the public when no one wanted to help an innocent, battered animal?
Bastards.
“Why are you suddenly worried about a dog?” his partner asked suspiciously. “You hate dogs. Is this because you’re trying to get Arilyn into bed?”
Was it? No. He’d bed her anyway, but he couldn’t let her down. He’d promised. Stone glared at his friend. “Nah. I told her I’d take care of it.”
Devine nodded. Both of them understood the power of a promise. A man’s word meant shit in today’s society, but they still believed in the dream. Kind of medieval, maybe, but if it was the only thing he brought to this world as his footprint, he’d go to the grave trying. “You’re screwed, man. Everyone’s busy and broke. No one takes dogs in for a few weeks and gives them up.”
Arilyn did. Time and time again. She spent her money and her time and never questioned or whined.
Stop thinking about her.
The wedding was tomorrow. She was babysitting that other dog, and Anthony had run out of options. So had Stone.
On cue, his cell rang.
Cursing, he answered. “Yeah?”
“Did you find a place for Pinky?”
He closed his eyes. With his next words, he’d put himself on a path of regret and inconvenience and aggravation he really didn’t need.
Fuck.
“Yeah. I’ll take her for the two weeks.”
He heard her breath catch. Then her voice—rich, silky, melodic—poured out of the receiver. “Thank you, Stone. I know what it cost you to do this. And I’ll never forget it.”
Oh, yeah, she was good. Real good. And he was toast. “Yeah. Sure. What do I need to do?”
“I’ll bring her over in the morning. I’ll have all the stuff you need, and I’ll help you, I swear. You won’t regret this.”
Yeah. He would. He hated dogs, was terrified of them, and now he was sheltering one in his bachelor pad. Ugh.
“Arilyn?”
“Yeah?”
He gave a low growl. “You better make this worth it.”
Stone wondered if she’d get pissy with him or hang up. Instead, she drawled her answer in a way that made his dick stiffen and his body go on full alert.
“I will. But you better bring it.”
The phone clicked.
Hot damn.
Devine smirked. “Guess you’re taking the dog, huh?”
“Guess so. You suck, Devine.”
“Have fun at the wedding, Petty.”
Stone walked off, grinning.
“KATE? THEY’RE READY.”
Her friend turned, a smile lighting up her face. Arilyn forgot to breathe. The vision before her was familiar, yet not.
“How do I look?”
Arilyn shook her head, tears pricking her eyes. “So beautiful I can’t even talk.” Her silvery hair caught up in an elaborate twist, the veil spilled past her bare shoulders in bridal glory, highlighting the clean, elegant lines of the dress. Like Kate, the gown was classic, with its fitted bodice and a crisscross of shimmering pearls and diamonds cinching the waist, then falling gloriously to the floor in perfect sheer chiffon. The crystal-embedded peekaboo heels added to her graceful stature. She held a small bouquet of cocoa and pink roses.
Kennedy sniffed. “So beautiful that Slade will try to rush you through the reception. But we won’t let him.” With her rich caramel hair and sleek curves, the chocolate bridesmaid dress with its gorgeous pink sash looked perfect. They’d all been crazy over the dresses from the moment Kate showed them. With a flattering V-neck, the dark brown chiffon held a top layer of gold shimmer to make them look as if they were lit up. Dark pink accessories gave the classic color a unique makeover.
Slade’s sister, Jane, fanned her hand in front of her face. “I don’t want to ruin my makeup, but I’m so happy you came into our lives. Not only are you now family, but you helped me meet the love of my life.”
Jane had signed up for Kinnections to meet her soul mate. In an effort to protect his sister from a broken heart, Slade had stormed in and demanded Kate match him to prove the business wasn’t a scam. Kate did. With herself. Sometimes, when Arilyn was lonely at night, she’d think of Kate’s story and soothe herself with the possibility that anything can happen.
Kate laughed. “Without you, I’d never have met Slade. I love you, Jane, just like a sister. And no crying or I’ll never stop!” She steadied herself and drew in a deep breath. “Mom, tell them I’m ready.”
Madeline, Kate’s mother, gave a long sigh. “Are you sure you don’t want some marijuana just for the walk down the aisle, sweetheart? I don’t want you to be tense.”