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Mum embraced me in a tight hug for the tenth time in ten minutes as we stood in my Aunt Harriet’s pale blue and white house nestled on the shores of Stonecrest Bay.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?” she asked, for the hundredth time.
“Yes, Mum, I’ll be fine.” I stepped out of her arms and steered her towards the front door. “I’m twenty-two, not twelve.”
“You’re still my little girl.” Her voice wavered. We’d grown close over the last year when my dad left her for a younger woman.
“Mum, go, enjoy your cruise with Aunt Harriet.”
“We’ll see you in ten days,” Aunt Harriet said and guided mum to the car. “Remember, Bosco needs three walks a day.”
“Yes, Aunt Harriet, I remember.”
She’d told me as many times as mum had asked if I’d be okay. Family traits were amusing and annoying.
Bosco the beagle sat next to me and watched them climb into Aunt Harriet’s little blue hatchback. He barked as the car backed out of the paved driveway.
“What’s wrong, Bosco?” I knelt beside him and ruffled his floppy ears. “She’ll be back before you know it and we’ll have heaps of fun buddy.”
Bosco turned his big brown eyes towards me, and his eyebrows pulled downwards in a sorrowful expression.
“How about a walk?” I said, in a singsong voice, hoping to cheer him up.
He jumped up and ran laps around. I smiled and eased towards his leash hanging from the hook by the front door.
“All right, Bosco, sit.” I held the leash and waited for him to sit before clicking it to his collar. “Good boy, let’s go.”
As we walked along the beach, the crystal blue water gleamed turquoise against the pale whiteness of the sand. I loved this place. Every year in the summer holidays, I stayed with my aunt, Harriet Peters, the famous romance author. Stonecrest Bay bustled with tourists in the height of summer, and it was a wonderful and different experience to living on the silk farm with my parents.
Now, I was here at the start of spring, house and dog sitting for my aunt while she went on a cruise with my mum. The tourists hadn’t arrived and the pristine beaches were almost deserted. A gentle breeze rippled over the quiet water, Bosco loped along the edge, ears flapping with each stride.
I could get used to this.
Bosco veered off the beach and darted up a small track. I jogged after him. A typical beagle, his nose always led him into trouble, and today was no exception. I discovered him near an upturned rubbish bin, nose working overtime with a loud snuffle and snort.
“Bosco, come,” I called.
He disappeared inside the green bin and a second later he rushed back in a panic with a clear plastic jar stuck on his head. A laugh escaped before I could stop it, and I bent to pull it off. I tugged on the jar, and nothing happened. With more effort, I tugged again with the same result. Bosco looked at me through the plastic, his big brown eyes were wide and scared. It wasn’t funny anymore. The more I tugged, the more panicked we both became and Bosco panted inside the jar. I picked him up and raced across the sand, hitting the pavement and running down the street toward The Chambers Veterinary Clinic.
“Hang on, Bosco,” I gasped, his hefty weight slowing me down.
Hang on.
I chanted inside my head to cover the terrifying fear at any moment he might take his last breath. Dread seeped out with my perspiration. I might be the one responsible for my aunt to lose her precious buddy. And only an hour after she left me in charge. If he died, she might never forgive me. I wouldn’t forgive myself. Legs and lungs burning, I burst into the vets.
“Help,” I wheezed.
A young man in a vet’s coat rushed from behind the counter, transferred Bosco into his arms, and carried him into an exam room. He placed him on the exam table and Bosco flopped to his side. The young vet lubricated his neck and twisted the jar from his head. Bosco’s tongue hung pale pink and droopy from the side of his mouth.
No, no, no! He can’t be dead.
After a sudden gulp of air, he sat up, looked at me in indignation, and turned to the man and licked his hand.
I collapsed into the chair a quivering mess. The young vet picked up his stethoscope and listened to Bosco’s chest, then took his temperature. Satisfied, he picked him up and placed him on the floor. They both ventured in front of me, the vet knelt, and Bosco sat next to him. I couldn’t focus on them, they were a blurry haze through unshed tears. Bosco had almost died.
“Hey.”
He placed a warm hand on mine and jolted me out of my shock. I blinked back the unshed tears and focused on his intense green gaze.
“He’s fine,” he said with a slight accent I couldn’t place.
“Thank goodness.” I breathed out in a sigh of relief. “He’s not even my dog. He’s my aunt’s and I’m dog sitting. Some dog sitter, huh?”
He cracked a smile, and the air rushed from my lungs while a fluttering sensation formed in my stomach. Common sense vanished with the oxygen along with any intelligent thought when a dimple appeared on his left cheek, but not the right. It was adorable.
“Beagles follow their nose,” he said, gazing into my eyes.
