Jonas by Kali Hart

Author:Kali Hart
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

10

JONAS

“Puppies?!” Mara covers her cheeks with both gloved hands as I roll to a stop at Darrel Kingston’s place. He’s been running the Iditarod and other races for almost two decades. During the summer months, he offers to let tourists cuddle huskie puppies in exchange for admission he uses to fund his operation. Though he doesn’t offer tours in the winter, he made an exception for me today.

“They’re all ages here. But yes, there are some puppies.”

Mara grabs my bicep with both hands. “Do I get to pet them?”

If we weren’t expected inside ten minutes ago—pussy-eating delay totally worth it—I’d pull her over the center console and into my lap. Or at least, I’d entertain the fantasy a little longer. I made a promise to keep things in the friend zone while we’re out and about. I’ll keep that promise only because I know within a couple of days, she might change her mind.

Mara’s on her way to falling in love with me. She’s just in heavy denial.

“Yes, you get to pet them.”

“You’re the best!” she shrieks, lifting herself over the center console. She cups my cheeks and plants a firm kiss against my lips, surprising the hell out of both of us. Her eyes go wide as she bolts right back into her seat. “Sorry. I’m just really, really excited.” Before I can tell her I didn’t mind, she’s out of the truck.

We spend most of the day touring Darrel’s operation. As expected, Mara asks me to take a thousand photos. But she only mentions Instagram twice and Double Z once. I take that for the win it is and focus on making a lasting memory with the woman who’s always been destined to be at my side.

“I’ve wanted a dog for so long,” she confesses to me as a puppy licks her cheek vigorously. “How can you not love something this cute? He doesn’t care if I’m boring, or if I’ve put on a few pounds, or if I sometimes eat my weight in gummy bears. Look how willing he is to give me all this love unconditionally.”

“He’s not the only one.”

“What’s that?” she asks between giggles as the licking intensifies.

“Nothing.”

“Can you please take a couple more pictures? I don’t want to forget this day ever.”

Me neither.

Mara is lit up and animated all the way home. She can’t stop talking about the puppies and how badly she wants to adopt a dog. “But my apartment complex doesn’t allow pets. My landlord gets bent out of shape over goldfish. No way she’d go for a dog. But maybe someday.”

I yearn to reach for her hand. To squeeze it in promise that someday the two of us will pick out a dog together. Or two or three. Whatever Mara wants, I’ve never been able to tell her no.

“This was the best surprise, Jonas,” she says, her eyes shiny with unshed happy tears. “You do so much for me. I don’t deserve it.”

“Of course you deserve it, Mara. You deserve every wonderful thing life has to offer.

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