As he watched her talking softly to their rescues right now, his pulse raced and his heart filled with deep warmth and maybe…something more? He’d be a fool to walk away from the possibilities.
♥ ♥ ♥
Men’s voices and some noise drew Kathy to her kitchen window, overlooking the backyard and the ocean. She could have easily walked out onto the deck and peeked down, but the twenty-degree temperature made her think twice. Since she’d returned from Boston a few days ago, the weather had worsened. The twice-daily walks on the beach with the dogs had become shorter.
They’d returned over an hour ago that morning, and now she was busy helping Dana solve a murder. The more she wrote, the more she discovered about her characters, the college campus, and faculty, as well as the residents of her fictional town. A third book for the series had already popped into her mind, Murder on the Perimeter. She liked the idea of using a math reference in each title going forward. It would set the series apart. She’d pass the idea by Brandon. He had great marketing skills.
Her cell rang. “C’mon downstairs. I want you to meet Matt Parker. He delivered a gift to us.”
“Be right there,” she said with a sigh, then, patting her computer, added, “I’ll be right back, Dana.” Being rude was out of the question. She had to acknowledge a gift.
She donned her parka, boots, and gloves and made her way to the back of the house.
“Hey, Kathy. Look what Matt brought us.” Brandon pointed at a pile of wood, stacked high. “From Bart Quinn, who, by the way, is flying back to the Sunshine State this afternoon.”
“So this eases his conscience,” Kathy joked as she stepped toward Matt. “Thanks for bringing it over.”
“No problem,” answered the tall, dark-haired man. “We all keep an eye on this house.” He turned back toward Brandon. “I will warn you, however, and maybe your uncle already has, that there’s no generator. If the power goes, you’ll need every piece of wood in the cord, or make your way to my house, where we have a generator! Make sure you stock up on flashlights and candles.”
He looked away for a moment. “I had to come rescue Laura when she stayed here. Brought her home”—he shook his head—”and we never looked back. Best thing I ever did.”
Kathy smiled, a bit uncomfortable. “Good for both of you.”
“Parker…Parker… Is your dad Sam Parker who meets up at the diner every morning?” asked Brandon.
Matt nodded.
“I’ve met him…and the rest of the bunch. My uncle brought me before I moved in. Very nice guy.”
“Hey, you’re preaching to the choir,” said Matt with a laugh. “He lives with us. Wouldn’t have it any other way.” He waved and took off.
Brandon hefted a couple of wood pieces. “Open the door for me, will ya? I’ll put some logs inside so we’re ready.”
“I enjoy a cozy fire, but do you really think we’ll need them for a blackout?”
Brandon turned back toward her. “Consider me a Boy Scout. I like to be prepared”—he paused—”in all ways.”
His eyes heated, and his words took on another significance. Her breath caught at the implications, and when she shivered, it wasn’t because of the weather.
“Uh…Dana’s waiting. I’ve got to get back. But I’ll see you later.” Whew. One hot glance from him, and she’d almost melted. Man, she had it bad. Hadn’t expected…this! Whatever it was or was becoming. Two ships in the night? Or meeting the right someone?
She wasn’t sixteen anymore, when she was so crazy about the new boy who’d moved in down the block, she couldn’t think of anything else. Smart. Good-looking. A year older. A crush. And since then? Well, she hadn’t been a nun, but no one else had made her heart race like Brandon did. No one else had made butterflies dance the tarantella inside her tummy. And no one could make her laugh as he did. All in all, a nice combination.
♥ ♥ ♥
“Just got a call from the vet,” said Brandon that evening as they prepared to take the dogs for a run. “He had good news on all fronts. His family is thriving, and two of the rescues have been adopted.”
“Oh, I’m so glad,” she said. “Hmm…maybe we should send them a little baby gift. We were almost witnesses!”
She felt his gaze on her and looked back. The corner of his mouth twitched. “Careful, sweetheart…getting a little involved, are we?”
