“We’ll…I like pepperoni and black olives for my pizza and Chardonnay for my wine choice. Is that okay with you?”
“Perfect. I’ll go place the order and then bring Blacky out. I don’t want to leave her out of the party.”
“Blacky?” I chuckled.
“She’s a Tuxedo cat, so they named her Blacky. Sometimes simple is best.”
“True. What’s Blacky in for?”
“I removed a tumor, but she’s fine now and gets to go home tomorrow. This will be her last night away from her owners. They visit her every day.”
“Then let’s make it special for her. She can sit with me too.”
His eyes sparkled with humor as he walked away. I could hear him place our order and then came back with Blacky. The older cat’s upper body was in my lap and the lower on the chair. Scorch and Pumpkin tired themselves out and were snuggled together on a large dog bed in the corner.
Both the wine and pizza were spectacular. Spending time with Keaton in his clinic with the cats and dogs made the night even more special.
I looked around at the clinic and the pets that surrounded us. “This has been a unique first date.”
The corner of Keaton’s mouth turned up. “I agree, but definitely the most enjoyable.” He folded and tossed the pizza box in the trash.
Scorch got up, stretched, and then shook his body. “It’s getting late and we’ve had a long day. Do you mind if I take Scorch outside before we head to the B&B?”
“Not at all. The back is fenced and partly covered for that reason.”
Keaton led us out and then surprised me with a light kiss on the lips and a hug that stole my breath.
“Thank you for sharing my love of animals with me.” His body remained a few inches from mine.
I didn’t move away. In fact, I lightly bumped my nose against his. “It was my pleasure.” A shiver of excitement ran down my spine. To my delight, he ran a hand down my hair, and brushed another kiss on my lips.
“Would you like to go to a wine tasting tomorrow night at the Que Syrah Syrah Wine Shop? Tegan Taylor, the owner of the shop, serves appetizers, but it’s usually enough food to feed an army. But if we’re hungry afterward, we can grab something to eat, pickup Scorch and come here. What do you say?”
Everything in me was saying to be cautious, but my silly mouth didn’t get the memo. “I’d love to.”
“Great.”
Keaton pulled up in front of the B&B. Lights were still on in the lobby and the front porch.
“Are you looking for a more permanent place to stay? If so, I can suggest a couple of nice homes that rent out rooms and I know of some houses for rent, too.”
He was fishing for information on my stay, but I didn’t have an answer. I’d only been in town a day. I liked what I’d seen and experienced, but I needed more time to decide if this town was right for me. “I haven’t decided yet. I’ll be sure to ask when I’m ready.”
His smile disappeared for a moment. A more tentative smile replaced it. “Okay. Well…I’ll pick you up at 6:00 p.m. then?”
“Perfect. See you tomorrow.” Scorch and I walked up the pathway to the B&B and went inside. Keaton pulled away a minute later.
CHAPTER THREE
At 10:00 a.m., I changed into my running clothes and Scorch and I took off for a nice morning jog. We’d both slept peacefully through the night and I felt energized. I emailed the local shipper in Brunswick and gave them the B&B’s address. The rest of our things would arrive in a day or two.
After sleeping on the idea, it made sense to move into a rental house. I wanted to be able to decorate for the holidays. Scorch would be happier living somewhere he could run and maybe meet some other dogs. Plus, I was thinking about fostering Kettle and Corn unit Keaton could find them a home.
We jogged up to the wine shop Keaton mentioned and I could see the lights come on and someone moving around in the back. I paused to take a breath and look at the extravagant Halloween decorations they had in the window. When I looked up, a pretty lady peered at us and waved. I waved back. A moment later, the front door opened and the gal popped her head out. She looked to be about my age with a friendly smile.
“Hi. I recognize most joggers. You must be new in town.” The gal leaned down and patted Scorch’s head
“Yes. I arrived yesterday.” I rubbed my arms to keep warm.
“Its cold out. I was making some tea, would you like a cup?” She brushed her palms together and then blew on them.
“Sure, but I can’t leave Scorch outside.”
“Of course not. Bring him in.” She opened the door wider and motioned for us to come in.
I stepped inside and the warmth of the shop engulfed me. The scent of spices and berries filled my body and mind with joy. “I didn’t realize the town was so small that you could possibly recognize everyone.”
It’s not, but I’ve lived here most of my life.” She shrugged and then extended her hand. “I’m Tegan Taylor, the owner of the Que Syrah Syrah Wine Shop.”