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Much later, Frizzle yawned at her side and then went into her post-nap stretch. The longer the nap, the longer the stretch and the bigger the yawn. These were long.

A look at the time showed that Rissa had worked through lunch and most of the afternoon.

When she reviewed, she realized she’d completed fifteen lesson plans, and twelve others were more than halfway done as she’d bounced from idea to idea. Frizzle nuzzled her hand, and Rissa patted her head. “That was an incredibly productive afternoon, Frizzle. You had a great snooze, and I’m much further along with this unit than I expected.”

Frizzle wiggled in what Rissa had learned was her potty dance. “Time to go outside? Find your coat.”

With the current temperature, even a quick pee break outside would be too cold for the Yorkie. Frizzle would be captivated anew by the snow which meant she wouldn’t be quick.

Once Frizzle wore a cute snowman coat and matching booties, Rissa opened the door to let her out. She grabbed her own coat and slid on her boots to follow her dog.

Unsurprisingly, Frizzle thought the snow was the best surprise. She raced in all directions, never going more than a dozen yards, then hurried back to tell Rissa all about her adventures.

Rissa moved into a stretching routine for her back and shoulders. She’d been locked in one position for hours, and her muscles weren’t happy about it.

Frizzle’s bark changed in tone. Instead of talking to Rissa, she alerted her to someone’s arrival. Someone she knew and liked. Her stranger bark wasn’t nearly as enthusiastic.

Rissa turned to find Burke walking their way with a smile on his face, which triggered one of her own. “I’m in trouble, Frizzle.”

It would be so easy to fall for Burke again. Still? Had she ever grown out of her crush? Probably not. His actions, or lack thereof, wouldn’t have hurt nearly as much if she hadn’t cared.

Her teenage feelings hadn’t dissipated. Her adult ones could easily bloom far beyond crush level, which would probably lead to heartbreak. Again.

Fool me once.

Burke grinned at Rissa, then turned his attention to Frizzle. He squatted down and let Frizzle bounce up to lick his face. He laughed and rubbed her down with both hands. “You’re a cute little snowman, Frizzle.”

Rissa’s heart sighed happily. Of course, he was good with her dog, too. He was a kind man who took care of everyone around him, so it didn’t surprise her that his love of animals remained.

Burke stood. “May I accompany you ladies up to the inn for supper?”

Heat flushed across Rissa’s cheeks. “It’s okay. I’m going to make something up in the Q Lab.”

Burke shook his head. “Amber told me to ensure you join us. She said you didn’t come up for lunch, and she wants you to be at every meal.”

“Amber was always so good at taking care of everyone around her.”

Burke’s eyes softened. “She was and still is. She’s also pregnant, so I’m not taking chances of upsetting her. Please come.”

How could she refuse? She already had a plan to pay for her meals and use of their property, so it wouldn’t cause any harm.

Except for a potential threat to her heart. How was she supposed to go merrily on her way when her contract was done?

She’d always have Frizzle, but being surrounded by adults who cared about each other was a new experience, one she didn’t want to miss. She’d fill her memory bank with these moments for when she and Frizzle were alone again.

When she nodded her agreement, Burke smiled widely. “Thank you.”

He placed his hand on the small of her back as they turned to the inn. She wanted to lean into him. He dropped his hand after they turned, and she wanted to protest. But they weren’t a couple; Burke was showcasing his manners. His parents had raised them right.

“How did the lesson planning go?”

“Fantastic. I didn’t stop typing from the moment I sat down until Frizzle told me she needed to come outside.”

Burke frowned. “That’s about six hours at the keyboard. You didn’t even stop for lunch?”

She shook her head. “Didn’t think about it. Once the ideas are flying, I’ve learned it’s best to let them soar right out of my fingertips. I didn’t want to lose any of them.”

He rolled his eyes. “Your mind is like the proverbial steel trap, Rissa. I don’t think you ever forget things.”