After she was seated, she gazed up at Merry’s smile and Colin’s creased brow.She had to dispel this notion they had that she would be taking Tater Tot home.“He’s a sweet puppy, but I can’t take care of him.”
Colin’s gaze met hers.“I remember how you used to be afraid of Moose.”
“I was not.”The denial rushed from her mouth, causing Colin to arch a brow.She huffed.“Fine.But he was as big as a real moose.”
A half-smile lifted the corner of his mouth, taking her back in time.That was the way he’d look at her when she would try to show off for him.Back then, she’d have done anything to get his attention.She’d even considered getting a dog, knowing how much Colin loved them, but her grandmother shot down the idea.It was probably for the best.Holly wasn’t good with animals.The cautious look Tater Tot gave her was evidence of that.
While she was still looking at Colin, she felt something wet and cold on her hand.She turned her head to find Tater Tot had moved over to sniff her.And then he ran his smooth tongue over the back of her hand.She didn’t know what to do, so she sat still and let the puppy do his thing.
“See.He’s just giving you puppy smooches.”Colin smiled.
She sat there, letting the puppy sniff her and lick her.In return, she petted him.By the time she was ready to leave, she was holding Tater Tot.His warm little body felt good in her arms.
She liked the little guy, but she had reservations.“I still don’t think this is a good idea.”
“It won’t be for long,” Merry said.“I would take him home, but Kris is allergic to dogs.”
Before she could stop the words, they came flying out.“But you own a pet store.”
Merry smiled as she nodded.“The store came before the husband.And it worked out because this way, I get to be around animals every day without it bothering Kris.I guess you could say I get the best of both worlds.”
“Oh.”She hadn’t been expecting to hear that Kris was allergic to animals.But still, sending Tater Tot home with her wasn’t the best idea.“Are you sure there isn’t someone else who could take him in?”
When her gaze landed on Colin, he held up his palms.“Don’t look at me.My place is already full of animals.It’s starting to look like a petting zoo.I don’t want to run afoul with the mayor.”
She wasn’t giving up.“Surely there has to be someone else.”
“It won’t be for long,” Merry reiterated.“Please.I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t urgent.The other puppies he’d been living with have already been adopted, and I don’t want to leave him in the store overnight all by himself.”
Holly glanced around.The store was big and with the lights out, she could imagine how scary it would be for a puppy.
“And I’ll help you out as much as I can,” Colin said.
She wanted to take comfort in his words.“But you’re so busy with the veterinarian office.”
He nodded.“But I’ll give you the number to the bat phone.”
HisBatmanreference made her laugh.It brought back memories of him wearingBatmanT-shirts.It had been a long time since she thought of that.
He frowned at her.“What are you laughing about?”
She sobered up.“I didn’t know you still likedBatman.”
“Of course, I do.He’s unbeatable.”
She smiled again as she shook her head.The puppy rubbed his head against her chin.Maybe she wasn’t so bad with animals after all.Or maybe she was just deluding herself.She smothered a laugh.
When Holly glanced up, she found Colin and Merry sending her an expectant look.She was starting to feel as though she didn’t have a choice.
“It won’t be long,” Merry said.“Just a night or two.”
Holly glanced over at the puppy.He was cute.Then the reality of the situation settled in.“But I have to work.”
“Take him with you,” Merry said.“I’m sure your customers will love to see him.He might even find a home that way.”
Holly searched for another reason this situation wasn’t going to work.“I don’t have anything for him.No food.No nothing.”
“No problem.”Merry moved off to the side.Behind her was a little table with a big brown paper bag plus a bunch of other stuff, including what looked to be a fluffy bed.
