Page 71 of Carter

There is this sweet group of women in Ohio who make and send them to different shelters around the country. They rotate, so we’ve gotten a few boxes over the years. They’re always adorable.

“I have not been staring,” I argue.

Hazel frowns. “Babe, yes, you have, and it’s okay.”

She pats me on the shoulder and walks away.

Have I really been staring at him for ten minutes? And worse, has it been that obvious to everyone else? I look around, but it doesn’t seem like anyone is watching me. It can’t have been that obvious, it’s just Hazel being Hazel.

I sneak a glance back at Nash. He’s nodding at something Leo is saying. Leo is a nice guy. Older. Early sixties maybe. The guy could talk anyone’s ear off. He always has something to say about something. And there’s Nash, listening intently like whatever Leo’s talking about is important. To Leo, it is. Toeveryone else, not so much. But Nash looks interested… I only hope he isn’t saying something offensive.

Shit. I should go save him.

“Hey, guys,” I say as I walk up to them. “How’s everything going?”

“Oh, wonderful,” Leo says, smiling. “I was just talking to Ned here about the traffic on the roads. They really should expand them or something.”

I hold back my laugh, and when I look at Nash, I can tell he’s doing the same. He’s amused, and it’s adorable. Ned? Really?

“I’m sure if they could, they would, Leo,” I say. “I need Nash for a minute, if that’s okay. Great. Thanks.” I hook my arm in his and pull him away before Leo can argue.

“Nice chatting,” Nash calls over his shoulder.

“You make sure you tell that boss of yours what I said about those fire hydrants!” he says before turning to find the next person to talk with.

“Sorry about that,” I say.

“Don’t apologize. He was only talking.”

“About crazy things.”

“He’s fine.”

“You’re just being nice.”

“So?”

I look up at him, and I suddenly realize how close we are. My arm is hooked in his, wrapped around hisveryfirm bicep. My arm bumping his ribs, which just feels like one of those spaces you don’t touch on other people, unless… you know.

“Okay, everyone!” Rose calls out, breaking my train of thought. “The Fur-Ever Fair starts in just twenty minutes. I want to take a moment to thank everyone for being here and helping out. Without you all, this event wouldn’t be possible. All of these furbabies are going to appreciate your hard work too. Hopefullywe will have an empty shelter today, so we can take in all the new babies that need our help.”

We all clap, but I can’t help the sinking feeling in my gut as I think about Teddy and how she’ll be left here today. And after this event, what are they going to do with her? I don’t really want to think about it.

“What’s going on?” Nash whispers, leaning down so he’s close to my ear. I feel his warm breath and it has goosebumps crawling up my arms.

“Nothing. I’m fine.”

“Are you sure? Because you look like you just got some bad news.”

I chew on my lip, then look up at him. My gaze meets his, those dark eyes. The light is hitting him just right, and I can see these little golden flecks in his eyes, just around his pupil, bursting outward like something from space.

“Just thinking about Teddy,” I say, but I barely hear the words.

He nods, then puts his arm around my shoulders in a reassuring way. Nothing about it feels weird, it feels… nice. “She’ll find the home that’s right for her one day. Could be today.”

“I don’t know…”

“Are you worried she won’t get adopted or that she will?” he asks gently.