She scrubbed and cleaned because she wasn’t going to risk contaminated food. Oscar slept on in his box until she opened at seven.
♥♥♥
Ford strolled in just after eight … before she found a place to hide her new pet. Because there was no denying that like the man standing before her, Oscar had stolen a piece of her heart and was destined to stay. Hopefully, the dog would remain asleep until her friend and nemesis was gone. A search of regulations had proved there was no way to have a pet in an eating establishment. In summer, she could keep him on hersmall outdoor patio. In winter, Oscar needed to be elsewhere.
“Good morning, Ford,” Drinda smiled at him.
“Good morning to you, neighbor.” His face lit with a warm, welcoming smile. It felt like coming home and she couldn’t help but smile back. Her heart was going soft. She was seriously falling for this handsome fire fighter with his sparkling eyes and generous nature. Guilt scratched at her conscience. She was lying to him about having a dog in the building.
“Hi,” she said lamely, unable to think of anything to say. Her heart thundered in her chest. Partly because he was here and had a way of bringing her body to life with nothing but his presence. Partly because she was terrified, he would find Oscar and report her to the board of health. She turned up the radio just a touch in case Oscar woke up and started whining. She liked Ford, they had a real connection, but she had no doubt that he’d stick to the letter of the law on having a dog in the building.
He slid a long list across the counter. “Here’s our order.”
“I thought today was your last day off?” She read the list and started making the first drink.
“Gibson came down with food poisoning. I was called in. I’m expecting it to be a slow day anyway. Not that you can predict when a fire will break out.”
She chuckled.
“That wasn’t a joke.” His brows knit together.
“Maybe not, but it was funny.” Oscar whined and she fired up the grinder to cover it.
“Did you hear something?” He cocked his head like a dog listening for the smallest noise.
“No.” She pretended to listen and hoped Oscar would quiet down.
“I’m sure I heard something. Can you shut that infernal noise off?”
“Not if you want these drinks.” She started her large grinder to cover any noise when the espresso grinder stopped. She kept the racket going though she was certain the beans would be ground beyond any possible use. A blur of motion flew past.
NO! Her mind shouted.
“What in the world?” He glared at Drinda. “You let him in here?”
“No!” She sighed. “Yes. He was starving. I couldn’t stand to see him shivering in the cold. He’s really good. He stays in his box.”
“Obviously not.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I can’t let this go. You know that, right?” He ignored the dog wiggling in excitement at his feet.
Her heart sank to her toes. She hoped that he might let it slide once, because they were good friends, and she thought they were becoming more. “Yeah, I know. But … please, Ford. Just give me today and I’ll get him out of here. He usually stays in his box. I sterilize everything after he gets out. He won’t contaminate anything. I promise.” She hated begging. But Oscar’s unconditional love was more than worth it.
“Who else knows he’s here?”
“Just your grandmother. He’s been asleep and nobody else saw him. I swear.” She didn’t think for one moment that begging would sway him but couldn’t stop herself. She locked her knees to keep them from trembling. This man controlled so many aspects of her life. He had the power to shut down her business and evict herfrom her home.
Ford closed his eyes and muttered under his breath. He glared and said, “Get him out of here. I don’t care where you take him, but when I come back tomorrow, he better be gone and for the love of my sanity, don’t let anyone else see him.”
“I promise I’ll get him out of here by the end of the day.” She smiled. “Thanks for understanding.” She poured a cup of drip coffee before speaking again. “I’ve finished with all the requirements you stated on my evaluation. You can reinspect any time.”
“I’ll wait until that mutt is gone.”
Chapter Eleven
“Hey, Sage. Brad.” Drinda greeted her friends in the waiting room at the vet’s office. “I didn’t know you had a pet.” They were an adorable couple. Brad’s dark hair made an amazing contrast to Sage’s long blonde locks. They wore jeans and brightly colored sweaters, that clashed yet somehow looked good together.
Sage, a medical receptionist, leaped up from her padded vinyl seat, and hugged Drinda. “Just got a cat. We’re waiting to get her shots. I didn’t know you had a dog.” She knelt and fondled Oscar’s ear with a grin.
“Yeah. I found this guy. I’m going to keep him until I find his owner. Dr. Walsh is going to check him for a chip and give him the once over before I take him home.” She sat across from her friends after checking in with the vet’s aide. A gentle tug on Oscar’s leash had him scurrying to her side and away from Sage’s pet carrier.
