Read Online Animal Angel by M. J. Wilson - Free Book Online

stumbled forward when he pulled back without warning. He spun on his heel, smacked his hip for Dulce to follow, and man with man’s best friend walked inside.
    Mavis stood, stunned at his abrupt exit. She swayed when a wave of dizziness rushed through her. Putting her hand on the building, she steadied herself. Oh my. That man knows how to knock the wind out of a girl.
    Mavis led a solitary life and refused to get pulled into a relationship. Anger was the defense mechanism she used to keep human contact… human love, at bay. Yet in a short time, Weston had managed to slash open her soul and dump every raw memory, every tribulation, every personal failure, every moment of loneliness, and every insecurity she fought to keep buried, out onto the sidewalk and left them there for her to sort through. Feeling again was ripping her in two. She was struggling to figure out how to shove it all back down deep inside and make these things, emotions, pricking at her heart go numb again.
    The impassioned connection between them had her craving his touch — and that terrified her. This display of hormones can’t happen again… I can’t permit it.
    Resolute in her decision, she strode inside.
    He was closing the kennel door on Dulce when she caught up with him.
    She pushed his back with her hand. “What was that?” she asked, drawing an unsteady breath.
    â€œWhat was what?” he said, turning around like he had all the time in the world.
    â€œOh… oh.” She jabbed her index finger at his chest in frustration. “Oh… you know what!” She stomped her foot.
    â€œOh… oh… oh…” he mimicked. “I don’t know, but it was great.” His grin revealed his dimples and the little crinkles around his eyes.
    His acknowledgement took some of the wind out of her sails. “Unbelievable.” It came out in a hoarse whisper. She touched her fingers to her lips and leaned her back against the kennel door. That resolution didn’t last long.
    â€œI know,” he said with a wink. “Before I go… what do I need to do to adopt Dulce?”
    â€œHuh? Are you being serious?” She stiffened and moved to face him so she could read his intentions in his eyes. Not that it worked so well a few minutes earlier. He blindsided me with that kiss.
    â€œYeah. She’s a great dog, and I think she likes me.”
    â€œYou’re full of surprises.” Mavis’s erratic emotions were ruining her ability to think straight. However, placing pit bulls in responsible homes could be challenging, and this might be Dulce’s opportunity to have a good home. “There’s paperwork to fill out, and you’ll need a home inspection,” she said, her mind still reeling as the sensation of his warm, inviting lips lingered.
    â€œPerfect, be at my place tomorrow evening at six o’clock. I’ll leave my address with Stella — get some rest. You look like you could use it.” He left her flabbergasted and standing alone for the second time in ten minutes.
    â€œNo, tomorrow won’t work for me,” she mumbled. “Well, Dulce, it looks like you might have just found yourself a home. As for me… I need therapy.”
    ****
    â€œIsn’t that great news?” Stella jumped up, clapping her hands together. “She’s got a home, and we thought she would be a tough placement. Oh, and here is Detective Speier’s address,” she said, ripping a piece of paper from a notebook.
    â€œTake a breath, Stella.” Mavis took the address from her. “He might not pass the inspection, so let’s just wait and see.”
    â€œMmm-hmm.” Stella crossed her arms.
    â€œNow what?”
    â€œYou like him. I can tell,” she said, a single eyebrow arched.
    â€œFor crying out loud. I need a drink and it’s not even noon.” Mavis walked up to her office.
    â€œProgress is made. You didn’t deny