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Hunter accepts the handshake. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Murphy. And thank you. It’s easy to do wonderful things when you love what you do.”
“Please, call me Stone. I’m very interested in learning more about your program. How could I do that?”
I bite my lip to stop from laughing out loud because there’s no way Stone’s real interest here is the pets of Winterberry.
“Our website has comprehensive information about volunteer opportunities,” Hunter says, holding up a pamphlet to Stone, either not catching his intention or not wanting to. “All program details are available there.”
“That’s great, but I would love the opportunity to discuss the recent increase in pet adoptions. As they say, pets are for life, not just for Christmas.”
Hunter’s lips are in a straight line until he sees me, then they curl into a friendly smile.
“Griffin, how are you?”
I come closer to the pamphlet table.
“I’m good. How’s the festival for you so far?”
“This is better than I expected. I’ve had at least a dozen people sign up already. I’ve lived a lot of places, but I’ve never seen anything like this. I love this town.”
“I think the town loves you back from what I hear.”
He laughs, and it turns into a smile that would explain why half the town has been trying to figure out if he’s single since he moved here almost a year ago. With his wavy red hair and green eyes, Hunter Cross is a genuinely gorgeous man. He seems entirely unaware of it, which just makes it worse for the rest of us mortals.
“As a pet lover, I’m concerned for the welfare of Winterberry’s pets with this pet-share scheme,” Stone says, trying to get Hunter’s attention back.
I have to give it to Hunter. The man must be made of steel, or he’s completely, one hundred percent straight and unaware of Stone’s goal here because there’s no shadow of a doubt Stone is hitting on the poor man.
“Like I said, Mr. Murphy, the pamphlet is comprehensive. It’s not a pet-share scheme. It’s a scheme to allow the elderly or vulnerable to keep their pets but have someone help with those tasks that sometimes feel too big.”
I press my lips together very hard so I don’t laugh at Stone’s reaction to Hunter’s face. When Stone doesn’t have a good comeback to the doctor’s comeback, I take pity on him.
“Stone, a woman at the wine tent was asking after you specifically.”
“Was she pretty?”
“Very.”
“Well, duty calls.” He puts a hand on Hunter’s shoulder as he passes, and Hunter goes very still. “Doctor, I might have further questions.”
He saunters off.
Hunter exhales slowly through his nose.
“Thank you.”
I chuckle. “Anytime.”
“Is he like that with everyone?”
“Only with people he finds interesting.”
Hunter shakes his head. “I am by far the least interesting person I know.”
The way he says it as he watches Stone walk away makes me think he didn’t mean to speak aloud.
He picks up the pamphlets on the table and straightens them, so I take that as my exit cue.
“I wish you the best with your campaign, Hunter. I’d join in, but I wouldn’t wish myself on any pets, even part-time ones.”
