Rock Chick 07 Regret (85 page)

I held the puppy to my chest, walking into the living room, nuzzling her soft face and puppy floppy ears with my nose, smelling the sweet puppy scent as she licked me all over. I giggled and gave her soft puppy body cuddles.

I looked at Buddy. “You’re the greatest. I want one just like her.”

“Um… sweets?” Ralphie called and I looked at him.

I saw all three men standing there. Buddy and Ralphie were smiling huge. Hector had his arms crossed on his chest and his mouth was doing that fighting-a-grin thing.

“What?” I asked.

“Buddy didn’t give me that dog,” Ralphie answered.

My eyebrows drew together. “Did you buy it for yourself?”

Buddy chuckled. Hector lost the fight with his grin and smiled, full and glamorous.

“What’s funny?” I asked.

Buddy answered, “She’s for you, sweetheart.”

I blinked.

“From Double H,” Ralphie added.

My eyes flew to Hector.

“It’s selfish,” he said. “I want to know you’re guarded when I’m not home.”

I felt the tears clog my throat.

Then I shouted, “I am
not
going to cry!” right before I burst into tears.

In a flash, the puppy and I were in Hector’s arms.

He held me, I cried, the puppy squirmed and licked and Ralphie produced a camera and took a photo of the three of us.

It came out beautiful. Hector’s arm around my shoulders, his fingers in the ruff of the dog’s neck, his head bent to us, my forehead tucked in his throat, the puppy looking like she was smiling at both of us (but, really, she was panting).

I named the dog Gretel (she
was
German).

I put the picture on the mantel in the dining room.

####

About the Author

Kristen Ashley lives in the beautiful West Country of England with her husband and her cat. She came to England by way of Denver, where she lived for twelve years, but she grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana. Her family and friends are loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen’s Mom moved her and her brother and sister in with their grandparents when she was six. Her grandparents had a daughter much younger than her Mom so they all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The
Everly
Brothers, REO
Speedwagon
and
Whitesnake
(and the wardrobes that matched). Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Discover other Titles by Kristen Ashley

Rock Chick Series:

Rock Chick

Rock Chick Rescue

Rock Chick Redemption

Rock Chick Renegade

Rock Chick Revenge

Rock Chick Reckoning

The ‘Burg Series:

For You

At Peace

Golden Trail

The Colorado Mountain Series:

The Gamble

Sweet Dreams

Lady Luck

Dream Man Series:

Mystery Man

Wild Man

The Fantasyland Series:

Wildest Dreams

The Golden Dynasty

Fantastical

Other Titles by Kristen Ashley:

Fairytale Come Alive

Lacybourne Manor

Mathilda,
SuperWitch

Penmort Castle

Sommersgate House

Three Wishes

Connect with Kristen Online:

Official Website:
www.kristenashley.net

Kristen’s Blog:
www.kristenashley.net/menu/blog.html

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Cover Art by Maxine Hayes
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