As he made his way to the back of the shop, he told himself he wasn’t relieved.It was just that he didn’t want the treats and bone to go to waste.He knew that excuse was weak, but he was going with it.
When he reached Connie’s office, the door was closed.He rapped his knuckle on it.Immediately, he heard Sunny’s barks, and he smiled.
The door swung open.Behind big black rimmed glasses, Connie’s eyes briefly widened.“Oh.Hello, Justin.Is it that late already?”
He nodded.The puppy ran past Connie and jumped up on his leg.He bent down and with one arm, he scooped her up.He held the puppy to his chest.Sunny amused herself by licking the stumble along his jawline.
“Have you heard if Merry has found a home for her?”He felt guilty for asking that particular question while he was being lathered with puppy kisses, but he wasn’t keeping Sunny.It wouldn’t work.
“I actually haven’t spoken to her today.She’s probably getting ready for the Christmas party tomorrow.You’re going, aren’t you?”
He gave a quick shake of his head.“I don’t think so.”
There were many things he’d rather do than go to that party, where the busybodies knew he was single.They would make a point of trying to pair him with their single nieces and granddaughters.They seemed to think a person couldn’t be happy until they had someone special in their life.He was planning to prove them wrong…just as soon as he got his writing career off the ground.Speaking of which…
With Sunny settled in his arms, he said, “I should be going.”
“And I should get out front.I told Felicity to leave a little early today.She’s been so sweet to work here on her vacation, but I feel guilty.I told her I’d take over the checkout.”
He wasn’t sure why Connie was telling him this, unless she was about to come up with some excuse for him to spend more time with Felicity…because that wasn’t going to happen.Even if the idea of spending time with Felicity was tempting, it was the very last thing he should do.
As they walked to the front of the shop, Connie said, “It’s great the way you’ve been taking care of Sunny.She’s really taken to you.”
He glanced down at the puppy, who was stretched out in his arms.They were finding their rhythm.“We aren’t doing too bad.She should make someone a good dog.”
“Looks to me like she’s already found her someone.”Connie walked away before he could disagree.
He shrugged off her words.He had an agreement with Merry.She would find Sunny the perfect home…with someone else.
Felicity checked out the last person and then walked over to him.She immediately pet Sunny.“Someone looks happy to see you.”
He chose to ignore her observation.He was not going to get attached to the dog.It was best to change the subject.“So, what are you going to do with your time off?”
“I don’t know.”She grabbed her coat and bag.Together, they walked out the door.“I wasn’t planning to have time off today.”
“So, what you’re saying is that you have no plans, and you’re just going back to your mother’s and sit around?”
She shrugged.“Pretty much.”
They were both headed to the same place, so there was no reason not to give her a ride.It was the neighborly thing to do.“You might as well ride home with us.”
“Thanks.”She sent him one of her sunny smiles that warmed him from the inside out.
“Surely there’s something fun you could be doing with the rest of your day.”There was a part of him that wanted Felicity to find a reason to stay in Kringle Falls.That certainly wasn’t going to happen with her holed up in her mother’s apartment.
After they were seated in the pickup, she said, “Well, there is one thing…but never mind.”
“No.I want to hear what it is.”
She sighed.“I wanted to do something for my mother.”
“Such as?”
“I wanted to put up a Christmas tree for her.”
He nodded, liking the idea.“You should do it.”
“I would, but all of the decorations are in storage.”
