Carrie moved to the side so he could get past. He smelled of leather and soap, a combination Carrie’s senses appreciated judging by the fluttering in her stomach.
He placed the box of books on the floor of the office. “Seren will know what to do with them,” he said as he came back out again.
He gave two sneezes in a row. “Sorry,” he said. “Allergies.”
“Hay fever?”
“Pet hair,” said Michael, taking out a handkerchief.
“You’re allergic to your dog?”
“He’s not really my dog... well, he is... he was Peter’s. He moved to the Isle of Wight to live with his son when he retired but couldn’t take this little fella or his cat with him so they kind of came with the business.”
“The tortoiseshell is yours?”
“Tabitha Twitchit? Yes, she’s mine. She hasn’t been making a nuisance of herself, has she? Your aunt’s always been happy to let her come and go, but if you’d rather she didn’t, I can try to keep her in my shop.”
“No, no. My daughter loves her and so do the customers. She’s no trouble. Twitchit? From Beatrix Potter?”
“Again, named by Peter. With your aunt’s influence, I suspect. You really know your books.”
“Not like my aunt does.”
“So, Tabby’s been hanging around here?” Michael asked.
Carrie indicated to the chair in the corner of the shop where Monty now lay curled up next to Tabitha, much to Poppy’s delight.
The little girl caught her mother’s eye. “Look! They’re friends!” she whispered urgently, making the adults smile.
“Are you allergic to Tabitha as well?” Carrie asked Michael.
“Yep. Usually an antihistamine keeps it under control. I forgot to take it this morning.”
“Not the best little extras to come with the business then.”
“No,” said Michael with a little sniff. “Would you like me to take Tabitha away with me?”
“No, no. Honestly, she’s not causing any trouble. And I promise I’m not feeding her.”
“Thanks. I think someone must be because she couldn’t get much rounder. Anyway, I really must go. I’ve got a customer due in a few minutes, but it’s good to properly meet you and I’m sorry again about your, um... you know.”
“Really. Don’t worry about it,” said Carrie, feeling her cheeks begin to flush again. “I’m sure we’ll see each other around.”
It was only when Michael and his dog had left that Carrie noticed how fast her heart was beating.
“Why are you all smiley, Mummy?” asked Poppy.
“I’m always smiley!” said Carrie, giving her daughter a hug.
“You’re extra smiley,” said Poppy. “Did you see how cute Monty and Tabitha were together? They’re best friends.”
“They were very sweet. Tabitha’s twice Monty’s size!”
“I hope I can see Monty soon.”
“I’m sure you will,” said Carrie. She realised she very much hoped she got to see more of Michael, too.
Chapter 5
