“Sounds like he finally found the right woman.”
The problem with well-meaning people was that they never knew when to be quiet. Chris said nothing, merely loaded the cart with the filled reusable bags.
“Have a good evening, Norma,” he said quietly.
“You too, hon. Come back again, Erykah. We’ll make sure that pup grows up strong.”
“Thank you.”
Chris pushed the cart outside. He unloaded the items while Erykah settled Charlie in the car.
“So how will this exchange work?” Erykah asked as Chris climbed into the driver’s side. “I just drive to your work on Monday and hand Charlie over?”
“Basically.” He thought for a moment. “If you don’t have time to feed him beforehand, I’ve got a bag of the same feed at the center. We’ll take care of him and make sure he stays out of trouble.” Cameron, Zach, and the others would enjoy having the little guy around.
“Are yousureyou don’t mind?”
Chris glanced at Erykah. A chance to see her every day and see if she was as special as he hoped she was? “Positive.”
Relief relaxed the lines in the middle of her forehead until they disappeared completely. “Thank you so much, Chris.”
“Happy to help.”
By the time he pulled up to Erykah’s condo, Charlie had fallen asleep. “I’ll grab the bags.”
“You sure? I can grab some.”
“Nah. I’ve got them. Just get the little guy.” Besides, he could put some of the items in the kennel and then carry that and anything else into her place. He carried heavier items at the center than this.
Thankfully, her building had an elevator, which made moving everything from his car to her condo a lot easier. Erykah darted a nervous glance over her shoulder as she twisted the key into the lock. Was she worried about his thoughts on her place? Or worried the dog wouldn’t fare well?
Chris schooled his features. The least he could do was maintain a neutral expression instead of the one burning with curiosity at entering her domain.
She set Charlie down. The dog’s gaze roamed the halls, still looking a little sleepy.
Erykah had her place unlocked and door held wide open in seconds. “Come on, boy.” Charlie sniffed his way across the wood floors.
Chris took a step, then another as he examined his surroundings. The exposed red brick in her living room wentall the way into the kitchen, giving off an industrial vibe. The neutral brown décor fit the modern look, along with the African American–style paintings hanging on the walls. Her taste ran a lot richer than his.
“Nice place.”
She smiled. “Thank you. It’s only one bedroom, but I don’t need much.”
“You don’t feel claustrophobic in here?” No office or anything? This place could only be about nine hundred square feet, though he had no idea how large the bedroom was.
“No. Why? Is your place big?”
“Yep.” He popped his lips.
“Really? For one person?” An amazed expression filled her face.
“I’ll show you one day.” Chris blew out a breath.Or maybe not.He wasn’t ready to show her his place or even ask her on a date. For now, he’d continue texting her, watch over Charlie while she worked, and see what happened from there.
He clapped his hands. “Well, I better let you get all settled.”
“Thanks again for your help.”
“No problem.” He headed out the door, not sure how else to make a charming exit. He pressed the down button next to the elevator and let out a sigh, going over the evening’s events in his head.
