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On Saturday evening, Cody pulled into the driveway of Addison’s home. It was a small, yellow bungalow with blue shutters. He picked up the long-stemmed yellow rose, stepped from the truck, strode up the walk, and rang the doorbell. He could hear a dog barking from inside, then the door opened, and Addison stood there.
She wore a short red skirt that ended just above her knees, a black blouse, and on her feet were… damn, black stilettos.
“Come in,” she said.
He removed his hat, stepped inside, handed her the rose, and looked down at the dog, that was sniffing his boots.
“That’s some watchdog you have there. What is he? Thirty pounds?”
“She, and don’t make fun of my dog.” She folded her arms and narrowed her eyes at him.
“I wasn’t making fun of her. It’s just the way she was barking, I was sure she was a lot bigger and badder.”
Addison laughed. “Her bark scares people until they see her.”
“I’m sure she can still use those teeth though.” He squatted down. “Come here, girl.” He looked up at Addison. “What’s her name?”
“Lollipop, but I call her Lolli.”
“Lollipop?” He shook his head. It always amazed him at the names people came up with for their pets.
“Yes, Lollipop.”
He straightened. “I’ll call her Lolli too. I am not going to call a dog, Lollipop.”
Addison giggled. “Whatever.”
“Are you ready to go?”
“Yes. Let me grab my purse.”
Cody glanced around the living room.
“This is a nice little house. Have you always lived here?”
“No. When Stuart died, I sold the house we had and bought this smaller one. I like it.” She walked toward the door.
“Do you need to put… Lolli out?”
“Nope. She has a pet door.” She looked at the dog. “I’ll be home later, Lolli. Be a good girl.”
“She’s a Corgi, right?”
“Yes, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The other breed of Corgi is the Cardigan Welsh. That one has a tail and is a little larger than the Pembroke. I fell in love with them when I was a little girl. My nana has three of them, and Lolli is from one of her dog’s litters. She’s three now.”
“So, you grew up with them.”
“Yes. I’m ready if you are.”
“More than ready, darlin’. I’m starving. I didn’t eat today since I was so busy.”
“With what? Still unpacking?” she asked him as they walked onto the porch. Addison locked the door and turned to face him.
“My horses and bulls were delivered today, so I had the ranch hands move them to different pastures.”
“What about your manager? Has he decided yet to stay in Clifton?”
Cody shook his head. “No. Rhoda missed Helena too much. I have to look for a manager.”