I was awestruck by the instant attraction and the pounding of my heart.
The door opened and Doctor Chambers rushed into the room with a swoosh of his white vet coat.
“I heard we had an emergency.” He looked at Bosco and the discarded plastic jar. “Appears it’s under control. Good job, Joel.”
“Thank you, sir.” Joel stood.
“Smart thinking coming here, Katie,” Doctor Chambers said. “I’ll put it on your aunt’s account, and I’ll ring Dee so you can get Bosco cleaned.”
I eyed Bosco with who-knew-what on his head and a neck greasy from the lubricant.
“Thank you, Doctor Chambers.”
Alone in the room, I smiled at Joel. He was good-looking, in a nerdy way in his vet coat, and his shaggy ginger hair curling a little as the length hung to his ears. His brows were darker above his green eyes, his teeth stark white around ruddy lips. It was the dimple that held my attention as he smiled at me, cute and sexy at the same time.
Bosco barked, and I shifted my attention to him.
“Are you okay, Bosco?” I patted his head and pulled my hand away in disgust. “Ew, gross.”
Joel laughed, a deep husky sound that did unexpected things to my body. He handed me a piece of paper towel and I wiped my hand clean. I stood and twirled the leash around my wrist, tongue-tied as the silence stretched.
The door opened, and Doctor Chambers came back in breaking the silence.
“You’re in luck, Katie, Dee has time now to fit Bosco in.”
“Great, thanks.”
I bent and clicked on his leash throwing a curious glance at Joel over my shoulder. What is it about him? An undeniable spark of attraction I hadn’t experienced in a while. I straightened and with a flick of my hair, left with Bosco by my side.
***
BOSCO’S EARS FLAPPED as we walked the short distance in the coastal town to The Funny Bone, Dee Chambers’ award-winning doggy salon. She greeted us in her warm and welcoming manner.
“Hi Katie, I heard Bosco had a mishap.” She bent to greet Bosco who looked at her with his big brown eyes. “Phew, Bosco, you stink.”
I handed her the leash, and a shudder ran through my body. “I think I’m still in shock. I thought he would suffocate.”
“Oh, honey.” Dee straightened and rubbed my shoulder. “Why don’t you go have lunch at Casey’s Café while we work our magic and get Bosco cleaned.”
I left the salon and walked over to the cafe. I was the worst dog sitter alive. Dee had always been kind to me over the years. When I was younger, I’d taken my aunt’s toy poodle, Pixie, for her grooming sessions. When Pixie passed, my aunt brought a more energetic dog, saying she needed someone to make her step away from her keyboard and exercise. Poor Bosco wasn’t even two, and I’d almost killed him.
I swung the door open to Casey’s Café. The aromatic scents of fresh baked goods and steaming hot coffees made my mouth water. I brought a Cornish pasty and latte, then carried them outside and sat in the first chair at an empty round metal table. The flaky pastry melted in my mouth as I took my first bite.
“Katie, hi,” Joel said, his shadow falling across me as he walked up to the table.
I gulped and swallowed too quick, the pastry caught in my throat, and I choked. Joel was behind me in an instant rubbing my back in strong, sure strokes. I picked up the latte and washed the pastry away with a swallow.
“Thanks.” My voice came out wispy after my choking fit. I tipped my head back and looked up at him. The heady scent of his sandalwood and musk aftershave hit my nostrils.
“No problem,” he said, the dimple back with his smile.
Oh my, my heart beat faster, and it had nothing to do with choking. He scanned my face with interest. I darted my tongue along my bottom lip and his eyes settled on my lips. I had a sudden desire to press my lips to his.
Where had that come from?
I broke the loaded silence. “Are you new here?”
He nodded, pulled a chair out and sat across from me.
“I’m a veterinary student. This is my final two-week placement before I graduate. I should introduce myself, I’m Joel Sutherland.”
“Nice to meet you, Joel.” I stuck my hand out. “I’m Kate Edwards.”
His hand clasped mine in a gentle and secure grip. A spark of awareness shot into my palm, and a warmth spread up my arm making my scalp tingle. I’d experienced nothing like it before.
“Kate? Not Katie?”
“No,” I said, “it’s Kate, but everyone here calls me Katie from when I was a kid.”
“Nice to meet you, Kate. Do you live here?” he asked.
“No, I’m from a silk farm on the Margaret River.”
“The Silk Treasure Trove?”
I nodded.
“I’ve heard of it. It has a great reputation,” he said.
“It did until my dad ran off with a younger woman and left my mum and me to run it ourselves.” I picked at the pastry on my plate. Our stable family shattered with my dad’s betrayal.
“Sorry to hear that,” he said.
