Perfect Risk (Mason Creek #1) - C.A. Harms Page 0,16

Murphy!

Not only would I be sharing a drive with him, but I would also see him most likely on a daily basis. Passing one another as we moved around, seeing him working in the yard, and worse than that, if something went wrong it would be him I would have to communicate with.

The house was perfect, but how was I going to do this?

The sound of a horn honking from behind had me jerking, as my hands flew out before me and I practically hit my head on the low roof of my tiny Prius. Turning around I looked behind me, once I was able to calm my racing heart and grimaced. Sitting behind me, staring back at me was none other than Wyatt himself.

Well, here goes nothing.

I slowly pressed the gas and with each roll of my tires I felt myself panicking even more. There was no way around this, I could do it. I could face him. Yes, I was mentally talking myself up, giving myself a much needed pep talk.

I parked my car, and when I looked over toward the truck next to me, all I could see was a tire. A missive one at that, it dwarfed my little car.

With newfound determination, I pushed open my car door, stepped out onto the driveway and suddenly I am pounced, or tackled, however you want to look at it. My back slammed against the side of my car and I let out a surprised yelp. My arms flying out in the space at me sides, my feet almost slipping out from beneath me.

Two very large paws were on my waist and the biggest set of dog eyes I’d ever seen were staring back at me.

“Gus!” I was frozen, even when Wyatt rushed to my aide and somehow removed the massive dog that had me pinned to my car. “No!”

He tugged the dog by his collar, leading him away from me. I didn't move, I couldn’t. I was still shocked at what had taken place. My once pale blue shirt now had two dirt marks smeared down it and there was a slobbery mess pooling in the center.

Could this entire situation get any worse?

Chapter Nine

Wyatt

* * *

I should have put Gus up, but I never expected Sadie to show up already. She was just giving the keys less than an hour ago. Truth was I was still shocked that she even took the rental knowing that it was me who was renting it.

After shoving Gus inside the back door, I made sure the door was latched and I hurried back to ensure Sadie was okay. Finding her still leaning back against her car I proceeded with caution, not sure if she’d lash out. I can’t say that I’d blame her if she did.

As if she needed any more reasons to hate me.

“I’m sorry.” I moved in closer. “Are you okay?”

“Do I look okay?” With wide eyes she looked over herself before lifting her gaze to meet mine. “Was that a dog, or a bear?”

I chuckled but when Sadie glared at me, I realized she wasn’t joking.

“That’s Gus, he’s a happy pup, he loves people.”

“Pup,” she said and laughed, only this time I didn’t bite. “Monster is more like it.”

I wanted to tell her he was harmless, but it wouldn’t help. Gus is a playful boy, but I’ll admit this first introduction to Sadie was anything but good.

I remained silent, afraid to speak.

“This was a mistake.” Her words were low, but clear. “I should have paid attention.”

“I should have made sure he was up, it’s my fault.”

“I’m not talking about this,” she said, waving her hand over the front of her, bringing attention to the mud smeared all over the front of her shirt. She finally moved away from her car. I noticed the way she looked back at the house, and then to her car. “I’m talking about the house, me, you. I never would have…” Letting out a slow deep breath, she lifted her gaze to meet mine once more.

“Never would have what?”

I waited for her to continue. After what felt like forever, I watched as she squared her shoulders and her chest rose and fell with one deep breath. “This is the only place I found that I truly loved.”

Sadie seemed torn, which confused me.

“The idea of living above or beneath someone else, hearing their entire conversation when all I really want to do is relax is the exact opposite of what I want in a home.