Puppies on Parade Read online

  Biscuit chose that moment to put his front paws up on Charlotte’s leg, his tail still wagging so fast it was a blur. Emily sighed. She never imagined enjoying something so simple … so basic as hanging out at the dog park, talking about her pet.

  “I need to run.” Charlotte took a step toward the gate before stopping momentarily. “I have to get Biscuit home and meet some contractors who think they can repair the floors, although I’m rather doubtful.”

  “You’ll be surprised at what flooring people can do,” Brice said.

  “I sure hope so. Replacing all the wood in the rink is quite pricy.”

  After Charlotte left, Brice turned to Emily. “I think the two of you can be good friends. She seems smart, nice, and ambitious, just like you.”

  “Thanks for the smart and nice comment, but …” She wasn’t sure how she felt about being called ambitions.

  “When I said ambitious, I meant that in a good way.”

  “Okay, then, thank you for that too. I just don’t want anyone to think I’m the kind of person who’ll stop at nothing to make a business deal.”

  Brice glanced down at the ground and then looked up at her. “Do you want to do something later?”

  She was fully aware that he didn’t comment on what she’d said, which was fine, except now she’d wonder if there was a reason. “Like what?”

  He shrugged. “Like maybe dinner?”

  Her first inclination was to turn him down, but she stopped herself and decided to let go a little bit more. “Okay. What did you have in mind?”

  “We could stay in town and go to the Mooreville Diner, or maybe we can go into Raleigh.”

  One of her cousins owned the Mooreville Diner. “Let’s find someplace in Raleigh.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  Hank was still running around the park, but he didn’t appear to be having as much fun as when Biscuit was there. All she had to do was hold up the leash and say his name for him to come running toward them.

  “If I’d known having a dog was this easy, I would have done it a long time ago.”

  Brice made a goofy face. “You’ve only had him for a day. I don’t think it’s always this easy.”

  Hank let out another, “Woof.”

  Chapter 6

  After they walked back to the hardware store, Emily took Hank home. Brice couldn’t keep his mind off Emily, so finally Melba told him he was in the way. “Why don’t you go on home and plan your next date with the pretty girl?”

  He hesitated. “I don’t know.”

  Ross waved his hand toward the door. “We’ve got this. It’s not like it’s the first time we’ve worked a sale.

  Melba came around from behind the counter, placed her hand on his shoulder, and nudged him toward the exit. “Trust me, Brice. We’ll be just fine.” She grinned as they made eye contact. “Besides, we know how to get in touch with you if necessary.”

  “And unless the place burns down, it won’t be necessary.”

  Brice shook his head. “If the place burns down, don’t call me. Call the fire department.”

  “You got it, boss.” Melba did a mock salute. “Now go on. Get outta here.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He returned the salute.

  All the way home, he ran different ideas of things to do through his head. He could clean the place, but that was too much like work. Besides, his place didn’t get that messy since he was rarely home.

  Another thought was to sit down and read one of the trade magazines he had stacked in his room. But that was still work related.

  Brice couldn’t help but laugh at himself. Throughout high school and college, he found every way possible to get out of hard work. And now all he knew how to do was work. It was like someone had flipped a switch and turned him into a robot that didn’t know anything else.

  As soon as he walked into the house he’d lived in since moving to Mooreville, he decided to go to the gym for a quick workout. He’d joined nearly a year ago, but after the first couple of months, he hadn’t found the time to go. He made a mental note to change that.

  The workout lasted a little more than an hour. When he got home, he prepared a late lunch and sat down in front of the TV. Unfortunately, nothing held his attention, so he turned off the TV, picked up his plate, and headed for the kitchen table, grabbing one of the trade magazines on the way.

  He tried to concentrate on the article about some of the newer tools using modern technology, but Emily’s image popped into his mind over and over. Finally, he took the last bite of his sandwich, closed the magazine, and went to the bathroom to take a shower. It was early, but he wouldn’t get too dirty between now and when it was time to pick her up for their dinner date.