“No! Anyone would say the same. And that’s fabulous about the pups. I was a bit concerned since the posters were displayed only inside restaurants and supermarkets, where people could take the time to read.”
“I was, too,” Brandon said. “No storefronts as I’d first envisioned. But it’s working. My aunt and uncle are thinking about taking one—they’ve had a number of dogs over the years—and if Katie Parker can ply her charms on her parents...that would make four adoptees.”
“Oh, I have faith in Katie, and no doubt Sara will help to convince them. No worries there.”
“Only four left, Katarina, including…”
She heard the tone in his voice. A reminder. She hadn’t forgotten about the little female she’d cuddled. The adorable pup he’d omitted from his posters.
“I won’t do anything that might upset Sheba,” she said slowly. “So I need to call my grandmother and get her input. In any case, another visit with the little girl is in order. Maybe I was just having an emotional moment.”
“Maybe,” he agreed, on a totally neutral note. “You’ll figure it out.”
She would, but in the meantime, “C’mon. Let’s run with them for two minutes.” Wrapping her scarf around her mouth, she darted ahead, Sheba alongside.
Brandon passed her almost immediately and, to her surprise, leaned over and unleashed Rocky. The dog raced ahead and never looked back. Until Brandon emitted a loud whistle. Instantly, Rocky turned and ran into waiting arms. “Good boy, Rock. Good boy.
“He’s panting hard and the air’s cold,” Brandon said. “I’m going to take him in.”
“Very impressive. Have you been practicing?”
“Nope. Just thought it was time to try. I actually read the training book Adam gave me. The human has to be the alpha.”
“What if he didn’t come?”
“Then I would have been disappointed but not too worried. He’s really smart and knows where he lives now. He would have found us.”
She liked his natural use of the word us.
♥ ♥ ♥
“Despite choosing to manage her art gallery in Florida, I think Honey regretted not going up north with Bart,” said Nonna when Kathy called her on Sunday. “But she was ecstatic when he returned. And of course, I turned down their invitation to dinner last night.”
That was a big mouthful for her nonna, who, as far as Kathy knew, never gossiped. “Good judgment, Nonna. She’ll fly north next time. I guess Bart and Honey are—what should we call it—a second-chances couple? Very different from what you and Nonno had.”
Silence on the other end, silence for a long moment. “I miss your nonno so much, Katarina. Maybe that’s why I was upset with my friend. Bart and Honey are wonderful people, and they shouldn’t waste time. None of us are young anymore.”
Nonna was not big on sharing her deepest sensitivities, and Kathy started to be concerned. “Are you okay…?”
“Your grandpa and I had forty-five years, and it was not enough! If we’d had only twenty, I’d marry him again if he walked into my life today. Without hesitation.”
Kathy heard her grandma’s deep breaths through the cell. “Are you…”
“One, two, three!” Teresa continued. “We met, got engaged, and married in six months! When you know, you know.”
One, two, three. Were she and Brandon on that track? “This has become a very emotional holiday season, Nonna. Maybe next year, you’ll stay in Boston until afterwards. January is also a good time to fly south.”
The soft chuckle reassured her. “Good idea, my brilliant granddaughter. So, how’s the book coming?”
“You sound…happy, my Katarina. Lighthearted. Maybe a change is exactly what you needed.”
“I won’t argue that.”
“And maybe this downstairs neighbor is also exactly what you needed. Hmm?”
Time to change the subject. “I’m thinking about adopting a rescue from the shelter run by the local vet. I’m just concerned about Sheba’s reaction.”
Five minutes later, she disconnected, her grandmother’s last words echoing. It’s just like with your writing. If you don’t try, you won’t know.
Which held true about anything in life. The women in her family seemed to put the challenge into practice. Between Nonna’s passionate revelations about her wonderful marriage and her mom’s revelations of a painful time, she’d learned more about her family than she would have guessed lay hidden behind an invisible Russo curtain.
