Page 70 of Shhh…It’s A Killer Story

"You know," he said, amusement creeping into his voice, "he's going to expect this every morning now."

"I fail to see the problem."

"The problem is you'll leave..."

He nodded toward the German shepherd.

"...and I'll be the one dealing with the disappointment."

"I think he'll survive."

"You clearly haven't met him."

As if determined to prove his point, Max let out the most dramatic sigh I'd ever heard before nudging my hand with his nose when I stopped scratching him.

"Oh, you're impossible."

His tail thumped harder.

"I rest my case," Elias said.

I looked up just in time to find him watching me instead of the dog. His gorgeous eyes staring at me, his thumb rubbing his lower lip as if he was thinking about something. What are you thinking about, Honey? There was something different about his expression now. Still cautious. Still measuring every word. But softer. Less like he was interviewing a stranger. More like he was trying to decide whether he enjoyed my company.

I hoped he did. That thought arrived far too easily. Almost as easily as the smile that followed it. I lowered my eyes into my mug before he noticed. Or… Before he realized exactly why I was smiling.

Elias's phone vibrated against the coffee table. He glanced at the screen. His expression changed. Professional. Guarded.

"I'm sorry," he said, standing. "Duty calls."

I smiled over the rim of my mug.

"The town doesn't believe in coffee breaks, does it?"

"You could say that."

He slipped the phone into his pocket and reached for his keys.

"I'll walk you out."

"You don't have to."

"I know."

Outside, Max followed us to the porch, tail wagging with relentless optimism. I crouched, scratching behind his ears one last time.

"Bye handsome boy, be good."

Max sneezed.

"I'll take that as a promise."

Elias opened the gate for me.

"I'll see you around, Seraphina."

The way he said my name...Goodness. It should be illegal. Gahhhh.

"I certainly hope so."