  As soon as he stepped out of the shower, he heard his cell phone ring. He quickly wrapped a towel around his waist and went to the chest of drawers where he’d put his cell phone. It was Emily.

  “Is everything okay?”

  She cleared her throat. “Everything’s fine, except I don’t know what to do with myself, so I called your store. They said you left for the day. I know I probably shouldn’t do this, but I wondered if you might be interested in getting together a little earlier.”

  He couldn’t help but smile. “There’s nothing wrong with your calling me. In fact, I’m going through the same thing. Face it, Emily. We’re just a couple of workaholics who don’t know how to take time off to relax.”

  “I know, right?”

  “So what do you have in mind?”

  “In mind?”

  “Did you forget that you called me to see if I wanted to get together early?”

  She let out a giggle. “Oh yeah, that’s right.” She paused. “Let’s see. We can go for another walk or maybe do a little window shopping or—”

  “Why don’t we just park somewhere in Raleigh and head wherever we feel like going?”

  “Sounds good.”

  After he hung up, he whistled as he finished getting ready. Then he stopped and faced himself in the mirror. He looked different. And now that he thought about it, he felt different. More relaxed. Less focused on how to improve the bottom line.

  And he liked it.

  What made him feel even better was the fact that he wasn’t in this alone. He got to share the experience of backing off of work and enjoying leisure time with one of the prettiest, smartest, and most understanding women he’d ever known. Most of the women he’d dated had a difficult time understanding why his business was so important, but they didn’t seem to mind the fact that he was financially successful, regardless of their station in life. Emily not only understood, she was the female version of him.

  He’d always heard that opposites attracted, but his relationship with Emily so far was proving something completely different. The biggest part of their attraction was the fact that they were similar and understood what made the other one tick.

  He wasn’t sure what to wear, so he stood in his closet for a while staring at the pitifully sad selection. It wasn’t that he didn’t have the means to get new clothes. It was more that he didn’t have the time to shop or a good enough reason to get something new. Maybe that would change, now that he’d finally met someone.

  After pulling out a few things, he finally settled on some casual slacks that weren’t jeans and a long-sleeve button-front shirt. It was still cool at night, so he grabbed one of his V-neck pullovers from the side of his closet that he rarely touched.

  He pulled up in front of her house, hesitated only for a few seconds before getting out of his truck, and walked up to her front door. He didn’t have a chance to ring her doorbell before she flung it open. Standing right next to Emily was Hank who tilted his head and let out his familiar, “Woof.”

  Emily flashed her stunning smile as she stepped aside to let him in. “I thought you’d never get here. Hank’s been pacing the hallway for the past fifteen minutes.”

  He wanted to ask if she was as eager to see him as Hank was, but he didn’t. He just followe
d her into the living room that was tastefully yet minimally decorated.

  As if she could read his mind, she gestured around the room. “I haven’t had much time to decorate, but maybe one of these days …”

  “I think it looks nice.”

  “But plain.” She paused. “I need to find some wall art and maybe add a few pillows and throws.”

  “At least you know what you like.”

  “Oh, I didn’t say that. I have no idea what will look good in here.”

  He looked around before settling his gaze on her. “Ya know, I’m the same way. Maybe we can find an art gallery or something to get some ideas.”

  “Sounds good to me.” She leaned over, cupped Hank’s chin in her hand, and looked him in the eyes. “Now you be a good boy while I’m gone.”

  He whimpered but never broke the gaze. Finally, Emily straightened up and took a step toward the door. “Let’s go before he rips my heart out with that look.”

  After they got into the truck, they both looked at the window where Hank stood staring at them with his forlorn expression. Brice turned to Emily. “He’s making it difficult.”

  “I know.”

  “You do realize he’s upset about our leaving him.”

  “Yes, that’s obvious.”

