Manaconda 2: The Second Coming(31)

I tucked Cujo into the crook of my arm as I climbed the steps. When I got to the top, I winked at Kenny at the podium.

“And here he is at last.”

The crowd cheered. People were settled on blankets, strollers were being rocked, and children were playing with dogs near the lake. A sea of people.

Christ, I hope she said yes.

“And say hello to my new boyfriend,” I waved, “Cujo.”

“Hey!” I said and the crowd laughed.

Could you actually sweat through a shirt in two minutes? I was pretty sure you could. I cleared my throat. “So, what do you think of our superstars today?” I stopped at Snickers and patted his head.

The crowd clapped.

I tore away the paper hanging from his neck. The oversized brass tag had a “W” on it.

Kenny frowned, but went with it. “Isn’t he adorable? Snickers was the top of his class this last month.”

I moved down to the next dog and tore off his paper. The “I” jangled with the rest of the German Shepherd’s collar and tags.

Kenny grinned. “Isn’t Isaiah gorgeous? He came to Love & Paws after his owner died suddenly.” The crowd made sympathetic noises. “He’s perfect for a home with kids. Lots of energy and just a giant marshmallow.”

Most of the dogs were tagged with the right letter as I went down the line. It was difficult to find enough dogs that would behave next to others for me to spell out what I needed to.

Cujo pranced and preened along behind me. Totally playing up to the crowd with all his little tricks.

When I got to the last dog Kenny stopped talking. The question mark tag on the Alaskan Malamute made her come out from the podium.

A murmur went through the crowd, followed by laughter and clapping.

I didn’t look away from her, even when her hand went up to her mouth and she looked down and away.

“Kenny?”

She turned to me, her eyelashes starred.

Cujo shot through my legs. He ran in circles around Kenny until she bent to pick him up.

Two long strides and I was there in front of her. “What do you say?”

She gripped my shirt. “I can’t believe you.”

“Will you marry me?”

“Yes.” She laughed when Cujo popped up between us and licked her face with a small whine. “Not bad tears.” She nuzzled the wiggling dog. “Good tears.”

“Only good tears. I told you.” I held up the newest member of our family.

“Oh, Hunter.” She lifted the ring hanging from the ribbon on Cujo’s chest.

“Like it?”

Her eyes were huge and brimming again. “Love it.”

I untied the ribbon, the platinum and diamond winking in the sun. I dropped down to one knee in front of her. The crowd cheered as she nodded again.

Then all the dogs ambushed me. I held up my arm as I went down. “Take it!” I yelled.

She laughed and plucked the ring out of my hand.

The crowd laughed. Isaiah came barreling through the pile and pinned me to the stage, licking my face. The rest of the dogs piled on.

“You’re not going to help me?”

“Nope.” She slid the ring on her finger and held it up to look at. “I’m busy.”

I pushed away the doggie faces. “This is not the kiss I thought I was getting.” I broke through and dragged her down on top of me.

“You’re covered in dog drool.” She leaned away.

“Too bad.”

She laughed, using her sleeve to wipe my face.

“I’m good now?”

“You’re good.” She wound her arms around my neck. “I love you, you idiot.”

“Your forever idiot.”

“My forever idiot.”



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Manhandled





My name is Faith Keystone, but my friends call me Keys.

I’m the piano player for Hammered.

Did I mention I'm the only female in my band?

That means I technically have five older brothers.

Can't forget my manager and security team, too.

Alone time is nonexistent.

I escaped an overbearing family to join this happy circus, and most of the time it's awesome.

Except now, because of one teensy little incident at a show.

Now I have this hulking bodyguard shadowing me like a freaking puppy.

Only this puppy is more like a Doberman with an attitude problem.

And he only knows one word—NO.

I hate that word.

And I hate Quinn Alexander.

The one thing I do like is giving him the slip. Is it wrong that I kinda like when he growls at me after he finds me?

Because he always finds me.

Worst of all? I want him so bad that I keep forgetting I hate him.