We both gaze at each other. The only sound is the occasional yap from the dogs playing outside and the whirring of the fan.
He clears his throat. “I’ll go look at the tap.”
While he’s out of the room, I stare at the flowers.
“Tap’s fixed. Cream? Sugar?”
“Cream. So you’re a comic nerd too now?” I ask.
“I guess I am. I’ve written a few stories of my own.”
“You have?”
“Yep.” He walks over, placing the cup on the table in front of me, sitting in the chair opposite. His hazel eyes are playful.
I shrug. “How the mighty have fallen!”
Dean throws back his head and laughs. It’s a joyous, deep roar that makes me want to laugh too. His eyes crinkle at the corners. “Where the hell did you learn that expression?”
“Grandma used to say it. It’s a Bible quote, I believe.”
“That’s why I like you, Goldie. You’re always surprising me.” He takes a sip of coffee.
Poupon runs inside, his claws clattering on the stone floor, followed by Moose. With a sigh, the little dog lays down directly underneath the fan. Moose watches him carefully, then delicately arranges his huge body in a semi-circle shape around the small dog.
“Mr. Moose has found a buddy.” Dean sounds smug.
“I think he has. That’s the happiest I’ve seen him since my sister started fostering him. I guess he was just waiting for another dog in the house. I’d like to leave them together, but I have to get going.” I drink the rest of my coffee.
“Going? I just got here!” His eyebrows shoot up.
“I have a doctor’s appointment. I get this boot off in a couple of days and they’re replacing it with a brace. My appointment is to check that I’m healing on track and see the physio again.” I start to heave myself off the sofa.
Dean puts his cup on the table and walks over to me, putting his hand on my shoulder. A thrill runs down my spine to my core.
“Were you planning on getting down the mountain on your crutches?” He’s not smiling.
I grin at him. “Of course not. I’m calling a taxi.”
“No, you’re not. I’m taking you. It’s part of my duty as a volunteer.” His big hand is still on my shoulder.
I shake my head. “It’s fine, I can just–”
My words are cut off as he scoops me up and holds me against his chest. The move is so professional that my ankle doesn’t even twinge. I’m pressed right up next to him, breathing in his spicy cologne and staring up at the chiseled line of his jaw.
“You’re going to argue with me about it, but you might as well do that while I get you in the car. I’m qualified to do this, Goldie. Do you think the taxi driver is going to be lifting you into his car? Mr. Harris is in his seventies.” Dean strides off in the direction of the door.
“What about the dogs? And my crutches?” I gasp.
“Dogs are coming too. I’ll walk them while you’re at the doctor. And I’ll grab your crutches once you’re in the car.” He whistles and both dogs jump up and follow us.
I should be protesting more, but pressed close to him it’s like my brain’s been scrambled. It’s all kinds of wrong, but I could stay nestled in his strong arms for a long time and not get bored.
Dean carries me out to his car, opens the door, and places me on the seat like I’m one of the museum’s priceless artifacts. The dogs jump onto the back seat and curl up together. Moose looks delighted to be going on a journey with his new friend.
And, secretly, so am I.
Chapter Four
