bed, but today he wasn’t having it, so we went on a walk. Figured we’d stop by for a quick cup of coffee and a cronut. You know how this big mutt loves his mama.”
“Speaking of which….” I turn around and call into the back of the store, “Hey, Indie! You have a few visitors!”
Seconds later, Indie walks through with a white apron strapped across her waist and her long, blonde hair tied into a messy bun on top of her head. It’s the smear of flour across her cheek that makes me laugh.
“Harry!” she squeals, her hands fumbling with her apron. Hanging it up, she rounds the counter and starts cooing, “How’s my big guy? How’s my buddy? Did you have fun on your walk? I bet you did! I bet you did!”
Rhett and I exchange amused looks before he interrupts her. “Better be careful, Indie. Your husband’s getting jealous.”
With a roll of her eyes, she wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him in for a quick kiss.
“That better?” she quips, practically glowing.
Knowing Rhett’s usual order, I pour him a cup of coffee then bag a fresh cronut and pull out a homemade dog biscuit, as well. Indie started baking them when they adopted Harry so he could enjoy a fresh-baked treat too. Surprisingly, they’ve become wildly popular, and he’s not the only pup who snatches them up like a little kid with a popsicle on a hot summer’s day.
“Much better,” Rhett replies. “I’ll let ya get back to work, though. Seems like we interrupted a battle between you and the flour, and you still haven’t earned your victory yet.”
With a gasp, Indie smacks Rhett’s chest then gives Harry another pat. Rhett digs into his pocket and pulls out a twenty, dropping it into the tip jar with a wink. “Tell Levi hi for me. He’s been our contact at Montague Enterprises, and I’m not the only one who’s noticed how well he’s fitting in. If Montague Enterprises isn’t careful, we just might steal him.”
“I think he’s pretty happy where he’s at, but I’m sure he’ll appreciate a little ego boost. And thanks!” I drop my chin to the tip jar, but he waves me off.
“No problem. Tell Sophie hi, too, when you see her.”
Sophie is the other girl who works the front of the bakery. Our shifts rarely cross over because she’s pregnant with twins and doesn’t work too often, but I give Rhett a thumbs up. “Will do.”
When they exit, I tell Indie, “I’m so jealous of your dog. I want one so freaking bad!”
“Right? Before I met Rhett, I was dating a guy who was allergic to dogs. Needless to say, it was rough not being able to own one.”
“Yeah. It’s killing me, but I don’t know if I have time for that kind of commitment.”
“Have you ever considered volunteering anywhere? Like at a shelter or something?”
I shrug. “I haven’t really thought of that. Do you know of any nearby?”
Face lighting up, she nods. “I know the perfect place. It’s a few blocks away, but you could totally walk if you wanted to. It’s called Forever Grey. I used to go there sometimes before I met Rhett.”
“Forever Grey?”
“Yeah. It’s a dog sanctuary for retired racing greyhounds. But just because they aren’t fast enough to compete anymore doesn’t mean they don’t have a shit-ton of energy. They’re always looking for people to take the dogs out on walks or runs.”
“That would be perfect for me!” I gush, the wheels in my head turning.
“You’ll have to stop by. I’m pretty sure they take walk-ins. You’ll just have to fill out a couple of papers, and then I think you’ll be good to go.”
“Done.” I smack my hand against the counter for emphasis.
Indie laughs in return. “Perfect. I’m glad I could help. Now, I gotta get those white chocolate brioche buns in the oven ASAP. If you need anything, I’ll be in the back.” She disappears as the bell rings on the front door once more.
My mouth opens to greet the newcomer before I nearly swallow my tongue.
Sandy blonde hair. Check. Twinkling green eyes. Check. Rugged good looks. Check. My cheeks heat as I realize the word rugged just filtered through my mind. Thank goodness the guy isn’t a mind reader, or I’m pretty sure I’d die from embarrassment.
A curious smile tugs at my lips as I watch the new customer peruse his options behind the glass counter.
“Hi. Can I…uh…can I help you?” I ask, my voice