. I wouldn’t trade mine for anything.

  But it could grow.

  “Make a list of everything we need to have here and what we need to do every day,” Vivian said.

  “Like you’ll look at that.” Muriella gave Vivian the side eye.

  “It was for you. So you can tell me what I need to do,” she shot back.

  “I’ll introduce you to Paul and you’ll have access to the building any time you need it,” Daniel interjected, apparently good at refereeing.

  I nodded. “I hope we can get this situation sorted sooner rather than later. I’m sure you’ll want your living room back.”

  “Pshh.” Vivian flicked her hand down. “We never use it.”

  I shifted on my feet. “I should get back, but thank you.”

  “I’ll give you a ride,” Stone offered.

  “No,” I said quickly. “I appreciate it. I’m good though.”

  “Let me walk you out.”

  Arguing with Daniel was another story. His tone left no room for it.

  “Thank you all again.”

  “We’re happy to help. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need,” Muriella said.

  “Okay.” I shoved my hands in the pockets of my overalls. “And I promise I won’t let Miss Adeline come over here. If I do, you’ll have a permanent houseguest.” Although that could backfire. She’d love to be pampered just as much as I knew the dogs would be.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Teague

  I’m only here to get my suit.

  Then why was I creeping past Grey Paws instead of parking my truck and heading for my loft?

  A few lights were on inside, despite the late hour. Pepper moved about with a leash over her shoulder. She was talking to someone, but I couldn’t tell if it was Miss Adeline or one of the dogs.

  Honk. Honk.

  She looked out at the street when the car behind me blared its horn. They could stick it. Except I’d likely been busted. My truck wasn’t exactly discreet.

  She continued to look out the window. I crept by, only glancing at the street ahead to make sure I didn’t hit one of the parked cars.

  The horn blasted again.

  I rolled down my window and motioned the driver around. They wheeled past with another honk and a one-finger salute. How kind of them to tell me I was number one.

  Pepper remained fixed on me until I was past. Something about seeing her, even from afar, soothed me.

  Despite the time, I found a parking spot a few blocks away. Just before I opened the door, I checked the rearview mirror. Headlights flicked off.

  There hadn’t been an open spot or I would’ve taken it. Were they in the street?

 
That black car I kept seeing and my father were making me paranoid.

  I shook it off and hustled to my loft.

  Except once I was inside, I didn’t go upstairs to grab my clothes.

  I strode straight out the back into the alley.

  As I lifted a hand to knock on the door to Grey Paws, it swung open. I jumped out of the way.

  Pepper let out a strangled cry and dropped the trash bag in her grasp.

  “Sorry,” I whispered.

  “Teague?” She peered at me in the dim light of the alley. “What are you doing here? You scared me to death.”

  “I—” I plowed my fingers through my hair. “I don’t know what I’m doing here.” Besides tempting trouble.

  She looked around again. “Where’s your truck?”

  “Out there.” I motioned to the building like it was an up and over gesture.

  I took the trash bag handle from her and hefted it into the nearby dumpster.

  She remained blocking the entrance as she propped the door open. Was she keeping me out? Was that why I wanted in so much?

  “Hey, you don’t have on a jacket.” I shrugged mine off my shoulders.

  She backed inside. “I’m letting all the heat out.”

  The opening shrank, but she didn’t close the door in my face.

  I stuck my foot out to keep it from clicking shut, and she held it open.

  A shrill bark rang out.

  And it wasn’t Sadie bossing everyone around.

  Ash was on her feet, digging at the bottom of her kennel door to get to me. I strode over and crouched. She licked my fingers through the gate.

  “May I?” I touched the latch.

  Pepper nodded. “She needs to go for a walk. And she might like a snack.”

  I pushed up the lever.

  Ash sprinted out, tackling me to the floor. She licked at my face, my arm, my neck . . . anywhere she could reach.

  All the other dogs checked to see what the commotion was about.

  “Hey.” I rubbed down her wiggling body. “How’s my girl?”

  She sat on my lap, even though she didn’t fit, and swiped her big tongue over my cheek.

  I laughed and wiped away the slobber. “That good, huh?”

  She burrowed against me, her tail slapping my side.

  “Have you been eating?”

  “Better, but she didn’t eat much dinner.” Pepper leaned against the counter with her arms crossed. Her stress was palpable. I sensed the wall she’d erected around herself in the past couple of days.

  But I got it.

  She needed to block out her feelings so she could survive.

  “Are you hungry?”

  Ash licked my face again.

  “Guess that’s a yes.” I laughed again. It occurred to me that for a minute, she’d helped me forget the crappy things happening all around me.

  Pepper prepared a bowl of food and sat on the floor beside us. Ash gobbled it up before she handed the dish to me.

  She shook her head. There was relief and worry in her expression all at once. “What if I can’t get her to eat without you?”

  “I won’t let her starve.” I didn’t know how I’d make that happen, but I would.

  She fiddled with the corduroy fabric on the leg of her overalls. I hated the heavy burden she seemed to carry and that I’d done anything to add to that weight.

  “I heard about what happened.” The apology was in my voice, but there weren’t enough sorrys in the world to adequately convey just how much I was.

  She snapped her head up. “Did Miss Adeline call you?”

  “No.” Part of me wondered if I was honest if I’d lose my source of information. “I’ve known Daniel a long time.”

