Or maybe he was drawn for another reason.
A fiery, redheaded reason who, despite every curveball thrown her way today, had pressed on. She’d shown up to the clinic in bright-red high heels and long, wavy hair styled to perfection. She looked ready to attend an executive board meeting. But by the end of the day, her nice clothes were ruined, her hair ended up in a messy bun, and she was walking with a forced limp because of a broken heel and Marylou’s stubbornness about shoes.
And she did it all with a smile.
He’d never met a more determined woman in his life. It was a refreshing, and if he was being entirely honest, attractive quality.
Conner groaned away the thoughts of Sadie that shouldn’t be lingering. Boomer, sensing his distress, gave him a big, sloppy chin-to-forehead lick. Or maybe the pup was eager to get out and stretch his legs.
“How many times did Miss Edith stop by and spoil you rotten today?” He rubbed Boomer good and thoroughly along both shoulders, making the dog moan in delight. His neighbor was a godsend who checked on Boomer regularly throughout the day when he worked. “Two or three times, huh, buddy?”
Boomer arched into the intense pets, subsequently smashing his chest against Conner’s face, suffocating him a mouthful of dog hair.
Before Conner could contemplate how he was going to escape this eighty-five-pound trap, his phone buzzed in his shirt pocket. Boomer let out a bark, hopped off the recliner, and barked again. Dread instantly filled Conner, erasing the amusement of Boomer’s reaction. “So much for being left alone by the detective tonight,” he murmured.
But it wasn’t a random number on the screen.
“You’re up late,” he said to his sister.
“Hello to you, too,” Katy teased.
“Everything okay?”
“Yes, big brother. Everything is fine.” He could practically hear her eyeroll. Katy liked to pretend she had everything under control. Always had. But until she’d gotten engaged, she’d always been honest with him. Open. Vulnerable. He was truly happy she’d found someone. Someone good. Someone who wouldn’t betray her or hurt her. But he missed being the one she turned to. He missed being needed.
“How’s the wedding planning going?” he asked after a massive yawn that earned him a curious head tilt from Boomer. The pup was apparently worried their nightly walk was in jeopardy.
“That’s why I’m calling, actually.”
“Yeah?” He sat up straighter.
“Are you bringing a plus-one?”
“Katy, your wedding is six months away.”
“I’m working on the seating chart.” Her tone was much too nonchalant, tipping Conner off immediately.
“I’m not dating anyone if that’s what you’re really asking.” He’d been in Sunset Ridge just shy of three months. The whole debacle with Veronica had gone down two seasons prior. She couldn’t seriously think he’d moved on already. Or that he ever would. “What are you worried about, Katy?”
“Nothing.”
“Katy.”
“I just want you to be happy,” she finally admitted.
“Iamhappy. Today I saved a golden retriever who swallowed a phone charger.Andput an elderly woman’s worried mind at ease when I was able to diagnose her Yorkie’s tummy troubles as a cucumber overdose.”
“You know what I mean. Happywithsomeone.”
He sat forward, dropping his elbows onto his knees. He was too tired for this discussion. Katy meant well. All the women in his life did, even if they were driving him a little crazy right now. The last thing on his mind was getting involved with a woman. Especially since Veronica’s past seemed so set on haunting him.
Not that he would drag his family intothatmess. He hadn’t had the heart to call the authorities on his ex the day after Christmas. Now he was wondering if he made a mistake in handling things the way he had. Whatever Detective Harlow was digging up would be his problem to deal with, and his alone. “I’m still getting settled,” he said, hoping the same answer he gave Edith would appease Katy.
“I heard there’s a bachelor auction this weekend. Some festival or something.”
He had no clue how she’d figured that out, unless Katy and Edith had somehow become secret long-distance friends.Oh, the Internet.“Not doing it.”
“It’s for charity, Conner. An animal shelter. Kind of up your alley. It would be a great way to fit into your new community, you know?”
