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“We’re here. My favorite little French bistro.” Alyssa waved toward a patio with brightly colored mosaic-tiled tables and cane-woven chairs, all enclosed by a black wrought iron fence. “Let’s sit outside. The food’s delicious, and the coffee is to die for.”
They chose a table located under a giant eucalyptus tree that cloaked them in a hint of dappled sunlight and partial shade. A waitress in a black skirt and crisp white shirt approached and handed them two menus. They ordered café au lait and perused the brunch options.
Sophie’s tummy grumbled again, eager for a meal someone else had prepared. Eating at home made the most sense now she didn’t have a regular paycheck. Oh yeah, and because she wasn’t a fan of dining out solo.
When the waitress returned with their coffees, they both ordered croissants with spinach-and-cheddar-cheese omelets. Alyssa shared her passion for artistic expression and how it impacted her interior-design career. No wonder the cottage was so cozy and welcoming.
While they ate, Alyssa’s phone beeped. With an apologetic glance, she picked up the call.
“Hey, Nick, what’s up? Oh, shoot, no, I totally forgot you were headed to New York today. You want to drop Bailey off now? I’ve got to head to L.A. this afternoon and totally spaced about keeping her for you.” She frowned.
Sophie was laser focused on Alyssa’s responses. What was wrong with her? She heard Nick’s name, and her pulse kicked up—his potent presence even affected her through the phone. And she wasn’t even on the phone with him.Pathetic.
“I’m so sorry, but I can’t. Why can’t Brandt take her? Hmmm, what about doggy daycare? I could swing by and drop her off for you.”
Alyssa huffed out a breath, then her gaze flicked toward Sophie and her eyes widened. “Hold on. I may have a solution.”
Uh-oh.
“I hate to ask, but is there any way you could watch Bailey for the next few days? I need to go to L.A. for business. Please? Bailey knows the cottage, and she’s such a sweet girl. It would be a huge help. I could pay you for the time…”
Alyssa was a velvet hammer. Or a bulldozer. How could she refuse without being rude? It wasn’t like she had anywhere to be except the cottage. And if Bailey were Alyssa’s dog, she wouldn’t hesitate to pet-sit.
Damn, damn, damn, this meant she’d have to see Nick again. Because that wouldn’t be awkward after the other night. Because she hadn’t been able to forget about their mind-blowing kiss.
No temptation needed, thank you very much. “Sure, of course. A couple of days. Will you bring her over?”
Alyssa held up one perfectly manicured finger and spoke to Nick. “I’ve got the perfect solution. Sophie agreed to keep Bailey at the cottage, isn’t that sweet? We’re just finishing up breakfast, and then we can swing by and pick her up.”
Alyssa nodded. “Okay, if time’s that tight, I’ll drop Sophie off and you bring Bailey straight to the cottage. Twenty minutes, okay? Bye.”
Alyssa’s smile was sheepish. “I owe you big time. Let’s finish up, and I’ll take you home. He’s heading out, and it’s easier for him to drop Bailey off.”
Sophie savored the kiss of the warm breeze through her hair while they cruised up the hill in Alyssa’s white convertible Beemer. She could handle seeing Nick again, despite the tell-tale nerves flickering in her belly. She willed her system to quiet as she absorbed the beautiful tree-lined street leading up to her new home. Her home.
Satisfaction filled her––she was independent, going to yoga, making a new friend, and writing her book. All the things she’d sacrificed while struggling to succeed at her hectic job and please Doug.
Having a temporary dog playmate would be great. It was irrelevant that Bailey belonged to Nick, right? As a child, she’d yearned for a pet, but her mother disliked any kind of hairy beast. Then, Doug hated dogs. Why had she allowed him to control so many aspects of her life?
Taking Bailey for walks would be a great way to explore the neighborhood. It wasn’t like Zack would submit to a leash. He preferred to run and play on his own schedule. Usually at around five in the morning, when he’d walk all over her pillow to wake her for his breakfast.
When they pulled into the driveway, Nick was leaning against his car. In tailored slate-colored slacks and a crisp white dress shirt highlighting his broad shoulders, flat abs, and narrow hips, he was gorgeous. Heat curled down her spine.
She’d barely shut the car door when Alyssa waved goodbye, revved into reverse, and sped down the driveway. Odd. Alyssa hadn’t mentioned being in a hurry.
Bemused, she waved and braced herself to face Nick. Bailey bounded over, slapped two enormous paws on her shoulders, and lathered her face with kisses. Déjà vu.
She laughed, thankful for the dog playing intermediary. “Hi, so do you have her things together for me? Any special instructions?”
“Her stuff is on the porch. Sorry about my sister. She’s usually not forgetful, so thanks.” He shook his head. “But I’m warning you. Bailey will try to climb in bed and cuddle with you under the sheets.”
Heat rose in her cheeks, and she cursed her fair skin. Now the visual of his rangy, muscular body pressing her back into the sheets filled her already over-active imagination. Those powerful hands roaming all over her. His mouth. On every single inch of her body.
They needed to change the subject.
Pronto.
No more talk of cuddling under her bed’s sheets.