“I don’t know why middle-aged men do that,” I said. I couldn’t hide the hurt and loathing in my voice.
Joel shrugged. “Me either, I believe if you get married, you’re with them till the end.”
“Exactly.”
I couldn’t believe I’d found a man to share the same opinion as me. It was rare these days. Divorce seemed more common than marriage.
Joel grinned at me and leant across the table. “I’d like to take you on a date.”
“Me?” I fluttered a hand to my chest. I’d been on two dates since my dad left my mum. His betrayal had hurt me more than I cared to admit to myself, mum, or anyone. But Joel had heard it in my voice and asked me on a date anyway.
“Yes, you, Kate.”
I ran a hand through my hair, my fingers catching in the tangles. No doubt I looked a dreadful mess after the episode with Bosco.
“What are you doing tonight?” he asked.
“Nothing,” I whispered. Did he really want to date me? Tonight? My heart raced and warmth flowed through my body in anticipation.
“Good, I’ll pick you up at seven.” He stood and pushed the chair in. “Where are you staying?”
“The blue and white house at the end of First Street,” I answered, sudden knots forming in my stomach and pulling the warmth from my body.
“See you later, Kate.” His dimple reappeared with his smile.
I picked at the rest of my pastry. The pastry tasteless, turning to a gluggy paste and coating the inside of my mouth like glue. Could I do it? Go on a date with someone I liked more than I should after only meeting him today? I ran my hands up my arms in a brisk motion returning the warmth. Not all men were like my dad. One date wouldn’t hurt. I shoved the pastry away, gulped the latte, and stood up. I pushed the chair in with a slight tremble in my hand and left to pick up Bosco.
Bosco greeted me with an excited bark. His brown, black and white coat gleaming under the fluorescent lights of The Funny Bone. I dropped to my knees and wrapped my arms around his neck. He wriggled in my arms, his sweet-smelling fur tickling my nose.
“All right, Bosco, enough excitement for one day. Let’s go home.”
Dee handed me his leash. “I’ll put it on your aunt’s account.”
“Thanks, Dee.”
Worn out from today’s misadventure, Bosco curled up in his bed and fell fast asleep. I collapsed into the bay window overlooking the sea and picked up my aunt’s latest romance novel. I needed inspiration and courage for tonight.
***
DRESSED IN JEANS AND a tight black tank top, I shuffled from foot to foot in front of the door waiting for Joel. Could I do this? Could I trust a man not to break my heart like mum’s? A knock sounded on the door and I jumped. Pressing a hand to my pounding heart, I opened the door.
“Hi, Kate, you look great,” Joel greeted me. Dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, the good-looking nerdy vet had disappeared and transformed into an eye-catching young man.
I turned to Bosco. “You be a good boy, okay?”
Bosco tilted his head to the side as though heeding my words. Joel laughed, deep and husky, and my body reacted again. I swung the door shut on Bosco.
Everything in Stonecrest Bay was a short walk away. Joel led us to the popular Seaside Bar and Grill. Dee and her parents waved as we walked by their table. Dee’s assistants at The Funny Bone, Harley and Abbey sat together at the bar. I’d had a crush on Harley when puberty hit, maybe still had it a bit.
Abbey was new to the salon, in time for the peak tourist season, and she was beautiful. She regarded Joel with interest. I glanced at him. Did he think Abbey was pretty? Had he gone on a date with her? Was I second best like mum? Wouldn’t Abbey with her strawberry-blonde hair be more appealing than me?
Joel drew a chair out for me and I inspected the menu with a scowl.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
I sucked in a breath. “Have you dated Abbey?”
“Who?” he frowned.
I nodded my head towards the bar. “Abbey, the pretty girl who works with Dee.”
“I’ve only been here two days, Kate.”
“So, you haven’t asked her on a date yet?” I asked.
What was wrong with me? Asking these questions on a first date. Hadn’t I learnt a single thing from my aunt’s books?
Joel looked over at Abbey for a full minute. I held my breath waiting for him to speak.
“I wouldn’t ask her on a date. She’s not my type,” he said.
“Oh.” I was an idiot.
I lifted my eyes to Joel. His smile was back along with his dimple which held my attention.
“I like redheads like myself.”
I snort-laughed and slammed a hand over my mouth at my outburst.
“She’s a redhead too.”
“More blonde than red.” His brows pulled together for a moment then he grinned. “Redheads have all the fun.”
“I don’t think that’s true,” I said. “I used to get teased about my red hair all the time.”
“Me too, I learnt to laugh with them.” He lifted a hand to his hair. “My favourites were carrot top, ginger nut, ginger ninja, ranga, hot head and red dog.”
