Listen to Your Heart - Fern Michaels [15]
The boxer reared back and let out an ungodly howl that sent chills up Josie’s spine. Rosie started to dance in circles, whining and pawing the floor.
“This is a problem,” the Cajun said. “Zip knows the word ‘home’ and he knows the word ‘wagon.’ He’s not about to go to either. How about if I leave him here tonight and pick him up in the morning. If I walk him now, he’ll be good till eight tomorrow morning. I’ll come by and pick him up then if that’s okay with you.”
Josie rubbed her temples. “It doesn’t look like I have much of a choice. You’re going to have to figure something out. I’m not keeping your dog.”
“I’ll bring some fresh beignets. You make the coffee. Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow evening ?”
Would she? Of course she would. No, she wouldn’t. There was no point. Plus he probably just wanted her to keep his dog. No, a thousand times no. “Yes. What time?”
“Seven-thirty. Commander’s Palace okay with you?”
“Yes, Commander’s Palace is fine with me.” She had a date. Kitty was going to be ecstatic. What to wear? She would have to go shopping.
“I really like what you’ve done with this house. It feels like . . . a home. It’s warm and cozy. You know people live here. I like sunlight in the morning.”
“I do, too. I think the kitchen and breakfast nook are my favorite rooms in the whole house.” Just for a moment she thought she saw the same miserable look in his eyes that she’d seen under the lamppost. Then it was gone.
“I’ll walk the dogs. Ten minutes tops.”
Josie raced to the downstairs bathroom, where she gargled lustily. She ran a brush through her hair, pinched her cheeks before she ran a lipstick lightly over her lips. She blotted it carefully so it wouldn’t look like she’d just put it on. Why am I doing this?
“I can see myself out.”
“That’s all right. I have to lock up anyway. You can leave your wagon here if you like.”
“I’ll drive over in the morning and put it in the trunk. Thanks for doing this.”
He was so close she could smell his minty breath, or was it hers? She wondered what it would be like to lay her head against his chest. “I guess I’ll see you for breakfast.”
“Eight-fifteen. I’m usually prompt.”
“Prompt is good.”
She sensed his intent to kiss her. She was about to step backward, but instead she stepped into his arms. Nothing in the world could have prepared her for the feel of his arms, the touch of his lips. Her head spun as her heart hammered in her chest. And then her head was against the hard wall of his chest. It felt as right and wonderful as she knew it would.
“Good night, Josie Dupré.”
In a daze, Josie could only nod. She stood in the open doorway until he disappeared in the dark, velvety night.
“I saw everything from the top of the steps,” Kitty squealed. “How was it? Do you like him? Is he nice? Did he ask you out? Hurry up, tell me everything. How come his dog is still here?”
“In a word, spectacular. Yes to everything, and the dog is staying because he wouldn’t leave and he’s bringing beignets for breakfast as long as we make the coffee. He’s taking me to Commander’s Palace for dinner tomorrow night. I’ve never been kissed like that in my life. Never. Ever. He has sad eyes, Kitty. I don’t know why that is. I don’t think he’s that arrogant man the magazine article said he is. He’s something totally different. Don’t ask me how I know it. I just do. I suspect, and this is just a guess on my part, but I think something happened to him along the way. I asked him what he thought a perfect mother was and his answers blew my mind. It’s so strange. Everyone’s version of a perfect mother is something totally different. I gotta tell you, though, that was a kiss I won’t soon forget.”
“Woweee! I hope it all works out for you, Josie. Who knows? This guy might turn out to be Mr. Perfect. We could have a double wedding. Twins are supposed to have double weddings. What could be better?” Kitty said, clapping her hands.
“You can say that again. You lock up, okay? I’m going to bed.