And so, he let himself live in the moment.Her kiss was so much sweeter than he’d ever imagined.She was so much more than he’d imagined.He wanted to hold her like this forever…
Although, Cupcake and Jinx had other ideas.They didn’t appear to like being forgotten.So, they started making a fuss.Holly sprang out of his arms.Her lips were rosy and begging to be kissed again.
She averted her gaze.“I think they need something.”
He smiled.“They just want some more attention.It’s hard for them in the winter because they spend most of their time inside.When springtime comes, they’ll be out in the yard, visiting with all of the passersby.”
“Do people stop and pet them?”
He nodded.“If they’re close enough to the fence.”
“I guess I’ll have to make sure and walk by this spring.”
“Or you could just be my guest.”
The color rushed back to her cheeks.“Or that.”
He might not be ready for anything serious, but he didn’t regret kissing her.Not one little bit.In fact, he might do it again if given the opportunity.
Chapter Ten
Hecouldn’tstopthinkingabout her.
And that was the reason Colin had been avoiding Holly.He just needed some space to clear his head.Because kissing her couldn’t happen again.
Still, he kept thinking of Holly.He pictured her with Tater Tot in her arms.She might not have figured everything out about the puppy’s care, but she wouldn’t stop until she knew what she needed to do to take care of the pup.He smiled as he recalled their past.She could be as stubborn as he was.
He was pretty certain Merry Kringle had given Holly the puppy with the intent of her adopting him.Merry was known to be a bit of a matchmaker.She wasn’t particular about whom she paired up.It could be two humans or a human and an animal.She just wanted everyone to be happy and loved.
Merry must have been concerned about Holly now that she was all alone.Well, she did have parents…somewhere in this world.No one had seen them since Holly was a little girl.Holly might as well have been an orphan.It had been a good thing she had the most amazing grandmother.
His thoughts strayed to her apartment.She didn’t have so much as one Christmas decoration up.Maybe she needed a little help finding her Christmas spirit.
With the thought in mind, he drove home.After fussing over the dogs and checking on Cupcake and Jinx, he headed to Holly’s place.When he reached her building, he noticed someone exiting the soap company.
He was surprised to find the business still open.He didn’t know why that should surprise him.After all, it was only going on five o’clock.He’d gotten out of work early because there were less appointments at this time of the year.People were busy and didn’t have time for checkups.It was fine by him.The New Year would be here soon enough, and those patients would have his calendar full.
He headed toward the shop.He noticed a sign in the window with the hours.It closed at five.There were still a couple of customers meandering up and down the aisles.Holly was behind the counter.She glanced up when he walked in.Her eyes widened, and then she smiled.
While she checked out one of the two ladies, he looked around.He was impressed with the small gift baskets.They were eye-catching with big red bows.He was certain his mother would like them.He made a mental note to come back and pick up one for his mother.
He still had his father to shop for, but he was thinking about getting him a saltwater fishing rod.Now that his father was retired, he was looking into getting a boat.Colin was proud of himself for having a good idea.
But there was one more gift he had to figure out.He’d gotten together with his brothers to do secret Santa.They drew names at Thanksgiving.He’d pulled his youngest brother’s name.He had no idea what to get Justin.He was still thinking it over.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”Holly joined him.
He heard a whine.Colin turned to find Tater Tot tethered to the checkout counter.The pup was pulling on the line, trying to follow Holly over to him.
Her gaze moved to Tater Tot.“I didn’t know what else to do with him.I just couldn’t leave him home alone.He cries every time I walk out of the room.I can’t imagine what he’d do if he was left in the apartment all alone.”
“As long as he was crated, he’d be safe and get used to it.”
She sent him anI-don’t-believe-youlook.“Are you looking for a gift for a special someone?”
He cleared his throat.“No.No one special.But I was thinking of picking out one of your gift baskets for my mother.I think she’d like it.”
A smile appeared on Holly’s beautiful face.“Can I help you pick one out?”
