Read Online Must Love Wieners by Casey Griffin - Free Book Online Page B

defense. “I never said you were.”
    “Fine,” she relented. “But I earn my way. I work hard for my money.” She said it like a warning.
    “Then earn it. What will it take? Negotiate with me. I’m all ears.” Aiden brought a hand up to where his tie should be, but he seemed surprised to find it missing, like he didn’t often take a day off. His demeanor turned all business again, but this time he was giving her the power.
    She felt her breathing even out as he waited for her counteroffer. “Well,” she began. “I’ll accept seventy dollars a day, but I’ll be walking Sophie for two hours.”
    “An hour and a half,” he countered.
    “An hour and forty-five.”
    “Done.”
    “And I’ll take her for regular grooming when I take Colin.”
    “All right, but I’ll pay.”
    “The owner is a volunteer from the rescue center. I get a discount because she’s my friend.”
    “And Sophie is my dog. I’ll pay.”
    Piper frowned but wasn’t sure how to argue that one. Sophie’s head swung back and forth as they debated, pleased to be the center of all the attention.
    “Anything else?” he asked.
    “If you go out of town and you need a dog sitter, you call me first and I’ll work for a substantially lower rate.” She thought Colin might like that.
    “I thought you couldn’t keep pets in your apartment.”
    “I’ll hide her. What’s one more?”
    They had a brief staring contest while he considered all her demands. Finally, his dimple made an appearance. “You know, I’ve been running my business for a while, and this isn’t how your average negotiations are supposed to go.”
    Her chin rose an inch. “Well, I’m not your average girl.”
    “So I’ve noticed.” The tension broke and he stopped fighting the smile.
    If Piper had a dimple, it would have been dimpling too. Okay, so he wasn’t a creep who was propositioning her. And he didn’t pity her. At least, she didn’t think so. She felt ridiculous now. But what was she supposed to think? Who offered that kind of money for dog walking?
    A small crowd had formed on one side of the open space, milling about and chatting. She spotted one of them carrying a large white sheet and assumed it was for a group picnic. When they went to spread it on the grass, two people each grabbed a corner and shook it out. Big red letters were painted across it: SFAAC .
    Others in the group started picking up boards, holding them aloft for the whole park to see. Stop the killing and Put an end to puppy mills. A retriever mix trotted through the park with a sign strung around his neck: I can’t speak for myself. Please be my voice.
    “What is this?” Aiden asked.
    A jolt of anxiety shot through Piper. “San Franciscans Against Animal Cruelty.”
    She wanted to duck and roll into the bushes before anyone from the group could recognize her. Most of them were pretty cool. She’d even protested with them in the past. It was one SFAAC member in particular whom she worried about running into. She’d never expected to see them there, or she would have suggested Aiden meet her somewhere else.
    “A dog park seems like a strange place to protest,” Aiden said. “They’re preaching to the choir.”
    “I think that’s the point.” She watched flyers being handed out. “It looks like they’re here to gain awareness and support from fellow animal lovers.” She headed for the path, counting out her steps to make it look like she wasn’t rushing. “Come on. It’s about to get too noisy for an interview.”
    While Piper appreciated their cause, she hated to end the afternoon on such a sour note with Aiden. However, she felt relief as he clipped Sophie’s leash back on and followed Piper to the edge of the clearing.
    “So,” she hedged. “Any hints of crazy yet? You know, besides accusing you of sexual harassment?”
    “No red flags that I can see,” he teased. “Yet.”
    “Tell that to my parole officer.” He glanced at her in surprise, and she threw her