“I had a really great time tonight,” he says.
“Me too.”
“I’d like to do it again.”
“I would too.” I suck in a breath. “Actually, I’ll be at Mistletoe Fest on Saturday. It’s the Christmas festival they have in town every year. Lots of good food, karaoke, carnival games. Lucy and Ben are going too. The whole gang. Well, everyone except Mom.” My smile falters. “Would you…like to come with us?”
“I’d love to.” He’s close enough that I can smell his cologne.
Is he going to kiss me? Does my breath reek of garlic? I knew I should have grabbed a mint on the way out of the restaurant like Oliver did.
Before he can make a move, I reach for the handle. “I should probably go. I’ve got an early morning tomorrow.”
“Right. Yes,” he says, popping open his door. “Let me get that for you.”
He helps me out of the car, and I pull my coat tighter around me before digging my keys out of my purse.
“Thank you again for tonight,” I say as he walks beside me to the front door. “I had fun.”
“Me too.” He nods as I shove the key into the lock. “Good night.”
“’Night,” I reply, but before I can open the door, he places a hand on it.
“Lindsey?”
I turn, and his eyes shimmer like two twinkling stars.
“Yes?” My voice is almost inaudible.
He steps closer and touches my cheek with his hand, stroking it with his thumb. Longing rushes through me, taking down every single reservation and insecurity. He leans in to me, and I’m lost in his gaze, drifting in space. Our lips touch and stars glitter behind my eyes. He tastes like peppermint and feels like everything I ever wanted. For one single, perfect moment, I’m soaring high above the clouds.
16
MJ
“Areyou ready to go home to your papa?”
June Bug wriggles in my arm while I pack her things with one hand Thursday morning. Lindsey called from work to let me know the puppy’s owner is back in town and on his way to pick her up.
The pup sneaks a kiss on my chin, and my heart gives a little tug. “I know, girl. I’m going to miss you too.”
I have to admit, I’m sad to see her go. That first day was rough, but we found a rhythm together. She only peed on my rugs a couple more times anddidmanage to leave some pretty impressive bite marks on one of the legs of my dining table, but she made up for it with lots of kisses. I enjoyed holding her while she slept, curled in a tiny ball in my lap. It was nice to have some company during the day, and I kind of dread the familiar echoes of emptiness that are sure to return once she and eventually, Lindsey, go home.
About twenty minutes later, I’m soaking in our last cuddles when the doorbell chimes. June Bug lets out a shrill bark to warn me in case I somehow failed to hear it.
I tuck her into the crook of my arm and head to the door, swinging it open. My stomach jumps into my throat when I lock eyes with the man waiting on my doorstep.
I didn’t expect him to be so…attractive. He has a strong nose and jaw. His sturdy build is clothed in a pair of gray slacks and a cozy sweater, and he has the kindest eyes I’ve seen since…well, in a long time.
“There’s my girl,” he says with a grin, and June Bug’s tail spins like a ceiling fan. “You must be Ms. Haggerty. Ron Phillips.”
“Please, call me MJ.” I hand the squirming pup over to her dad and smile. “Nice to meet you, Ron. You want to come in? I’ve got her stuff all packed up and ready to go.”
He wrinkles his brow. “She didn’t have anything when I left her with your daughter.”
I laugh and clasp my hands together. “Well, now she does. That’s Lindsey for you. Between her and Lucy, they made sure June Bug would have lots of toys and things to go home with. There’s a crate here too.”
“Your daughters are special people,” he says, following me inside. “And so are you. Lindsey told me she needed your help to take care of little Junie after the fire, and you were quick to pitch in. I’m just so glad everyone’s safe and that her house will be okay. When I saw my neighbor this morning, he told me about it. He’s a firefighter here in town.”
