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He glanced at his watch and frowned. He hadn’t been gone too long. Maybe ten minutes. “Sorry,” he mumbled.
“It’s all right. I was telling the girls about what happened at PE this morning. They got a kick out of it.”
So that’s what she had been talking about. He relaxed his shoulders, glad they hadn’t been talking about him.
She took the lead and gestured for him to follow. “This way. Hopefully, no one’s found this spot.”
There was a small hill that separated the street and his office. At the bottom, there was a little fountain and a circle of cement that surrounded it. The little fountain hadn’t seen water in days, and it was overrun with little plants. Still, it was beautiful. “How did you find this?”
“I was stuck at a light the other day and happened to glance over here. You almost can’t see it. Do you think it’s our office’s property?”
It wasn’t far from the office, but he’d have to check. “Not sure.”
“If it is, I’m going to fix it up. It just needs a little bit of love.” She glanced down at her hand. It was shaking again. “Maybe not today, though.”
“It’s hurting again, huh?”
She bit into her sandwich and nodded.
“How about you go home early? I don’t want to make things worse.”
She shook her head. “My next job is what I’m worried about.”
“You’re going to a job after this?”
She swallowed down her bite and grinned. “Thursday is my busy day. After PE classes, I work here and then walk a few dogs.”
“Walking dogs?” He imagined the leash pulling at her skin. “You can’t do that.”
She frowned and shoved another bite in her mouth. “I think you’re right,” she said, her mouth full of food.
He turned away before she could see him laugh. She was so different from the women he had met over his adult years. Of course she walked dogs. She was full of life and probably the happiest person he had ever met.
“Hey.” She tapped his leg gently. “You could always help me.”
He whipped around, staring at where her hand had been. Instead of the usual burning, his leg tingled.
“Ah, sorry.” She scooted away from him. “I’m not used to keeping my hands to myself. It’s a problem.”
Questions fought for space in his mind, but he picked the most urgent. “Can’t you cancel your third job?”
She shook her head. “Ginger and Snaps would never get out if I didn’t take them. Their owners are handicapped.”
“Ginger and Snaps?”
She giggled through another bite. “Yes. Aren’t they cute dog names? Except Snaps isn’t a biter at all. It’s Ginger you’ve got to watch out for. She likes to bowl you over.”
He bit back a smile. Everything she said was pure comedy to his ears.
“I could do it for you.” What was he thinking? But the suggestion was already out, and he couldn’t go back on his word.
“I’m sure you really don’t want to walk two mastiffs. I can barely hold them on a good day.”
“Mastiffs? Two of them?” He pulled at his collar. “I’m sure I could handle it.”
“Um, if you say so.” She smiled. “I’d love your help.”
There was no going back now.
