He stared at her door mired in confusion.
♥♥♥
“How was work today?” She slid into a kitchen chair. It was good to be off her aching feet. The kitchen was neat with only a single plate and fork in the sink. There was a napkin holder and napkins on the table that hadn’t been there before. They’d always used squares of paper towel instead of napkins. He was classing the place up.
“It started okay. I helped the guys with some shoveling. The hardware store donated a snowblower. It’s been a big help, and we finish faster. We can add more people to our list.”
“That’s wonderful. I love how the station does so much for others. What went wrong?”
“Just a small fire. I know fires are what I do, but I never enjoy fighting them.”
“That’s understandable.” She squeezed his hand in hers.
Oscar made a low bark, and Drinda took a steadying breath. Her heart was pounding. She was certain Ford was on to her and Oscar despite him being quiet and her keeping the radio on to cover any noise. “Are you going to Sage and Brad’s wedding?” she asked hoping to distract him.
“Probably. I don’t usually do weddings. Women get all clingy and start thinking of the future.”
“Didn’t you tell me you wanted a family?” It would be disappointing if he changed his mind. She was starting to envision afuture with him.
“Yeah, but I don’t want to be rushed into it by some romance crazed woman. I swear weddings are like crack to single women.”
The comment should have been offensive, but instead, she saw the absolute truth in it. Before she came to Cherry Lake, she knew a dozen women who had chased down prospective husbands at weddings. She laughed. “We could go together. I’d have a date, and you wouldn’t be bothered by the chasers,” she offered though the wedding was months away. “Though I am in the wedding party. That shouldn’t be a problem though.”
“Maybe.” He seemed distracted. He brought the teapot to the table. Lemon and ginger swirled through the air.
“Oh, that smells delicious.”
Cups smacked onto the table followed by sugar, honey, and cream. Ford thumped into his chair with a frown.
“Where’s the dog, Drinda?” His fingers tapped on the table. “I’ve seen him tied up outside the shop when you are at work. He’s not there at night. Where is he?” Anger radiated off him in waves.
Whoa!
Cookie crumbs!
He was onto her. For a brief second, she debated lying. “Next door.” She hung her head.
He lurched up and his chair flew backward, banging into the wall.
“Dang it. I told you no pets. It’s in your lease. You’ve broken your lease. Expect your eviction notice tomorrow.” He crossed his arms over his chest and glared. “I can’t believe you lied to me. I thought we were building something together.”
“Ford, I can explain-”
He cut her off. “I don’t want to hear it. No pets. That’s the rule.”
Slowly, she rose to her feet and strode to stand right in front of him, so close she could feel his breath on her face. She banked her anger and disappointment in him. She thought he had a warmer heart. All his other actions said so. Aside from his flip-out when she spilled coffee on him, he was reasonable, friendly, and caring.So much for that.
“Maybe I’m the only one having … feelings. I like you, Ford. A lot. I thought you cared. I would think that if we were building something, you’d cut me some slack. I’m trying to find his owners. I can’t in good conscience let him live outside. He’s a baby, Ford. A baby!” Her chest hurt and her hands clenched.
“You didn’t even ask first.” He stepped back and slashed her with a cutting glare.
“Would you have said yes if I did?”
“Probably not. But you could have asked.”
She rolled her eyes and his frown deepened until his eyes and mouth were nothing but hard grooves cut into his face.
“I have a no pet rule. For all my buildings.”
