They got the red bed, a puppy-approved teddy, a bag of puppy food, a litter tray, water and food bowls, lead and collar.
“I'm not having you buy him all this stuff!” Macy looked at the pile on the counter.
“I offered, so I'm buying.”
“No, Brad.”
“Yes, Brad,” he said, pulling out a credit card. Macy knew a bit about those things because her ex had wanted one just like the black one Brad was handing over, but he didn't have enough money.
“Just because you're rich doesn't mean I have to accept you buying everything.”
She'd said the words quietly, but he heard them, Macy was sure of it. He pocketed his wallet, took the bags, handing one to Billy, then urged him out of the shop. Hanging back, he walked with her.
“Just because you're not rich doesn't mean I have to accept whatever this attitude is from you either.”
“I don't have attitude.”
He stopped and looked down at her, and she felt the urge to scuff the toe of her sneaker, like Billy did when he’d done wrong.
“Okay, maybe that was out of line.”
“Just that, or maybe the 'I got this, Brad,' comment too?”
“No, that one I meant. The other one was petty, and I'm sorry.”
“No problem. I hate it when jealousy bites.”
“I'm not jealous because you have money, Gelderman!”
“It’s not just the money, honey. There’s my charm and the Texan factor too. It's a hard package to resist at any time, but coupled with this face, jealousy is natural.”
He was laughing at her, and Macy was big enough to acknowledge she deserved it.
“You're not that much of a big deal, Gelderman.”
“No.” He opened the car door for her. “I really am.”
“Hey, Macy.”
The two girls coming toward her were sixteen. Both did part-time work for Buster in the Hoot. Lovely girls, but like most at that age, boys were their main focus. Their eyes were on Brad.
“Holly, Cindy,” she acknowledged them.
“You got the keys, Macy. I'll put this stuff in the trunk. Girls.” Brad nodded to them.
She swallowed her smile as their faces fell when he walked away from them without saying another word. They watched as he put the puppy things in the trunk before walking around to climb in the passenger seat.
“Mom told me he stood up for you last night, Macy. He's seriously hot.”
“Seriously hot and way too old for either of you.”
“We can look though,” Cindy said, giggling.
Rolling her eyes, Macy said good-bye and got in the car. Brad was talking to Billy, so she backed out of the parking space and headed to Mac's place to get the puppy.
“I told you I was irresistible.”
“There's a boy shortage in Howling, so the girls think any man who is average to look at is handsome.”
