Ding.
He held up a finger as he reached for the phone in his pocket.It was a text from his mother.She’d invited him to dinner.He thanked her before declining.He let her know that he’d be busy at the school, working on the set for the play…if there was still going to be a play.
After returning his phone to his pocket, he fussed over the dog.Sunny really was cute.But he hadn’t changed his mind about not getting a dog.
“She likes you.”Felicity sent him an approving smile.
He lowered his hand.“Well, I should be going.”
Just then the door opened.A gust of cold air rushed into the cozy bookshop.In walked Merry Kringle with a great big smile.
Immediately, Merry’s gaze came to rest on him.“Justin, it’s good to see you.”Her gaze moved past him to Felicity and back again.“You must be as happy as the rest of us to have Felicity home.”
His mouth grew dry.Okay.That wasn’t what he was expecting her to say.His gaze moved to the door.It isn’t that far.About fifteen steps, give or take.However, he’d have to get past Merry first.
He swallowed.“Uh, yeah.I should be going.”
Before he could take a step, Sunny jumped up on his pant leg.He glanced down to find the dog attempting to sniff his crotch, but she was too short.Immediately, heat raced to his cheeks.He bent over and scooped up the puppy, who immediately started licking his face.
Justin turned his head to the side, but it didn’t deter the pup.He tilted his chin upward, and the pup resorted to licking his neck.“Why is she licking me so much?”
“Oh, dear.She likes you,” Merry crooned.
Connie came from the back and leaned her hip against the counter.“Seems like she’s found her person.Justin, are you going to take her home?”
He couldn’t believe she’d just asked him that question with such a serious face.Justin vigorously shook his head.“Oh, no.Not me.”
“I like the idea.”Merry had a twinkle in her eyes.“Justin, would you foster Sunny until I find her forever home?”
Everyone was looking at him.How in the world did he get into this position?All he did was come into the bookshop to pick up his book, not a dog.
“I can’t,” he said firmly as he put the dog down.
“Sure, you can,” Connie said.“She’s already crazy about you.”
He shook his head.“I can’t.”When he saw that his words had no sway on them, he said, “I live in an apartment.”
“And I’m married to the landlord.”Merry smiled triumphantly, as though she’d just cured the world’s problems.
Really?He searched his mind for the next reason that this was a very bad idea.“I’m not home enough.I have to work.”
Without missing a beat, Connie said, “I’m sure Felicity could watch Sunny while you’re at work.”
“I can?”Felicity sent her boss a puzzled look.After Connie gave her a brief frown, Felicity said, “I mean, I can.I’ll bring her to work with me.”
“The customers love her.”Connie smiled.
Oh boy.This was not fair—three on one.Sunny put her front paws on his leg and barked at him.Now it was four on one.The puppy was really cute…
No!He shook his head.He wasn’t doing this.
“Please.”There was a pleading tone in Merry’s voice.“It won’t be for long.Maybe a day.Or two.”
He looked at her, trying to figure out if she was being serious or if she was just feeding him a line.He’d already heard rumors of her placing other puppies with unsuspecting people.
The puppy whined as she looked up at him.She was cute and small.She wouldn’t take up much space in his apartment.
No.No-no-no.He wasn’t doing this.