  Brice hesitated before adding, “And some dogs—I’m not saying Hank will do this—but some of them will tear everything up in the house out of boredom.”

  “Well …” She shifted in her seat. “I’m not sure what to do. I can’t stay home all the time.”

  “You’re right, but maybe …” He grimaced. “Maybe we should take him with us.”

  “Are you serious?” He would have said never mind if she didn’t have such a hopeful look on her face.

  “Positive. Why don’t you go get him while I make a place in the backseat? I have an old blanket he can sit on.”

  It didn’t take her more than a couple of seconds for her to scramble out of the truck and run up to the house. Hank greeted her before she stepped foot inside.

  By the time she returned to the truck with Hank, Brice had the blanket laid out on the backseat. Hank jumped right in and positioned himself smack dab in the middle. Brice and Emily buckled themselves in, glanced at each other, and started laughing.

  Emily spoke first. “One day I’m footloose and fancy free, but all I do is work. When I take a little time off for myself, I have a dog that needs me more than any of my businesses ever have.”

  Brice studied her look of amusement. She didn’t appear the least bit upset or annoyed by her situation.

  “We’ll be somewhat limited by where we can go now,” she continued. “I hope you don’t mind.”

  “I don’t mind at all. I’m pretty sure there are a few dog-friendly places in Raleigh, and I just happen to know of one restaurant that has outdoor seating. They even bring bowls of water for dogs.”

  “Sounds like my kind of place … at least now it is.” Emily chuckled as she shook her head. “Funny how until yesterday, I never gave a second thought to things like that.”

  “I think there’ll probably come a time when it’ll be second nature to think about Hank.”

  “Speaking of Hank …” Emily glanced over her shoulder and saw him looking at her, waiting for her to continue. She laughed. “I need to make an appointment with the V-E-T.”

  Hank whimpered. Emily shot Brice a glance and grimaced.

  “Do you think he can spell?”

  Brice shrugged. “I don’t know if he can spell, but I’m pretty sure he understood what you just said.”

  Emily reached behind her and gave Hank a pat on the head. “Everything will be fine, big boy, because I’ll be right there beside you.”

  Hank lowered himself to a prone position and placed his chin between his front paws. Emily felt bad that she might have put him in a bad mood.

  They made small talk until they got to Raleigh and found a parking place. Brice got out and then stuck his head back in the truck. “Wait right here, and I’ll come around to get you and Hank.”

  Emily turned around, and they both saw that Hank hadn’t budged from his spot, but his eyes moved as they followed her movement. “What’s wrong, Hank?”

  He grunted right when Brice opened the door. Emily stepped out, but Hank wouldn’t budge.

  Brice and Emily exchanged a glance before looking back at Hank who was still lying down. “C’mon, boy. Don’t you want to walk around Raleigh?”

  Hank lifted his head, giving Brice one of his mournful look. Then it dawned on him. “I bet he thinks we’re going to the V-E-T.”

  Hank lifted his head and made another whimpering sound that ended in a grunt. Emily patted him on the head. “Poor baby hates to see the doctor. I bet you’re right. We need to do something to make him want to get out.”

  “Just a second. I might have something.” Brice ran around to the back of the truck, pulled down the hinged door, and grabbed one of the squeaky toys that had fallen out of a shipment he’d picked up from one of the local manufacturers.

  Emily glanced at the colorful toy in his hand. “What’s that?”

  “Enticement. If it works to get Hank out, I’ll order a dozen cases of them.”

  Brice extended it toward Hank, but before the dog could take it, Brice pulled back. Hank glanced at Emily, as if seeking permission.

  Chapter 7

  Emily turned to Brice as they walked down the sidewalk. “I can’t believe such a big dog is so enamored with such a little toy.”

  Brice pointed to Hank who kept closing his teeth over the toy, making it squeak. “I think you’ve just found his pacifier.”

  “And you’ve committed to buying a dozen cases of those toys.”

