Zach
Haley’s porcelain leg hung over the side of the hammock. Her toes brushed the top of the grass as the nylon fabric swung back and forth. Holding the phone to her ear with one hand, she waved her other hand as she chatted away on the phone. “Aunt Joji, a family vacation would be so much fun.”
So much about Haley was animated and fun. I was a lucky man.
That wasn’t the first mention of a family reunion-type vacation. I’d have to warn Hank. If Joji planned it, she’d conveniently forget that Hank and Nacha were no longer happily married. Poor Hank still wouldn’t talk about the wedding weekend at the resort.
I opened the barbeque pit and shifted the coals. Another half hour and we’d be feasting.
A car door closed out front, and I slipped inside and closed the back door. Hopefully, Aunt Joji would keep Haley talking for a bit longer.
I pulled open the door before the guy had a chance to knock.
He smiled. “Zach Gallagher?”
“That’s me.” I shook his hand, my gaze fixed on the puppy attached to the leash in his other hand. “Thank you so much for bringing him over.”
“A surprise, huh?”
“Yeah, for my wife.” I dropped to my knees and scratched the pup behind the ears. “She’s going to love you. Waldo won’t, but don’t get your feelings hurt.”
“Looks like you’ve already filled out everything. So, he’s all yours.” He handed me a folder.
I grabbed the end of the leash. “The card that they had on his pen, is that in here?” Riffling through the papers, I found it. “Yes. I see it.”
“Enjoy.” The man gave the dog a pat on the head before walking back to the car.
I dropped down onto the front step. “The card says your name is Comet.”
The puppy’s tail wagged at the mention of his name.
“I’m hoping you won’t mind if we call you CJ.”
That tail continued swinging from side to side.
“You ready to meet Haley? I think you’ll love her. I do.” I pushed open the front door. “I have a whole bunch of stuff for you stashed in the garage. But we’ll pull that out later.”
I pulled the card out of the folder and dropped the rest of the paperwork on the sofa. As we walked out the back door, Haley wrapped up her conversation.
“Love you too. Bye.” She swung her other leg over the side, and my breath caught. She only wore those little shorts at home when no one else was around. I wanted to believe it was because she knew I loved them. Correction. I loved the way she looked in them.
Looking at her phone as she walked toward the porch, she hadn’t noticed me or my little friend.
I unhooked his leash. “Go say hi.”
The smartest dog I’d ever met jogged toward my favorite girl.
She froze when he sat down near her feet. Her phone hit the ground as she dropped to her knees. “Hello there.” She let him lick her face before finally looking up. “Please don’t say we’re pet-sitting for one of your friends.”
“He’s yours.”
She jumped up and patted her leg as she ran to me. I opened my arms, and she flung her arms around my neck. “Thank you. This yard needs a dog.”
“It was a completely impulsive move. I’m not even sure what we’ll do with him when we go camping next weekend.”
“He’ll come with us. He can sleep in our tent.”
That did not fit with my plan for camping, but I’d figure something out.
CJ barked when Haley kissed me. If he kept that up, he’d drive my neighbors crazy.
She knelt down again and hugged the dog. “What’s his name?”
I held out the card. “I think we should call him CJ.”
“Oh, Zach.” She slapped a hand over her mouth, and tears pooled in her eyes. “No wonder you adopted him.”
“And see that note down there. He loves carrots . . . just like me.”
With one arm around the dog, she held out her other arm. I knelt beside her and joined the family huddle.
“I think CJ is perfect for little Comet Junior.” She could even read my mind. “Remember when I said you were the most romantic man ever?”
I nodded. I’d never forget that night.
“I wasn’t wrong.” She kissed me again, and CJ started barking.
The neighbors were going to hate us if the dog barked every time we kissed.
She pulled back, and CJ quieted. “I’m not sure if he’s excited about me kissing you or jealous.”
“If he’s jealous, we’re going to have a problem.”
Waldo skirted the edge of the porch, looking none too happy.
“Speaking of jealous.” She giggled and snuggled CJ.
“Me? Never!” I winked.
She wrapped her arms around my waist. “I love you, Zach.”
“And I’m glad.” I picked her up and pressed my lips to hers.
CJ went nuts.
A Note to Readers
Thank you for reading! This was such a fun story to write. And I’d love to have Zach’s porch.
If you loved the story, would you consider leaving a review at your favorite retailer or on Goodreads or Bookbub?
I apologize if the book makes you crave brisket. My husband smoked one while I was writing the book, and I may or may not have sniffed his shirt.
Two Words I’d Never Say Again, Nacha’s story, is next in the series.
My other romantic comedy series is set on a ranch right near Stadtburg. Characters from this series show up in that one. If you haven’t read Wrangled by Lilith, grab a copy today!
Buy WRANGLED BY LILITH now >
Be sure to check out my website at www.RemiCarrington.com for information about upcoming releases and to see my other books.
Also by Remi Carrington
Never Say Never
Three Things I’d Never Do
One Guy I’d Never Date
Two Words I’d Never Say Again
One Choice I’d Never Make
Three Rules I’d Never Break
Two Risks I’d Never Take Again
Stargazer Springs Ranch
Love happens at Stargazer Springs Ranch. Fall in love with cowboys and spunky women.
Bluebonnets & Billionaires series
Swoon-worthy heroes with lots of money (and even more heart) will have you sighing, laughing, and falling in love.
Christmas Stories
What better time than the holidays for falling in love?
Pamela Humphrey, who writes as Remi Carrington, also releases books under her own name. Visit PhreyPress.com for more information about her books.
About the Author
Remi Carrington is a figment of Pamela Humphrey's imagination. She loves romance & chocolate, enjoys disappearing into a delicious book, and considers people-watching a sport. She was born in the pages of the novel Just You and then grew into an alter ego.
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She writes sweet romance set in Texas. Her books are part of the Phrey Press imprint.
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