  She narrowed her eyes as if staring at me would give her all the answers she was looking for. Pieces seemed to click into place. “Do you happen to know anything about why they showed up out of the blue?” She put air quotes around out of the blue.

  “Were they helpful?” I was a little afraid if I answered yes what she might do . . . like kill me with her death glare.

  “Did you ask them to keep the dogs?” Her words were hesitant, like she wasn’t sure if she wanted to know the truth.

  “No.” If I’d have known the situation, I would’ve . . . or I’d have figured something else out.

  She nodded, seemingly satisfied. “It’s like they showed up at just the right moment.”

  I couldn’t take total responsibility for that, but at least through them, I’d been there for her.

  “It’s okay to ask for help.”

  “I know that,” she snapped, then sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m cranky to have to shuffle the dogs when they’re finally getting settled.”

  I slung an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. She leaned her head against mine. Ash rested in my lap.

  A quiet contentment surrounded us despite all the chaos. It was a moment of peace . . . of hope that everything would be okay.

  “I’m so scared.” Her wretched whisper nearly broke me. “I can’t lose them.”

  Ash licked Pepper’s hand in support.

  “You won’t.”

  How could I say that with confidence? I had no idea what would happen. I’d do everything in my power to make sure she didn’t, but what my father ordained always happened.

  And I was a terrible person for letting my negativity steal the hope I should’ve projected.

  “I trust Daniel and Vivian, but I should be the one looking after the dogs. We’re already spread so thin. How am I going to do that when they’re in two places?”

  I closed my eyes, hating how torn apart she was. What was there to say? How could I make this right for her?

  “They’ll be in a penthouse for goodness sake, but I’m still worried.” And that worry was carved into every single syllable she spoke. “They’re my family.”

  Something in me snapped. Anger like I’d never known sliced through me in vicious streaks. She shouldn’t have to be scared. She didn’t deserve this fresh hell.

  I wrapped my other arm around her and pulled her close. It was awkward. And I squeezed the life out of her. But I needed to comfort her.

  “I’ve known Daniel and now Vivian for quite some time. And if there is one thing they do exceptionally well, it’s rally around those they care for. And they don’t do anything halfway. So, just know that they will be the ones bending over backwards to help you. They won’t think of this as a burden. That's just the people they are. And I’m thinking that it will be okay if you let down your incredible work ethic for a moment and take the reprieve they’re giving you.” Just like I’m taking this moment as a reprieve from my screwed-up life.

  “I’ll try,” she whispered. “I’ll try.”

  After a minute, she relaxed against my chest. I kissed the top of her head. She slid her arms around my waist and held me as tight as I was holding her.

  Eventually her labored breathing turned even. Her hold on me loosened as a soft snore escaped her. Ash looked up at me. Some sort of unspoken understanding passed between us. She wanted me to stay.

  I nodded, and she too closed her eyes. As I looked around the space, I tried to remain still. Everyone was asleep.

  I had no idea if anyone had been walked . . . or if I should risk waking Pepper by attempting to take everyone out.

  They were quiet. Peaceful.

  So I kept her in my embrace. Reveled at the feel of her in my arms.

  She was warm. As much a comfort to me as I hoped I was to her. It was easy to see why she loved this place. Loved these animals.

  She was doing good but not for the glory of it. Because it was right. It was her reason and purpose. She didn’t have to utter those words to me. I saw it every single time I was with her.

  I didn’t have many heroes. Respect was something I didn’t give easily.

  But Pepper? Miss Adeline? What they did with fearlessness, no matter how tired they got?

  I admired their tenacity and drive.r />
  And if the best thing I could do was hold Pepper so she could get some rest, so be it.

  Because this right here . . . I wanted to hang on to this moment for as long as I could.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Pepper

  Sniff. Sniff. Sniff.

  Reluctantly, I opened my eyes as the familiar sound greeted me. Luminous gray eyes looked at me, a big dark nose working in overtime. What is Ash doing out?

  What wasn’t familiar was our bed.

  My head was on one side and hers on the other of a broad chest. My arm was over a taut stomach, and her paw rested on an opposite ab.

  I risked a glance up.

  Teague.

  The last thing I remembered was being burrowed into his comforting embrace. Now, we were sprawled on the floor, surrounded by dogs.

  And my heart clenched.

  Because he fit right into the place where I was most comfortable.

  His chest rose and fell in a steady and sure rhythm. The worry lines on his face were smoothed away by sleep. Yet his arms were braced around me and Ash, protective even when he was asleep.

  I didn’t want to need him.

  Dependency was a dangerous thing.

  But I liked he was here.

  Liked that instead of the weight of responsibility I normally woke up to, I felt inspired and ready to tackle the day.

  Because I was rested.

  Renewed.

  And supported.

  The pile of dogs lifted their heads in sync.

  Miss Adeline stood in the doorway. I started to sit up, but she put a finger to her lips. My cheeks got hot at being caught in this position. Boy was I going to hear about this later.

  Her gaze was mischievous, yet pleased in a way I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen. She lifted a leash in a silent I’ll start walking the dogs and grabbed her coat.

  Sadie, tired of being ignored, barked. And barked. And barked.

  Teague stirred.

  I froze, uncertain if I should scramble away when all I really wanted to do was stay.

  When his brown eyes locked on mine, I couldn’t move. Through the haze of sleep there was an intensity I’d never seen before. But I felt it.