Kiss Me in the Summer - Barbara Dunlop Page 0,23

hairline and under my arms.

It was a little dog, I told myself, a puppy really.

“Morning,” Josh called to us.

“Oh, he’s so adorable,” Becky said in a happy voice.

The dog was brown and white with lanky legs and dark, floppy ears. He strained at the end of his leash.

“This in Harper,” Josh said. “I’m socializing him.”

The dog hopped up on Becky’s lap, pushing into her rounded stomach.

I flinched, but Becky just laughed. Harper stretched up and licked her face, and a little shudder ran through me. I couldn’t stop myself from thinking of doggy breath and slippery saliva.

Becky simply scratched his head. “How old?”

“Six months, I think. Maybe eight.” Josh switched his attention to me.

“A . . . uh . . . patient?” I asked, trying to make my voice sound normal. Inside, I was hoping against hope that Harper stayed balanced on Becky’s thighs and didn’t rush me.

“He’s from the shelter,” Josh said.

Becky scratched both sides of Harper’s face, leaning close. “We’re going to find you a super good home, aren’t we, boy?”

Harper pulled away from her and gave a shake. Then he seemed to notice me. He looked curious. He jumped down and bounded my way.

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to stay still.

He reared up, planting his paws on my thighs.

Josh jerked firmly on the leash, his voice low and harsh. “Don’t jump, Harper.”

Harper dropped down. Then he sat in front of me, staring up and waiting.

“Good boy,” Josh said.

I told myself to pet him. It would be weird if I didn’t. If I didn’t do something friendly to engage with the dog, I’d have to explain why. And I wasn’t about to tell Josh and Becky that I was afraid. It was way too embarrassing for a grown woman to be afraid of a tiny dog.

My pulse echoing in my ears, I bent forward. I forced my hand toward his head, keeping a close watch on his teeth and ready to snap my fingers back if he tried to bite.

He didn’t.

I awkwardly patted his head, giving him a brief scratch between his floppy ears.

His head was warm, slightly lumpy with the bones of his skull. His fur was soft, and I could feel it slip under my nails. He lifted his nose and damply nudged the inside of my arm.

“Nice boy,” I managed.

“Are you ready to get started?” Josh asked me.

I was more than ready to move on from the dog. I straightened right up. “Yes. Ready to go.”

“Then follow me,” Josh said and urged Harper away.

“I’ll catch you later!” Becky called to us.

“Bye.” I turned and gave her a wave as I walked.

As we crossed the lawn, I brought myself even with Josh but kept a full leash length away from him and the dog.

“We’re the third stall from the statue,” Josh said as he pointed up ahead.

I’d been told the statue was of Jacob Rutter, larger than life, standing in the middle of the raised brick garden, presiding over the center of the park’s square. He was in high boots and a battered hat, a shovel in one hand and a pack slung over his shoulder.

“He doesn’t look much like a mayor,” I said.

“He was a man of the people.”

I took in Jacob’s eyes and cheekbones. “He looks a little like you. You know, if you had more facial hair.”

Josh rubbed the stubble on his chin. “You think I should grow it out?”

“No,” I was quick to say. I found him incredibly attractive just the way he was. I guessed other women would too.

“Shave more often?” he asked, rubbing his chin.

“Not that either.”

“It’s always in-between,” he said. “Midnight callouts and busy evenings.”

“It looks good the way it is.”

He stopped, turned, and gave me another of his warm looks. “You think?”

“You’re fishing for a compliment?”

“Maybe,” he said, drawing out the word.

I grinned and shook my head. “You look good. A little rugged, a little rakish, but the overall package is very appealing. Is that what you wanted to hear?”

“Right back at you,” he said, holding my gaze and sending a wave of warmth through me.

“I’m rakish?”

“No. But the overall package is very appealing.”

I’d been flattered before, so I mostly brushed it off. But there was a grounded sincerity to his words that gave me pause.

Josh liked me, and I was glad to know that.

“We’re here,” he said and looked sideways at the canvas canopy booth.

It was about three times the size of the ones on either side, with grass for the floor and open on all