Read Online Santa's Pet by Rachelle Ayala - Free Book Online

organization gave me the cockatoo as compensation for the damage.”
    “W-what? Gave you the cockatoo? Did you want him?”
    “Aye, I was preapproved, but was paying on layaway. You know how expensive it is to adopt? I would have had to pay for all of his vet visits, as well as any other expenses he incurred.”
    A sharp-eared reporter yelled, “Are you saying you’re adopting the bird who was behind all your grandson’s trouble?”
    “No press,” the same burly policeman who’d arrested Ben said. “Stay back.”
    The other policeman, the one who’d leered at Brittney, held onto Treat, who sat panting like they were best friends.
    Traitor.
    Grandpa unlocked his truck, and Ben helped him step up to the passenger seat. “I’ve wanted Big Blizzard for a while. He’s an ornery, cranky bird, but he’s also loads of fun.”
    “Sure, I bet he is. Your decision, of course.” Ben took Treat from the douchebag cop and shoved him onto Grandpa’s lap, then shut the passenger door and walked to the driver’s side.
    It was no use ducking or hiding from the cameras pointed his direction. Before his mug shot, the police had removed every bit of snowy white mustache and eyebrow hair, and cleaned his face. By now, every scout in the country knew about his arrest for indecent exposure and lewd misconduct—all because he had the bad luck to get tangled up with one hellacious bomb named Brittney Reed.
    He started the engine and eased the truck from the parking lot. Cameras and video devices recorded his drive of shame. At least Grandpa was at his side for emotional support.
    “So I’ve an idea,” Grandpa said once they were on the road. “We’re not giving up on this Santa gig.”
    “I don’t think your doctor’s cleared you, has he?”
    “Not me, you.”
    “Me? No way. I don’t have time for this. I haven’t lifted weights today and I need to go for a run to clear my mind.”
    “Sure, that’s fine, but you can’t run and hide. A pro football player’s always going to be in the public eye. I agree with your lawyer. You need to redeem your image and that means you tackle the bull by the horns and show the world you’re not a quitter.”
    “Quitter? I got arrested. I didn’t quit.” Clods of irritation pumped through his veins. “I’m sorry, Grandpa. I know you mean well, but I’m not ever dressing in a Santa outfit again. I’ll pay for your ruined costume.”
    “But, I promised the police you’d be there.”
    “Police? Be where?” Ben gaped at his Grandpa. Had the heart attack thrown him off his rocker?
    “The Police Dog Toy Drive. Didn’t they tell you Treat’s going to be the poster dog?”
    “Wait, wait. They arrest me and you volunteer me?”
    “Of course,” Grandpa says, as if it was the most normal and logical thing in the world. “It’ll get you on their good side and everyone will see what a perfect Santa you are. I’ve called a tailor to make you a suit that fits.”
    “Sorry, can’t do it.” Ben pulled the truck into his grandfather’s driveway where two reporters stood with their cameras ready. “I’m not going anywhere until the charges are dropped. And if you don’t understand, I have no choice but to go home and hide there. The ranch is big enough that no reporters will get through.”
    “Who’ll take care of me? Cook for me and watch over me?” Grandpa asked.
    “You come with me. It’s time to make amends with Dad, don’t you think?”
    “No. I doubt I’ll ever see eye to eye with him.” Grandpa huffed as he rubbed Treat’s ears. “Your mother was like a daughter to me. She loved me more than my own son did.”
    “I know. You’ve told me a million times.” Ben hit the garage door opener and pulled the truck into the tight space. Cutting off the engine, he shut the door before the reporters could make a move.
    The worst thing about this entire disaster? He’d never get to know more about Brittney Reed. The little girl he’d known for one brief summer had