Tasha nodded. “Aren’t you freezing out here?”
Elias wasn’t wearing a jacket, but somehow, he was warm. “I ran after Higgins, so I’m not cold.”
“Higgins.” Tasha’s face brightened, taking his breath away. “What a cute name. Is he named after Henry fromPygmalionor the one fromMagnum P.I.or the guy inTed Lasso?”
Who knew Higgins was such a popular name? Elias scratched his chin. “I don’t know. The rescue told me that was his name from his…person, who died.”
Tasha bent over and petted Higgins. “I’m so sorry, sweetie.”
The dog soaked up the attention.
Elias didn’t blame him, but they shouldn’t stand around in the cold for too long. “I should get him home.”
“I was about to head inside too.” She glanced at the dog, but she kept smiling. “Before…”
He laughed. “Higgins and his leash got in the way.”
“I can skate more later.” She moved her skates back and forth. Either she was cold or bored. “The loving having ice right next door. If only there were lights…”
“If you want to skate at night, there’s a temporary rink set up in the park. It’s open until eight during the week and nine on weekends.”
“You know a lot about it.”
“I’m on our town’s Winter Extravaganza committee. The rink is my responsibility.”
“You’ve piqued my curiosity. I’ll have to check it out.”
“Please do. The proceeds benefit local nonprofits, including the Berry Lake Animal Rescue. I’m fostering Higgins as part of their Home for the Holidays program.” Elias was rambling, but he wouldn’t deny his curiosity about, and attraction, toward Tasha. A holiday romance might be fun. “Well, nice meeting you. If you need anything…”
“Second house on the right.” She waved to Higgins. “Bye.”
She didn’t wait for a reply and skated off.
Elias hoped he saw her again soon. He watched to see if Tasha was injured, but she skated like a pro. Impressive, but he didn’t want her to think he was a creeper, so he headed off the ice. His shoes slid, but he kept his balance.
“Be glad I didn’t fall. And that you didn’t hurt Tasha or yourself.” Elias glanced at Higgins.
The dog didn’t appear guilty. If anything, Higgins had added a bounce to his step.
“Don’t play innocent with me. No more running away.” Elias kept his tone firm. “You’re a guest. A temporary one. Don’t wear out your welcome, or you’ll find yourself at the rescue faster than I can say, Marmaduke.”
CHAPTER FOUR
After skating, Tasha finished unpacking. The cottage was well-furnished with comfortable, overstuffed furniture and sturdy wood tables. She glanced at the Christmas tree in the corner. The decorations were tasteful, but its presence annoyed her. She wanted nothing to remind her of the upcoming holiday. Yet a lighted garland was draped across the stone fireplace, and a single red stocking hung from the mantle.TASHAwas embroidered on the white cuff.
“Maybe the property manager will let me take down the decorations.” She would call on Monday. No need to bother them over the weekend.
As if on cue, her cell phone rang. Her brother’s name lit up the screen.
With a smile, she took the call. “I thought you had a game today.”
“We do. You’d better watch.”
“I will.” She enjoyed watching him play. Someone shouted in the background. He must be in the locker room. “You shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble.”
“What do you mean?”
She didn’t buy his confused tone for a second and ran her finger over her name on the stocking. “The cottage is decked out for the holidays.”
