“What?No, I’m just looking to make new friends. I’m new to the city and—”
“And you have no man. No problem, girl. I can help.”
Lord. “No, really. I’m kind of seeing this guy in my apartment complex.”Sorry, Smith.“But I just thought it would be nice to get out and see the city and meet new people. Tilly’s been a big help.”
“Rupert’s aunt is nice enough, I suppose.” Only someone like Willie would call Tilly nice. “But she’s out of touch.”
Someone banged on the front door, which sent the animals into a frenzy. “Sic ‘em, Mathmos,” Willie ordered, and a long-haired Chihuahua joined an elderly shepherd as they raced to the door, barking as if the devil himself had come calling. The white Persian cat that had earlier been eyeing Erin jumped up onto a plush, puke-green La-Z-Boy covered in a pattern of yellow flowers. The cat stared at her with hostility bordering on boredom.
“We’re always busy around here, aren’t we, Barbarella?” Willie asked as she stroked the cat’s fur.
The cat continued to watch Erin, and she suddenly knew how a helpless mouse must feel.
“I’ll see who it is,” Rupert said.
He and the animals returned with a large hunk of a man, one who looked surprisingly familiar. Tall, though not as tall as Smith, he had a muscular torso under a Pets Fur Life Tee-shirt.
“Hey, Willie. Hi,” he said to Erin and smiled. “You look familiar.”
“I was just thinking the same thing.”
He stared a moment more then snapped his fingers. “You live in Emerald Estates, don’t you?”
She nodded. “Oh, yes. I’ve seen you around.”
He held out a hand. “Brad Battle.”
She took his hand, rough with calluses, noting how it dwarfed hers. “Erin Briggs. I just moved in two weeks ago.”
He held on a moment longer than she would have before letting go. His eyes warmed. “Welcome to the neighborhood, Erin. How’d you hook up with these two?”
Willie hooted—there was no other word for it. Rupert laughed.
“Tilly introduced me to Rupert to show me around.”
“I’m her nephew,” Rupert said.
Brad’s brows rose. “Small world.” He had sandy colored hair and green eyes lighter than Smith’s. Handsome, almost pretty.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“I help out at Pets Fur Life, a local animal shelter. Willie and Rupert help us out a lot.”
“He’s a fireman too.” Willie nudged her in the ribs. “And single.”
Brad grinned. “Yep. Andsoin demand.” He rolled his eyes. “From Willie, Rupert, my boss, my team.”
“Not to mention all the ladies.” Rupert gave a low laugh. “I know what that’s like.”
Willie frowned.
Erin had about reached her limit on new experiences. She liked everyone, but the cat had yet to stop watching her. She didn’t think it had blinked the entire time she’d been standing there. And now the hairy Chihuahua had joined the cat on the chair, also watching her with suspicion.
Brad stared past her at the hutch of figurines, his brows drawn in thought. Then astonishment.
“You know, it was great hanging with you today, Rupert. But I’d better be getting back.” Erin gave him a peck him on the cheek. “Thanks so much for showing me Queen Anne.” She turned to offer Willie a hug and saw a scowl on the woman’s face. “Uh, er, great to meet you, Willie.”
“Yeah. You too. But mind, he’s taken.” She nodded to Rupert.
