Winning the Heir Who Bullied Me novel Chapter 101

Chapter 101

“Okay, one, two, three; say cheese!”

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As Sammy, the bright–eyed six–year–old, throws her arms around her newly adopted Labrador Retriever puppy and bares her teeth in glee, I take the photo.

“There you go,” I say, returning the phone to her mom.

I crouch in front of Sammy. “You have any idea what you’re going to name him?”

“Brownie!” she giggles, rubbing the puppy’s chocolate brown coat.

I laugh. “Perfect.”

“And this“-I reach around her and grab a goody bag we packed for people adopting pets from the table-“is for you.”

She grins. “Thank you!”

I stand and wave. “I’m sure you and Brownie will be very happy together.”

Her mom thanks me for helping out one more time before they leave.

I sigh in contentment as I turn around, taking in my surroundings.

The fundraiser has been going on for about two hours now, and I’m so proud of us–even Valerie, who whined more than she helped.

We set up the dog park like a huge picnic, complete with plenty of food and snacks and fun outdoor games.

Many people who showed up actually did so they could get a look at three of the most famous girls from the bridal selection: the Lara Ellington, Valerie St Claire, and the public’s favorite charity hashtag: me.

Once it becomes obvious they are here for the hosts, not the pets, Ashford guards politely escort them out.

For those looking to adopt pets, a shelter staff member is assigned to take them on tours to see the animals and take pictures. Those who bring their pets to the spa or for medical checkups are also guided accordingly.

All for a fee, of course.

I notice with glee that the meter that tracks our earnings is only inches from our target.

“Hey,” Lara sidles up to me, her face glowing with exertion. While I’m positioned at the entrance to the park, taking care of questions and directions, Lara is in the heart of the park, organizing games and sharing food.

June is with her, playing and hanging out with kids her own age.

Valerie was only too happy to volunteer in the spa under air conditioning. I wouldn’t put it past her to get a massage herself.

“Hey, what’s up?”

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14:46 Tue, Oct 7

Chapter 101

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“Could you please get me a Band–Aid from the medical unit?” Lara asks, showing me her knee with a bloody scratch.

I wince. “Ouch. Are you okay?”

She shrugs. “We were playing touch football, and a kid got a little too excited. But I’ll live.”

It strikes me again how…normal she is. The Lara 1 admired from afar wouldn’t have been caught dead playing in the park, getting her clothes muddy and her body scratched up.

But this Lara, this easygoing, down–to–earth Lara, looks like she’s having the time of her life.

“Sure,” I say. “I’ll be right back; take it easy okay?”

She nods and runs back to the park. She reminds me of a little kid who would never let a small scratch stop her from playing.

As I watch Lara go, June glances in my direction. She raises her arm high above her head and waves excitedly. I grin, returning her greeting with an enthusiastic wave of my own.

Then I turn and head to the medical wing at the other end of the park.

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The small reception is filled with pet owners waiting for their turn to see the on–site vet. We’re offering checkups at discounted rates, and they have a pharmacy willing to replenish prescription scripts.

“Hey,” I greet the receptionist, Madison. “I need some Band–Aids. Lara got a bit hurt.”

She nods. “I don’t want you bothering Dr. Turner so you can get them from the supply closet down the hall.”

“Cool, thanks.”

I head down the corridor, passing a window that looks into the examination room Dr Turner is using for the checkups.

I’m looking through boxes, trying to find which ones contain Band–Aids, when an arm suddenly wraps around my waist, and someone loudly whispers, “Boo!” in my ear.

I spin in the person’s grip, a scream ready at the back of my throat. My eyes widen when I see the culprit.

“You need to stop doing that!” I slap Nathan’s chest hard. “You’re going to give me a heart attack one of these days.”

“Sorry,” he says with an unapologetic smile.

I roll my eyes, but my body eases, melting into his embrace. “What are you doing here?”

“Here at the fundraiser, or here in a supply closet with you?”

I shrug. “Both.”

“I brought my mom’s Maltese for a checkup. I saw you passing by.”

I raise a brow. “That seems like a job for an assistant or maid.”

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14:47 Tue, Oct 7

Chapter 101

He shrugs, his eyes glinting. “I might have volunteered my services.”

I tilt my head to the side, resting my palms on his chest. “Oh yeah? Why?”

Nathan’s loose grip around my waist tightens, and he pulls me flush against his chest. “Because I knew you’d be here.” I feel his heart hammering under my palm. “Because I’ve missed you.”

I welcome the familiar pounding of my own heart, the heat simmering under my skin.

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The lights in the supply room aren’t on, but the illumination from the small window is enough to see his eyes darken as they slowly rake down my body.

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