The Peer and the Puppet (When Rivals Play, #1) (75)
My hands found my hips as I stared him down. “I don’t need your permission.”
“No, but you need my father’s, and I can already tell based on that shit pile you didn’t even notice that it’s not happening. Take your mutt back to the pound.”
“He didn’t come from the pound. He lost his mom,” I said while charging him. I made sure to step around the turd Jay D dropped so that I wouldn’t make Ever’s point. I now stood toe to toe and had to lift my chin to meet his eyes. “And Jay D isn’t going anywhere.”
“Jay D? What kind of fucking name is Jay D?”
“I named him after Joey Dunlop, my favorite rider, and I don’t need your approval.”
“What you need is a better name.”
“Why are you still standing here?”
“Why are you still talking?”
“I hate you,” I said with all the fervor I could muster.
“No, Four. You only wish you did.”
“You’re mighty full of yourself today.” I didn’t give him a chance to respond as it was then, through the trees, Jay D spotted Thomas’s BMW speeding up the path and decided to run to meet it.
“Jay D! No!”
Thomas didn’t slow as I raced to catch my puppy. My heart seemed to pound in tune to Jay D’s barks as he ran straight for the BMW’s tires.
“Four!”
I heard Ever roar my name, but I had to save Jay D. Just a couple hundred feet from the speeding BMW, he finally stopped with a wagging tail. I scooped him up in my arms, happy that he was okay. It wasn’t until I heard Ever scream my name again that I remembered the car racing toward me. Tires squealed when Thomas slammed on the brakes just as Ever’s arms found my waist and pulled us out of harm’s way.
“Are you out of your mind?” he yelled. His eyes were crazy wild when he turned me around.
“Why are you screaming?”
“You just ran in front of a car for a goddamn dog. Are you that stupid?”
“Screw you.”
He grabbed my jaw and yanked me into his chest with Jay D the only barrier between us. “I just saved your life. You better have more to say than that.”
“Fine. Thanks. Now let me go.”
“You’re such a fucking brat!”
“And you’re a pompous ass!”
“Four?”
Both of us froze when we heard Thomas yell my name.
“Jesus, please say something. Are you okay?” His footsteps were closing in, and Ever was still holding me.
“I want you in my room after dinner.”
A shiver worked its way down my spine while heat bloomed between my legs.
“Don’t count on that happening.”
“Test me, Four Archer, I dare you.”
He finally put space between us just as Thomas stepped into view. He looked between Ever and me, his alarm evident. “Is she okay?”
“I’m fine,” I answered for myself.
“Why on Earth would you jump out in front of my car like that?”
“Why were you speeding?” Ever questioned his father before I could answer. His indignation was unmistakable. It was even stronger than when he had berated me.
“I have an important meeting in the city, and I left some papers in my office.” To me, Thomas said, “Are you sure you’re okay, and son, she can speak for herself.”
“I told you. I’m fine.”
“Good. Now explain what just happened.”
“Thomas…” I lifted Jay D up, and he offered a chipper bark. “Meet Jay D.”
Thomas’s gaze narrowed on my pup.
“What is that?”
“Why does no one seem to recognize a dog around here?”
Thomas’s eyebrows rose at my comment, but he chose to ignore it. “Aha…What is it doing here?”
“He needs a home.”
“Oh?”
Suddenly, I felt less confident. “I thought maybe I could give him one.”
He glanced from me to Ever and back again. “Have you discussed this with your mother?”
I stumbled over my response, completely startled by the fact that he hadn’t shot me down right away.
“Not yet.” I sounded hopeful.
“Speak to her about it, and then we’ll see.” He spun around and hurried off.
I jumped up and down and stopped only when Jay D whined.
“I wouldn’t celebrate just yet.”
“You’re still here?” I questioned with a sigh. My back was still turned to him when I felt him press against me, and it took great restraint to keep from leaning back against him.
“You should be glad that I am.”
“You’re a curse, Ever McNamara.” And hadn’t Jamie said the same when I accused him of being in love?
I turned and stared into Ever’s eyes. The pools of gold were brimming with emotion.
“Then you must be the spell to break me.”
He left me standing there and disappeared into the house. I followed behind him with Jay D in my arms, wondering if what he said was true.
“So, Four, tell me how you came into possession of this dog.”
We were all at dinner with the exception of Jamie, who had called to say he was tied up. I was afraid to know if he’d meant literally. With that boy, you never knew.