Just One Wish (The Kingston Family #4.5)(20)

“You weren’t kidding about being starving. I think you need to make time for food. It’s not good for you to be that hungry.”

She nodded. “I know, but sometimes there are emergencies, and the day just gets away from me. Did you guys work in the studio today?” she asked as she took another slice.

This time he picked up a piece for himself. “We’ve been working on music since I joined the band.” He took a bite, taking the time to chew and swallow. “The guys had songs ready, and I had to learn those and give my two cents because … that’s me. Then we wrote together, used some, tossed more… Today we finished the final song for the album.” He followed that up with another bite.

“He says so easily.” She studied him, proud of all he’d accomplished. “You’re amazing, Axel. You’ve really achieved your dreams.”

“Not all of them,” he said, meeting her gaze and holding hers captive so she was unable to look away.

His expression was serious, his lips in a set line, obviously attempting to impart a serious tone to their night.

She didn’t want that kind of date. “What are we doing after pizza?” she asked, breaking the spell he’d woven over her.

He blinked and refocused, shaking his head before he replied. “It’s a surprise but I promise it’s right up your alley.”

She wondered what he had in mind.

“If you want to find out, finish eating so we can get going,” he said, his easy grin back on his face.

A little while later, she was beyond full, the kind of full where she’d eaten faster than she’d digested and now regretted the last slice. He paid, signed autographs for a group of teenage girls who’d walked in, and they headed outside.

“Come on. Let’s walk,” he said, clasping her hand in his.

They strode along the sidewalk, talking about her day and Lucky, the dog who’d eaten chocolate, until Axel stopped in front of the pet store at the end of the row of stores where the pizza place was located.

“We’re here.” He looked through the window that had puppies playing in shredded paper, bouncing around each other.

“Why?” Confused, she turned to stare him and not the adorable dogs who were no doubt from a puppy mill and whose poor mother would still be there, suffering.

“I want to get a dog.”

She blinked. There was so much wrong with that statement she didn’t know where to begin. “I don’t… A dog? You’re never home.”

He frowned. “Give me some credit for thinking things through. I can bring the dog to Dash’s when we’re working so he or she isn’t alone. I spoke to Brent, our assistant, and he’s more than happy to watch out for him when we’re locked in the studio.”

She nodded, acknowledging he’d thought some things through. “And when you’re on tour?”

He winced at that question. “Cassidy and Sasha said they could take over. Or I could hire a pet sitter or live-in house sitter to help out, too.” He shrugged. “I love animals, Tara. You know that from when were together last. Ask Xander how much time I spend at his place just so I can hang out with Bella.”

“I’m not denying you’d be a great doggie daddy but … does your lease allow for pets?” In the house with no furniture?

He nodded. “Yeah, it does. But like I told you, that’s not my permanent place. I’ll be buying something soon.”

She bit down on her cheek. “Okay. You’re serious about this, then?”

“As a heart attack.”

She shook her head and looked at the cute puppies once more. “Then brace yourself for a lecture,” she said and explained to him about her adopt, don’t shop philosophy and why. “So in my opinion, you should go to a shelter. Unless you have allergies and need a purebred dog that doesn’t shed and is as close to hypoallergenic as you can get, in which case, I recommend a breeder.”

By the time she finished her long spiel, he was smiling and nodding in agreement. “So take me to the shelter.”

“Now?”

He nodded. “I told you, I want a dog.” His expression was earnest, his tone serious. He looked like an adorable kid who couldn’t wait to get his pet.

“Okay, look. I volunteer at Norah’s Ark Rescue. I can call and see if Norah stayed late so we can stop by.” She pulled out her phone and made the call.

Next thing she knew, she and Axel were standing in the parking lot. She’d spent the ride over trying to understand his sudden need for a dog.

“Axel, wait.” She placed a hand on his arm. “Why are you doing this?” The only reason she’d come up with was that he was trying to make a good impression on her. Why else would a man who lived the way he did suddenly want a pet?

He tipped his head to one side. “After you left, I looked around the house and saw it for the first time. I realized you’re right. It’s ridiculous I haven’t put down roots in any way. And I’ve been lonely, but I haven’t bothered to look into why. I just kept going to Xander’s… I mean, Dash set that example, but I bonded with Bella. So I decided I need a dog of my own.” He shrugged as if the simple answer made sense.

She supposed it did. “I’m just worried you don’t realize the work that goes along with owning a dog, and I’d hate for you to pass all the responsibility off to someone you pay to take care of the pet for you.”