Going in Deep (Billionaire Bad Boys 4)

“That’s okay. We know each other,” Julian said. “And I’m sure I’m surprising Kendall. But the truth is I work from home. I’m around most of the day. It’s lonely and I’ve been wanting a pet for a while. Coming here to talk to you just pushed the idea to the forefront of my mind.”

Kendall narrowed her gaze, uncertain of his sudden decision. “You need two references,” she said, wondering if the process would deter him.

He shrugged. “Not a problem.”

“A dog is a lifetime commitment. Are you sure you want a pet and not an excuse to come here?” She had to ask.

He placed the pen down and folded his arms across his broad chest. “One hundred percent certain.”

From her seat at the desk, Kendall felt Josie’s shocked gaze following their conversation.

“We don’t do same-day adoptions,” Kendall went on, explaining their rules.

He shrugged. “I’ll come back tomorrow.”

He had an answer for everything. And his gaze never left hers.

“Did you pick out a pet?” She hadn’t seen him in the back, but then she’d been up to her elbows in dog diarrhea.

“I was just about to ask you to walk him back and show him around,” Josie said. “I have an appointment with Madeline Ostrasky.” The shelter’s biggest donor.

Which meant Kendall would have to be the one to escort Julian around. She shot him a glare, annoyed, though it wasn’t his fault they’d been paired up. He couldn’t have been certain she’d be the one he ended up working with.

He might want a pet, but she had a feeling if he hadn’t gotten to see her today, he’d just have shown up again. And again. For some reason, he’d decided the time had come to be pers

istent.

Which meant she was going to have to listen to what he had to say. “Come on,” Kendall said. “I’ll show you our pups.”

He followed her out back, and she stopped short, wanting to hear his thoughts before she showed him the dogs. “Do you have any idea what kind of dog you’re looking for? Big? Small? Are you still in your one-bedroom? There’s not much room there for a bigger dog,” she said before he could formulate a reply.

He grinned at her overzealousness. “I just want a companion dog. One I can take on walks and one who’ll be just as happy hanging around when I have to work.”

“Are you sure—”

“Kendall.” He cut her off. “I know what I want.” His gaze zeroed in on hers, his dual meaning clear.

His want extended to her, as well, and her entire body trembled in reaction, her nipples puckering beneath her tee shirt.

“Okay. Let’s walk through,” she said, quickly turning away. She bypassed the larger dogs, the ones who needed room to run, and slowed when she approached the runs with the small- to medium-size dogs, standing back so he could look without her interference. “Just ask if you have any questions.”

“Thank you.” He walked back and forth, pausing at different dogs, talking to them over the barking that inevitably ensued just by virtue of their presence.

He paused by Monty’s crate. “Is he okay?” he asked of the dog lying in the corner.

“His stomach is upset. The vet’s coming this afternoon. I’m worried about him,” she admitted. “His name’s Monty.”

“Hey, boy. Monty, come here.” Julian knelt down, but the mixed breed wasn’t moving.

Julian moved on, going back and forth between a few dogs before stopping by Steve’s pen. “Him.” He pointed at the gray puppy. “Can I go in and see him?”

Her heart skipped a beat, torn by her feelings. Happy someone was interested in her boy and sad because if Julian picked Steve to adopt and took him home, she’d never see him again.

She swallowed hard and opened the door with her key. “This is Steve,” she said as they entered, and the dog with the weird floppy ears jumped up to greet them. “He’s a pit mix, which has made his adoption difficult. Families don’t tend to want pit bulls.”

“But look at that face.” Julian knelt down so he was eye level with the dog, who proceeded to sniff him all over. Julian patiently waited, giving Steve time to become familiar with his scent. “So it’s Steve?” he asked, confirming the name.

“Yes. His owner said he had problems training him and left him here, but to be honest, he’s been a great dog from day one. I walk the dogs, and I can tell you he’s easy to train, picks up commands quickly, and wants to please.”