♥ ♥ ♥
“Only four dogs left, but Brandon told me to hold this little girl for you,” said Adam as he led Kathy and Sheba to the kennels.
“He’s thoughtful that way.” And smart, convincing her that either decision she made would be correct.
“There’s no right or wrong about this,” Brandon had said when she’d left the house. “It either works or it doesn’t. You’ll know.” Then he wished her luck and went back inside, his mind clearly elsewhere.
“Okay, Sheba. You’re going to help me out here. You have a big say in this.”
Thirty minutes later, Kathy laughed at herself while she cuddled the newest member of the family. “I can’t believe that she remembers me,” she said to Adam. “At least, she acts that way.”
“Her scent memory is excellent, as in most dogs, but you held her for a long time when she was not in a good place. At heart, dogs are pack animals, which is why Sheba’s so good with this. She’s got a playmate.”
“She’ll have two playmates for a while. Good grief, Adam. You might say that Sea View House has gone to the dogs.”
His eyes twinkled. “But, thanks to you, this rescue is embarking on a new journey.”
Oh, she loved puns. Her mind raced. “I’m not even pawsing for another minute to think it rover. Thanks furry much.”
“Oh, my God, Dad. She’s as bad as you are.” Sara headed straight to Kathy. “Are you adopting her?”
“I am.”
The girl’s grin crossed her face. “Then she’ll have a wonderful home.” She crouched next to Sheba, who nuzzled into the child. “And you’re going to be the best big sister ever. Just like me.”
The love she saw in Adam’s eyes when he looked at his daughter… Kathy felt her own eyes fill and blinked hard. Time to change the subject. “Hey, Sara. We need a name. Got any ideas?” She wasn’t expecting a bull’s-eye response, just wanted to make conversation.
“Let me think a minute.” Sara looked between Sheba and the rescue a few times. “We’ve got the Queen of Sheba, so maybe we should call her Cleopatra. Cleo. Two queens.”
“Cleo,” repeated Kathy. “Short, definite clear sound. I like it.” She looked down at the pup. “Do you feel like a Cleo?”
She received a lick and a kiss.
“Then Cleo it is!” She glanced at Adam, whose eyes still followed his daughter.
“Hey, Adam. If Sara ever wants coaching in advanced mathematics—you know, they stuff they don’t do in regular school—call me. No charge.”
He nodded. “I thought you were a writer.”
“I am. By way of math and statistics. It’s a long story.”
He chuckled. “Welcome to Pilgrim Cove. Everyone has a story. You fit right in.”
“Not quite there yet,” she said, leashing Cleo. “Who knows?”
“Took me some time, too. I wasn’t born here. Neither was Becca, but circumstances…” He shrugged.
“One of my circumstances is back at the house. He’s playing it cool, but I bet he’s curious.”
Adam grinned. “Oh, I know he is.”
“Well, thanks furry much,” she said with a wink.
“Ap-paws, ap-paws. Thanks to you and Brandon, we’re down to three healthy canines left to give away. Besides two newly arrived greyhounds.” He sighed. “Wonderful dogs. I wish all those racetracks would close.”
Kathy had never thought about that world and could only imagine.
Sara helped getting the supplies to the car while Kathy held both leashes. She watched Sheba step in front, turn her head, woof-talk to Cleo. No confusion about who was in charge. “Atta girl, Sheba. Keep her in line, because I still need a peaceful place to get work done.”
♥ ♥ ♥
As soon as she pulled into the driveway, Brandon came out his front door onto the porch, jogged down the steps, and greeted her with a kiss. “You’ve got your hands full. Happy?” He leaned down to pet both dogs.
She nodded. “I think it’s the right decision. She’s a sweetheart. And Sheba’s so good with her.”
“I’ll bring the food and bowls and whatever else you decided to load up on while you go on upstairs with them. Show the pup her new home.”
“Okay and thanks.” She looked at the dogs and said, “Home.” Sheba went toward the back of the house and Cleo followed. Two smarties.
