“He can’t take my daughter—” Logan’s voice faded with distance.
I hummed a grouchy Christmas song while I walked to help block out Elle’s conversation with her ex, but I caught wind of it. Logan had the impression I was the new guy in her life. I threatened him, and the bastard should be intimidated. I had little Elle screaming for me out in the middle of the woods.
Fuck.I was in too deep. Now I was helping Elle.
I should take the kid back, head back to my place, and lock the damn door behind me. Forget decking the fucking tree, screw supper, and neglect everything to do with my neighbor. Go back to being enemies who wouldn’t dare be around one another, who couldn’t stand the idea of getting close.
I froze on my doorstep with my keys in hand. I put Faith down and shook my head. She gazed back at me with confusion wrinkled on her innocent face, and I hated the thought of breaking her heart, but I had to. This was for the better. For all of us.
“I can’t,” I sighed.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Timber...” Faith took my house key and unlocked the door. “I’ll get your dog.”
Before I could protest any further, Faith turned the doorknob and opened my front door. She welcomed herself inside. Snow trailed onto the floor as she searched for my dog and disappeared while she called out for him. This kid had a damn mind of her own.
Fuck.There went my plan. I couldn’t turn back now.
“Faith!” I yelled out and banged my hand against the door frame. “Chip! Here, boy!”
Suddenly, I heard thumping, and Chip made a mad dash around the living room corner with Faith laughing behind him. His tail wagged back and forth while she tried to catch it. He smiled at me like a giant goofball with excessive slobber dripping onto the floor, and he charged straight for me.
Oh, shit.The Chip attack. I braced for impact.
Chip jumped up paws first and connected with me. I fell backward through the front door and into the snow. His wet tongue connected with my cheek, licking repeatedly in excitement, and Faith giggled behind him.
“Down, boy!” I laughed as I pushed him back by his face and attempted to sit up. “Get off me.”
Chip laid a paw on my chest and barked at me.
“You’re trapped, Mr. Timber.” Faith stroked Chip on the back.
“Okay. Okay.” I petted Chip and surrendered to the greeting. “One last kiss.”
“Me first,” Faith demanded and turned her cheek to Chip.
Accidentally, Chip licked Faith on the nose. She laughed so hard she had tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. She wiped the slobber off her face with the sleeve of her jacket.
“Good job. Me next.” I tapped my chin, Chip laid a big wet one on me, and I ruffled his fur. “Good boy. Now, get. Go take a piss.”
Chip barked and ran over to the inflatable.
My dog lifted his leg and took a leak right on a self-serving nemesis character.
Attaboy, Chip. I hate the mayor too. He was a pompous ass.
I sat up in time to hear a car engine roar to life and exhaust fumes smoke out of the muffler on Logan’s vehicle. Elle stood with her hands on her hips while her ex backed out of her driveway and sped off. He was pissed.
I got up, brushed snow off me, and patted Chip on the head when he rushed back to me. He wagged his tail and leaned his head into Faith while she gave him love. There was no way he’d go back into the house without her.
Elle turned toward us and shrugged her shoulders. “Who’s ready to order supper?”
“Me!” Faith bounced up and down with her hand high in the air.
Elle had dealt with her ex and stood her ground. She didn’t cave, and I was damn proud of her. I flashed her a smile.
Fuck.I made little Elle blush.Goddamn it.
I’d have an uncomfortable boner in no time.
