Joy to the Wolves (Red Wolf #1) - Terry Spear Page 0,55

coat, headed outdoors, and closed the door behind her.

“Looks like she loves the reindeer,” Maverick said, walking to the bathroom.

“She does.” Which was a good sign. Not everyone loved them. Josh was eager to show her the rest of reindeer at the ranch when her shop was closed. The sign on the door said she was closed on Sunday and Monday, so he’d have to take her then—when he had off—if she’d like to do that. He also still meant to run with her as a wolf after hours.

When Maverick came out of the bathroom, Josh said, “Why don’t you stay here and warm up, and I’ll go out and watch the reindeer.”

“That’s a deal. What do I need to do?”

Josh handed him another box of ornaments. “When the box is empty, fill it up again.”

* * *

Brooke wished they could bring the reindeer inside the shop so no one had to stay outside with them, but there wasn’t enough room for the two calves. She loved having them here, and like before, they really brought in the business. Some of her customers who had come in yesterday came again just to see the two calves. And take pictures. And buy some new things she’d brought out to sell. She could see having this set up next year with a Santa Claus, the reindeer, picture taking, and red-and-white lighted candy canes lining the way to her courtyard.

Even a school had gone through all kinds of hoops to get permission to bring a group of five- to seven-year-olds to her shop, but thankfully the teachers took the kids out to the courtyard through one of the gates and not through the shop. Brooke carried a tray of hot chocolate and cookies out to them. A little goodwill never hurt anyone.

She thought the world of Josh for having his brother bring the reindeer. Her phone rang, and the call was from Adam. “Are you having trouble?” she asked, though he probably would have called Josh, not her, if he was.

“Nope, everything’s quiet here. What kind of toppings do you want on your pizza? I saw Maverick brought a couple of calves to showcase.”

“Josh suggested it. They’ve been a lot of fun.” She paused. “On the pizza? Anything but pineapple is good for me. Do you want me to ask the brothers what they’d like?”

“No. I already know what they like. I’ll order a couple of large pizzas. With the four of us here, everyone can take turns eating. Oh, and the guys are headed over to install your security cameras at the shop.”

“That sounds great.” She would feel a lot more secure with that done.

It wasn’t long before Maverick was watching the store and Brooke and Josh were eating at the house while Adam stayed with the reindeer. Maverick called Brooke and said, “The guys are here at the shop installing your security cameras.”

“Oh good. Tell them thanks.”

Then Josh took over reindeer watch while Brooke returned to the shop and Adam and Maverick ate at her house.

It was a whirlwind of sales after that.

“The Christmas party is Sunday. That’s when your shop is closed, right? I could take you,” Josh said.

She planned to get her shop ready for the next open day during her days off, but she would need a break and would love to meet the pack. “Sure. I’d like that. What’s the dress code?”

“Anything you feel like wearing. It’s casual. A lot of people wear something red or green or both, but it’s not necessary. They have a big barn at the pack’s ranch for dances, parties, celebrations, dinners. Anything they need the building for, especially in inclement weather. Maverick and the ranch hands will be bringing some reindeer, and someone will be Santa and hand out presents to the kids.”

“Oh, how fun. Sure. What time?”

“It starts about four. I’ll pick you up about three.”

“Thanks.” She smiled. So he was going to take her to the party! She was glad. Even though she felt comfortable around Josh and his brother and Adam, she’d prefer going with Josh rather than just showing up to a pack event where she didn’t know anyone else. “Oh, except for one thing… No one will be at the shop or at the house to watch the security videos.”

“You can watch them anywhere, and we can turn on music, lights, and whatever else we can come up with to make it sound as though someone is at the shop and the house. We’ll leave a