They clambered upstairs to the landing, where Kathy came to a complete stop. On the door was a large colorful poster. It read:
Welcome home, Cleo.
This is the only pup tent you’ll ever need.
An enlarged photo of the dog sat below the printed words. A sprinkle of hearts surrounded the pup. Hearts that matched the ones from the Avenger illustrations Brandon had drawn of her.
She studied the poster again, absorbing the message. And that’s when she started to cry. No mystery here. Rather, a love story, illuminated with words and pictures.
Footsteps sounded behind her. She turned around and walked right into his waiting arms. “Bran…?” She snuggled closer and didn’t want to be anywhere else.
“Yeah…I-I guess I communicated.”
“And I guess you got Adam to communicate, too.”
“Guilty. He didn’t mind at all!”
Laughter chased her tears, and she took note of the surroundings. So much life, so much love. “C’mon, I’ll fix dinner.”
“Good. I’m starving.”
“You’re always starving, and you’re not one of those starving-artist types.”
“I’d better not be,” he said. “You can’t build a future on air.”
Her Roadside Rescues: Chapter 10
After taking the dogs to the curb midmorning for an extra outing, Kathy knocked on the downstairs door and walked into Brandon’s kitchen with her four-legged charges. He was leaning against the table, phone to his ear. He glanced up, smiled, and finished the call.
“Reminding Cleo of her responsibilities?” he asked.
Kathy chuckled. “Something like that. I think I made a good decision. Cleo’s been really good, happy to sleep near Sheba, and is settling in well.”
“Of course she’s happy next to Sheba because they’re both in the same room with you.” He held up his hand in a stop motion. “It’s not a criticism. Rocky sleeps in my room, too. Don’t you, boy?” He leaned over to scratch the dog behind the ears and received a lick of thanks.
“You’re awfully good with him,” said Kathy, “especially when you didn’t want him in the first place.”
Brandon cupped his hands over Rocky’s ears. “Don’t let him hear you!”
The man was funny. He made her laugh a lot. “Ever think about stand-up? I bet you’d get a following.”
He eye-rolled her but said, “As long as you’re amused, I’m happy. Unfortunately, you may not want to hear this next news.”
“What?” He seemed so serious, she held her breath.
“I was too
late in making dinner reservations for tonight at the Wayside Inn. It’s New Year’s Eve, and I wanted to take you out for a change. They have live music. I’m sorry.”
He really did look rueful. Silly man. “Are you already tired of my cooking?” she teased.
“No chance,” he said, perking up. “It’s not as bad as I expected. I think you actually surprised yourself.” He walked toward her and gave her a quick kiss. “I’m not tired of anything yet and don’t expect to be.”
His compliment made her blush, and she felt heat rise to her face. “I’m not really disappointed about going out,” she said. “It’s kind of soon to leave Cleo alone for an evening anyway, don’t you think?”
He glanced at the dogs. “Not alone. I trust Sheba. But I have another idea. We can celebrate with the champagne that just arrived.”
The best-selling author had come through. Didn’t forget the “little” people. She tucked the knowledge away. Maybe someday… “Very nice. A liquid dinner, huh?”
“Okay, you’ve got a point. Give me a sec, and I’ll come up with something.” His fingers tapped on the table. His brows furrowed and cleared almost immediately. “Let’s call the Lobster Pot and get a few lobsters to go.”
“Oh, I like that idea.” An intimate dinner at home. “Life is so strange—and funny, too. Who knew six weeks ago, we’d each be involved in a new relationship on New Year’s Eve? I wasn’t looking for one, and you…? I don’t think so, either.”
A crooked smile crossed his face, and he nodded. “Totally correct. Women were last on my list when I came here.” His eyes shone with laughter. “So, later on, when folks ask us how we met, we can truthfully say we met by accident. A fortunate accident.”
Later on. He was talking about a future. She stepped closer toward him, looked into his eyes, and that was all the encouragement he needed.
Cupid to the Rescue: A Tail-Wagging Valentine's Day Anthology Page 35