Collared (Going to the Dogs) Read Online Free Page B

our fortune, but my most precious contributions to this world have been and always will be my children. I have always been grateful I have the luxury of family money, so that I could be a real father.”
    “And an excellent husband. Mom was very happy.”
    “I miss her so very much. She was a special lady.”
    “Well, maybe you should put yourself back on the market. You’ve still got what it takes, Dad.”
    He laughed and a younger woman gave him an appreciative look as she passed. Harper smiled softly.
    “I see Jeffrey pacing by the limo,” he said, completely missing the woman’s flirtatious glance. “He won’t want you to be late. That man is a treasure.”
    Harper glanced over her shoulder at Jeffrey, held up her index finger to signal one more minute, and he nodded. She then exchanged a look with her father who waved to him. He looked more like a commando than he did a chauffeur, but Jeffrey had her father’s unswerving loyalty. But they both avoided discussing why.
    “Call me as soon as you’ve discussed this with Aiden and we’ll get together. I miss you both.”
    “Okay.” She kissed his cheek. “Try not to worry too much.”
    He nodded and kissed her forehead, turned and went back to his town car. He slipped inside and it pulled away from the curb.
    Inside the limo, she thought about Aiden. She had been worried about him, but after that almost-disaster with Poe and Jared, she’d left him alone, tried not to meddle in his life. Had that been a mistake?
    She had actually tried to talk to him several times when they’d been in Vegas for Poe and Jared’s wedding. But with the sheer number of people attending the wedding, she hadn’t been able to get him alone. Harper pulled her cell out of her clutch and dialed Aiden’s number. When he picked up, he said, “We’ve just spent a week together. Do you miss me already?”
    “It wasn’t exactly together, Aiden.”
    “True. So, what’s up?”
    “Dad wants to introduce someone to us at lunch or dinner. What is a good time for you?”
    There was silence for a moment, then Aiden said, his voice subdued, “I can’t make it.”
    “Aiden,” she said pointedly.
    “No, Harper, tell Dad I’m too busy.” His tone making it clear he wasn’t going to argue.
    “We need to talk about this.” She pushed because she was just as concerned about him as her father.
    “Did he put you up to this?” Aiden’s voice was hard.
    “He asked me because he’s worried about you.”
    Aiden let out a slow breath and his voice softened. “I know, but I’m just not ready. You go and fill me in later.” His voice changed to a plea. “Do this for me, sis.”
    “All right. But I’m feeling like a ping pong ball,” she groused.
    “You’re the best.” He sounded so relieved that she really didn’t have the heart to argue with him about it now.
    “Aiden, please can we talk sometime? I just want to see you and have a chat. Please.”
    He huffed. “All right. I’ll be at my studio tomorrow. You can come by then.”
    “Ten good?”
    “Yes, that’s fine. I don’t want a lecture.” He warned her, his voice hard again.
    “I don’t lecture. I convince.”
    “You meddle and nag.”
    “It’s only because I love you.”
    “I love you, too. Bye.”

    #

    When Harper showed up to Owen’s club to meet Brooke and Callie and their men for drinks, the bouncer waved her through, more than ready to have some fun with her good friends.
    Most people were lucky to have one lifelong friend, but Harper had found six, the original dog park babes foursome expanding as each of her friends found her mate. Callie Lassiter had met Owen McKay when their Great Danes had sneaked off and mated behind their backs. Callie was a dog trainer and Owen owned FLASH, this trendy nightclub in the City. They were engaged and getting married in two weeks.
    Brooke Palmer and Drew Hudson had traversed a rocky road to love. Brooke had been sued by a dog grooming client and Drew was the lawyer