What is wrong with me taking the lead like that? Your horny that's what Reyah.

I got up and decided to go out in the lobby and I walked over to Brynn.

"Where have you been Reyah?"

"In the office with Madden."

She leaned over and whispered in my ear. "I know you have been kissing because around your mouth is red."

I touched my face and she smirked at me.

"I knew it but he's hot so go for it."

"Thanks, Brynn! I don't know what we are doing but I enjoy kissing him." I said grabbing a Santa cookie.

Before I could take a bite of it Madden walks up behind me and leans over me and bites the head off.

"Hey!" I laugh looking up at him.

Brynn looks at me and winks. "Happy looks good on you as I watch Madden's ass walk across the floor.

"I'm supposed to be sad and mourning over dad Brynn."

"Maybe your dad sent you here with that donation just to meet Madden." She said.

"Never thought about that but maybe so." I smiled.

After we closed up and everyone left but me, Madden, Shirley, and Pat.

I cleaned up the lobby while Madden went to help them with the animals. Once I was done I went to the office to see how many animals we adopted out.

When I sit down and pulled up the screen my phone vibrated.

📱 Hey, Reyah I'm sorry about showing up at the shelter. I thought that was the only way I could talk to you. I didn't know you were with someone.

📱 It's ok but yeah I have a boyfriend so I won't be having any lunches with you but if I ever need a financial advisor I know who to come see.

📱 Thanks!

I threw my phone on the desk as Madden walked into the room. "What's up?"

"Read my texts I just got," I said handing him my phone.

"Well, at least he apologized but seems to me that he just wants your business."

"I think the same thing. I was about to see how many we adopted out."

"How did we do?"

"Umm, we adopted out six dogs and two cats."

"That's awesome! The kennels are mostly empty now and I couldn't be happier." He smiled.

"I'm happy about it as well. Are you ready to get out of here?"

"Yup I am if you are." He said handing me my jacket and toboggan."

"Well do you think we will need to do this next weekend?"

"Yeah, I think we should." He said as we walked outside.

"Well, then I'll see you next weekend. I have a few catering jobs to help mom with this week."

"Is that so? Well, I hate that I won't see you daily." He smiled.

"Bye Madden." I smiled getting into my vehicle.

If I was being honest I was sad that I wouldn't see Madden any this week either. Not after those kisses.

When I walked into the house mom looked around. "Where is Madden?"

"I assume he went home why?"

"Because I made a chicken casserole. Call him and tell him to come over."

"Alright, mom." I laughed.

☎️ Miss me already?

☎️ Maybe... But mom wanted to know where you were because she made a chicken casserole.

☎️ I'm turning around now.

☎️ Ok, I'll unlock the door.

"He's on his way. Said he was turning around."

"Reyah be honest with me. I see the way you two are with each other. Do you like him?"

"What If I do mom?"

"I wouldn't be mad about it. I just love him." She smiled at me.

"Brynn seems to think that dad brought us together."

"I never thought about that but I wouldn't put it past him." She smiled just as the front door opened.

"God it smells good in here. I'm going to get spoiled Libby." He laughed.

"Get your butt in here. I thought you were coming home with Reyah that's why I made so much."

"Well, I can always eat. All I have had today besides breakfast is your cookies."

"Same! The last cookie I went to eat you bit its head off." I laughed.

Madden sit down and mom brought the dish over to the table while I grabbed the plates and mom grabbed a bottle of wine.

"Wine goes well with everything!" She laughs.

"That just gives you an excuse to drink Mom."

"Well yeah, that too." She laughed dishing out portions on our plates.

We talked about the animals and about Micah showing up.

"Mom don't use him for anything. I told you about the lunch I had with him a few times but he seems shady."

"I had to make him leave the shelter. He showed up both days."

"Sounds like he has a crush." Mom said.

"No, he just wants the money that dad left me. Wanting to know what I'm going to do with it and I just don't know yet."

"Well, it's yours to do what you want with it Reyah."

"Yeah, I know this shelter that I just may donate some to." I smile looking over at Madden.

He smiles back at me. "I can never thank you guys enough for all you have done to make this a reality and so many animals adopted out."

"You are more than welcome. Russ would have wanted us to do this with you." Mom said patting his hand.

"I love Christmas and snow!" He laughs.

"Oh, I love snow too. Why don't we go out after we eat and make snow angels?" I asked.

"Really? Ok, I bet you won't."

"Oh, don't bet her Madden because she will do it." Mom laughed.

"Oh yes, I will. Put your fork down and let's go!" I said standing up pulling my hair up in a hair tie.

"Oh, you are serious!" He laughed.

"No jacket or hat either," I said going toward the door. "Oh and no shoes."

"Shit Reyah that's going to be cold."

"That's the point Madden. Are you man enough?"

"Oh yes, I am. If I stay in the snow longer I get another kiss."

"Deal." I laugh running out the door.