Hero of Mine Read Free

she’d loved him—or, at least, she’d thought it was love.
    They hadn’t been together very long when she’d found out she was pregnant, and she’d been terrified to tell him. He’d been pissed and told her he would take her to the clinic, but she’d refused. He’d disappeared for days, but just as she was sure he was gone for good, he’d popped up again. She’d been relieved, thinking he was back for her and the baby, but he had just wanted her to know that he was moving south to Los Angeles. He was taking a job with his cousin, and if she wanted to keep the baby, that was fine, but she shouldn’t expect anything from him.
    In that moment, Dani had finally realized that her parents had been right about everything. That there was a reason bad boys should be avoided at all times. That she was about to have a baby with a man who had never cared about her, but she’d been too stupid to realize it.
    And although she couldn’t fully regret being with Angel, she had learned from her wild and reckless dating history. She’d grown and was more determined than ever to live her life right and give her son, Noah, the best of her.
    Which meant she didn’t go out with guys with easy smiles and killer blue eyes. Even if he was carrying an injured dog into a veterinary clinic and willing to pay for the charges, despite the fact that it wasn’t his.
    So what? Other guys would do this. He’s a dog lover, that’s it. Don’t make a big deal out of it and start looking at him like he’s some kind of hero. You feel nothing, do you hear me?
    Dani heard it, but it was hard to listen when he told the vet tech, “Just call me with your game plan, and use this card for what he needs. I want updates, though.”
    A guy who offered carte blanche medical care for a stray dog? It was hard not to want to throw her arms around him and give him a massive hug. Or, at the very least, sigh dreamily.
    Get ahold of yourself, or I swear I am going to haul off and slap you silly. Then everyone will think you are crazykins.
    A vet tech by the name of Darius took Fugly from Tyler, assuring him he’d call when he knew something.
    Tyler watched Fugly disappear through the doors, and Dani’s heart fluttered at the concern on his face.
    â€œWe should get back so I can evaluate the dogs before Dr. Horrible decides to exact his revenge on us,” he said, turning back to face her.
    â€œDr. Horrible?”
    Tyler seemed embarrassed. “ Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog . It’s a three-part web series by Joss Whedon.”
    â€œSo it’s a musical?” she asked. They had pushed open the front door of the vet’s office and were walking toward his van.
    â€œNo, I mean, yeah, it’s a musical, but it’s Whedon. Anything Whedon does is awesome.” He actually beat her to the passenger door and opened it for her. Dani couldn’t remember the last time a guy had put in the effort.
    â€œWhat else has he done?” she asked.
    He actually stood in the door opening as she climbed into the front seat, his jaw hanging open. “Are you serious?”
    â€œI don’t watch a lot of TV, unless it’s on Netflix or something.” Why did it sound like she was apologizing for not knowing who some obscure web series creator was?
    â€œHe’s on Netflix! Firefly , Dollhouse , Buffy the Vampire Slayer —”
    â€œWhoa, you watch something called Buffy the Vampire Slayer ?” She broke out into peals of laughter, and he slammed the door. She was still guffawing when he climbed into the driver’s seat.
    â€œWhedon also wrote and directed the Avengers movies and Agents of Shield .”
    â€œWell, you should probably lead with that and not that other stuff,” she said smartly.
    â€œUnless you’ve been living under a rock, you should know who Whedon is and what Buffy is.”
    â€œOh, God, I can’t take