  Brice grimaced. “I sure did, didn’t I?”

  “Yep. And I aim to make sure you follow through. Maybe this will be the hottest new dog trend ever.” Emily had to stifle a giggle as she thought about the wide selection of squeaky toys she’d seen at the hardware store as well as every pet aisle in the grocery store.

  “Maybe it will be. I’ll probably have a pet supply sale soon so I’m not stuck with a dozen boxes of them in the back room.”

  “Not a bad idea,” she said. “Let me know when you run it so I can stock up.”

  He smiled down at her, causing a flutter in her abdomen. “I’ll even start the sale early for you. It’ll be a pre-sale sale, just for special friends.”

  Hank chomped down on the toy, emitting a loud squeak, showing his support. Then he looked up at the two of them with the most comical expression Emily had seen yet. Both Emily and Brice cracked up.

  “He is about the funniest thing I’ve ever seen.” Emily sighed. “I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard as I have since I’ve had him.”

  “I know. Me too.” A pensive expression crossed his face.

  “What are you thinking?”

  He shrugged. “Several things, like maybe I should get a dog, but I know not all of them are as good as Hank. I need to take more time off work.” He paused, stopped, and turned Emily to face him. “And I’d like to spend some of that time with you.”

  Her heart pounded so hard she was sure he could hear it. She smiled and slowly nodded. “I’d like that very much.”

  “Well, good.” He cleared his throat, motioned toward the sidewalk ahead, and resumed walking. “Now that we’ve settled that, let’s get on with our day.”

  They walked around Raleigh for a little more than an hour before they came upon a smoothie shop with outdoor seating. “Let’s take a little break now and get something delicious.”

  Brice ordered a banana mango smoothie, and Emily chose one with pineapple and papaya. As they sipped their drinks, Hank sat beside the table and watched the people who passed by. Emily couldn’t remember ever being so relaxed and satisfied with anything that wasn’t work related.

  “Penny for your thoughts,” Brice said after a few moments of silence.

  She tilted her head and gave him a smile. “Only a
penny? Haven’t you heard about inflation?”

  He made an issue of digging into his pocket and pulling out a dime. “How’s this?”

  “Well …” She nodded. “I think it’s close enough to keeping up with inflation.”

  “Okay, then.” He shoved the dime toward her. “A dime for your thoughts.”

  Emily didn’t want to tell him she was already crazy about him—that he had the demeanor and ready smile that gave her a confusing sensation of being relaxed and on edge at the same time. She didn’t want to share that she hadn’t been able to take her mind off him ever since meeting him. And she certainly didn’t want to let him know she’d never felt that way about a guy so early in a relationship.

  “You don’t have to tell me if it’s that upsetting.” He paused and grinned. “But you may keep the dime.”

  “It’s not upsetting. It’s just that I’m not sure where to begin.”

  “Try the beginning. That’s always a good place to start.”

  “I’ve been thinking about how much I’ve enjoyed Hank in the short time I’ve had him.”

  “That makes two of us,” Brice agreed. “And I don’t even have to feed him.”

  She laughed. “True. And that brings me to another thought. I can’t help but wonder if he’ll continue to be such a joy.”

  Brice folded his arms and leaned back in his chair. “We’ll know soon enough.”

  The fact that he used the word we caused her voice to catch. She cleared her throat. “And I’ve been thinking about how much fun I’m having today … with you.”

  “Me too.” He slowly shook his head. “And we’re not even doing anything all that exciting. I think some people would expect more from a day off.” He leaned forward and placed his hand on top of hers. “I think it’s the company. I enjoy being around you, Emily.”

  Hank chose that moment to let out a, “Woof,” and then he placed his own paw on top of their hands. The sound of other people’s laughter around them caught their attention.

  The woman sitting with a man at the table next to theirs spoke up. “That is about the sweetest thing I think I’ve ever seen.”