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“Would you like to pet her?”

She nodded and stepped forward. She held out the back of her hand and waited for Mochi to sniff her. And then she knelt down to Mochi’s level. “Hi, girl.”

Mochi’s tail beat the floor. The woman reached out and petted her. It seemed they’d made fast friends.

He glanced down at Mochi, who was sitting like a good girl. “Okay, Mochi. You stay with...” He glanced up at the woman with the rosy lips and blue eyes.

Her cheeks pinkened. “My name’s Leah Mitchell.”

He smiled at her. “It’s nice to meet you, Leah.” Before he got caught staring at her, he turned his attention to Mochi. “Stay with Leah. I’ll be right back.”

“Woof!”

He petted her head and then headed for the door. It was like he’d been in the B&B for an hour or two because when he went back out, the weather had once more changed. It was once more sleeting.

He walked as fast as he dared over the slick sidewalk. When he reached the SUV, he took Mochi’s bowls and food and stuffed them into a bag. Then he grabbed his bag from the floorboard behind the driver’s seat.

When he stepped back inside the B&B, Mochi and Leah were gone. He followed Leah’s gentle voice back the hallway, in the direction of their room. And then he came upon them in what must be a family room, as it had couches and chairs as well as a large screen television, which was turned off.

Mochi sat next to Leah on the couch as she petted her. The pup was eating up all of the attention. This seemed to be the way things went with Mochi. People would fuss over her and tell her how adorable she was, but as soon as they learned of her hip dysplasia, they were on to the next adorable dog.

But Leah wasn’t a possible adopter. She was just a nice lady who worked at an inn. Nothing more. By tomorrow morning, she would fade from his rearview mirror.

When her gaze strayed to him, her eyes widened. “I didn’t realize you were standing there. We were just getting to know each other.” She glanced over at Mochi. “Weren’t we?” Leah looked back at him. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

“Actually, Mochi hasn’t eaten yet. With the storm and things, we’re way off schedule. Do you mind if we use the kitchen?”

“Uh, no. Not at all. It’s right behind you.” She gestured to the room behind him.

He set down his bags before moving to the couch and scooping up Mochi. He tried to keep her from jumping as much as possible to keep any added pressure off of her bad hip. It didn’t appear to be hurting her now, but as she grew and put more weight on that hip, it would change

Unlike other parts of the house, the kitchen was a lot more modern. He found that fascinating.

“Can I get you anything?” she asked.

He shook his head. “I have what she needs. But thank you.”

He moved back to the bags he’d brought in from the SUV. He grabbed two matching bowls. One was for water and the other was for the dog food he’d bought at Purr ’n Woof.

He noticed that his hostess wasn’t going anywhere. He couldn’t help but wonder if it was because she didn’t trust him—after all, they were strangers—or, if she was as curious about him as he was in her.

Chapter Four

They were so cute.

Leah sat at the kitchen table and watched man and dog interact. When women saw a man with a baby in his arms, they thought it was so adorable, but she’d be willing to wager that Shaun caring for Mochi was just as cute, if not more so.

It was like a touching greeting card commercial that tugs at the heartstrings. She could clearly see how much they cared for each other. Shaun had nothing but gentle words for Mochi, and Mochi would look at Shaun with love in those big brown eyes. Those two were definitely meant for each other.

“You two are a great pair,” she said.

“Thanks. But we’re not a pair. Not really.” Shaun placed the food bowl on the floor near the water bowl.

“I don’t understand.”

And then he explained about the puppies needing a good home by Christmas. She was surprised he would go so far out of his way to help a bunch of puppies. He had to have a really big heart.

“That’s good to know. If I hear of anyone looking for a dog, I’ll send them to see Merry.” Her gaze moved to the puppy, who was happily munching on kibble. “And what about Mochi?”