Fitch's fingers paused on the screen, and a vivid memory flashed through his mind - the day he had found Ozzy, the scrappy little

pup hiding and trembling, trying to escape attention.

The thought of Ozzy softened his expression. Initially, his arm had hung limp at his side with no intention of offering support, but

now it instinctively wrapped around her waist, holding her close in a protective embrace.

His other hand was scrolling through his contacts. He was at a friend's low-key gathering and hadn't brought his driver. Now, he

needed to call him to get Zoey home.

Just as he called a number, a group not far approached, led by Tyler, who was laughing with someone beside him, a cigarette

dangling from his fingers. Whatever joke had been told, it had Tyler's eyes crinkling with mirth, the mole on his nose more

pronounced in his amusement.

Instinctively, Fitch enveloped Zoey in his trench coat just as the call connected.

"Head over to the Sunset Hotel to pick someone up."

No sooner had he spoken than he heard Tyler's voice.

"Fitch?"

Tyler's eyes narrowed as he saw the woman in Fitch's arms, "Who is this?"

If Tyler found out it was Zoey, he'd never hear the end of it.

"A date from a matchmaking setup."

family had indeed been busy playing cupid for him, listing a

clapped a sympathetic hand on his shoulder, recognizing the telltale signs of a date gone

out

you actually seem to tolerate her -

him off, "I'm off to dinner with sinvestors. Guess

in

stepped forward to get a better look at the woman, Fitch interjected, "Not interested in trying.

into her, be my

fill of hassles lately," Tyler

around Zoey. Checking his phone, he

still rested on his lower back,

alcohol was getting to Zoey, her throat burning like fire, "Really need a

but only a voice of reply

did he look for water at

unable to

“So thirsty, want water.”

face,

by, and occasionally there were srecognizing Fitch and

information.

he pulled Zoey behind a column

he was tempted to leave her there, but then he remembered the incident at

family's place.

up. Unable to resist, his fingertips brushed her cheek, the

leaving a

broken look had seemed to hold a thousand words, yet she

spot gently as he asked,

quickly pushed her away.

the impact.

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