Read Online Anywhere You Are by Elisabeth Barrett - Free Book Online Page A

okay with it. I don’t want to—”
    “It’s great,” Marc interjected. Then he went silent for a moment, watching her carefully. “You really do have the magic touch with him. Aunt Sarah had the same thing.”
    “You just have to know how to handle him,” Grace said, straightening. “Firm, but gentle. Like him. All he needs is a little training.”
    “I wish there were some kind of user’s manual.”
    Grace gave him a slight smile. “You seem like the type to always read them.”
    “Let me guess. You don’t.”
    “Never.” Which was why she
still
couldn’t figure out her cable hookup.
    “Figures,” he muttered, but it didn’t sound like an insult. He glanced at the dog. “He’s a pain, but I don’t mind him. If only he weren’t so…so—”
    “Giant?” Grace supplied.
    “Exactly.” Marc shook his head. “This dog has really messed up my whole schedule. I was supposed to be on a flight to India, but then I got Mr. Pipp— I mean, Big Blue. I’m actually supposed to be on a plane to Arizona tonight, but I’m going to have to cancel it, given that I have nowhere to keep him. Aunt Sarah loved him, so I can’t give him up, but I’m kind of stuck. In fact, I can’t even take him back with me to New York. My building doesn’t allow dogs, and the board is seriously strict. So I’m spending time at Aunt Sarah’s old place, which is okay for now, but isn’t sustainable in the long run given my travel schedule and my need to be in the office. If he were one of those tiny yapping dogs, I could figure something out. Kennel him or get a dog sitter or something. That’s what I need. A dog sitter. But who’d take a dog of this size? Especially in Manhattan.”
    Grace glanced at the dog, who lifted his massive head and stared back. He seemed to be able to see into her very soul.
    “I’ll take him,” she said without even hesitating.
    Marc blinked. “Tell me you’re kidding.”
    “Big Blue is a little, well,
big,
but in every other respect he’s perfect. He’s gentle, independent, sweet, and I could use the company. Plus he likes me, see?” She gave the dog a double-handed head scratch and he did the rumbling thing again.
    “If you’re serious, and I really hope you are, I’ll pay for everything—food, vet bills, whatever.”
    “I wouldn’t have offered if I weren’t serious. I’d be glad to take him for however long you need.”
    “This is great. Big Blue will be happy and I can get to Arizona tonight after all. Jesus, you’ve just saved me from a logistical nightmare. Thank you.”
    He smiled at her. Really, truly smiled, his eyes crinkling at the edges. It was a beautiful sight.
    “So we have a deal?”
    “Definitely.” Marc held out his hand for a shake. She slid her palm over his larger one. He squeezed firmly, sending a long, slow shiver down her back. “Let me take you to lunch,” he said, his voice low. “For real, this time. No people. No cameras.” His hand was still gripping hers and the man was strong. Really strong. And just thinking about his hands on other parts of her body made her a little light-headed.
    “No,” she said.
    His lips turned down. “What do you mean, no? You won’t let me get you lunch?”
    She shook her head. “
I’m
taking
you
to lunch. I know a place.”
    Marc raised an eyebrow. “I should have known by now that everything with you is a negotiation.”
    “Are you complaining?”
    “Just stating fact.”
    “I swear it won’t inconvenience you in the slightest.”
    “Famous last words.”
    “No, seriously. The place I have in mind is close by.”
    “Close is good.”
    “And the food’s excellent.”
    “Interesting. What else?”
    “The most important thing.” She grinned. “Dogs are more than welcome.”

Chapter 6
    Big Blue leapt into the back of Grace’s pickup truck as if he’d been doing it for years, and settled down nicely into a spare blanket in the corner. The dog was fine, and definitely better than he’d been