I held back a giggle. “They called me little red, freckles and cherry.”
“Well, they aren’t terrible. You had nicer friends than me.”
Did I?
Compared to what his friends called him maybe I did. But I used to bristle when my friends called me names related to my red hair. Red hair had such a bad rap. The name calling still niggled.
“I think you’re right, but I hated it.”
“Did you know redheads feel less pain?” he inquired.
Did they really?
I shook my head.
“Except in our teeth for some bizarre reason.”
“I hate the dentist,” I said. Now I knew why.
“Being a redhead isn’t awful. Our hair turns white, not grey. The best bit is we have more sex than blondes and brunettes.” His green eyes turned dark.
Heat climbed from my neck toward my cheeks. “Is that true?”
“Every word. I researched my family history back in Scotland and we are full of redheads.”
“You’re kidding.” I sat up straight. “My mother’s family originated from Scotland too.”
“We have more than red hair in common.”
“Is that where your accent comes from?” I asked.
“Aye bonnie lass,” he said in a deep Scottish accent. “My father’s clan visit often, and their accent rubs off on me. When I was a wain, my nana would call me a wee scunner and if I was naughty, she’d say ‘I’m going ta skelp yer wee behind’.” He laughed. “She never did.”
I laughed with him. “That makes no sense.”
“That’s the way they talk,” he said, “riddles and tongue twisters.”
“Sounds fun.” I smiled.
“My family are fun. Are you ready to order?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said with sureness. I liked Joel more with every minute. He was easy to talk to and the flash of his dimple every time he smiled at me drew an answering smile from my lips. My body glowed with warmth in his presence.
I shouldn’t expect every man to behave like my dad. I let any remaining apprehension go and banished bad thoughts with firm determination. I lifted the menu, glanced at Joel over the top, and relaxed into enjoying our date.
***
MUCH LATER THAT NIGHT Joel walked me home under the golden glow of the streetlights in Stonecrest Bay. The sounds of the surf drifted to us and a cool breeze whipped in off the sea, causing me to shiver.
“If I had a jacket, I’d give it to you,” he said.
“That’s sweet.”
Everything regarding Joel and our date was sweet and funny with a hot spark of awareness sizzling below the surface. I’d never been on such a perfect first date before. There was usually awkwardness and moments of uncomfortable silence, but not with Joel. Everything was effortless. The way we talked and shared with ease. The quiet moments teeming with the subtle pull of two people fascinated with each other. And the heated looks of an intense attraction added to the perfect night.
“I’m always here in summer so I didn’t think to bring one with me tonight.”
“I expect this place is busy in summer,” he said.
“Sure is, many people holiday at the beach for weeks and tourists come for day trips to Stonecrest Bay,” I said. “Then there’s the annual dog show, it’s chaotic when the contestants and spectators arrive for that.”
“That sounds entertaining,” he said.
“It’s fun,” I said as we came to a halt at the blue front door. “I had fun tonight too.”
Joel’s eyes darkened and with purpose, he stepped closer and said, “Me too.”
He threaded his hand into my hair at the base of my head, his thumb caressing my neck and igniting a tingle of desire. I leant towards him, sandalwood and musk drifted closer, and I waited for his kiss with bated breath. A whine sounded from behind the door, and I blocked Bosco out. Joel’s head lowered, and if he didn’t hurry, I’d pass out from lack of oxygen.
His lips were millimetres away when Bosco scratched at the door in a frenzy of claws. I pulled back, disappointment washing away my eager anticipation.
“Sorry, he must need to relieve himself.”
I fumbled with the key, my body still poised and waiting for his kiss. Bosco dragged the door open, rushed outside, headed straight to the letterbox, and cocked his leg. He trotted back with a happy prance, something white flapping from his gums. I frowned.
“What have you got in your mouth, Bosco?”
He disappeared inside, head drooping so low his ears dragged on the ground, his tail tucked between his legs, acting like he was in trouble. I followed him inside and flicked on the light. I huffed and puffed at the sight before me.
“Why you!” I hollered when I found my voice.
Joel followed me into the house. “What a mess.”
White clouds of stuffing and pieces of paper scattered the living room floor. Bosco laid in his bed, ears and eyes drooping in an ‘I know I’m naughty but I’m too cute not to love’ expression. I pointed my finger at him.
“You’re a bad boy.”
Joel shut the door and bent to pick up the clutter.
“That’s okay, Joel, I can clean it up.”
“I don’t mind helping.” His eyes widened as he read the piece of paper in his hand. “This is Harriet Peters new book! It’s not released yet. How did you get it?”
“Harriet Peters is my aunt.”
“Are you for real?” His eyebrows hit his shaggy hair.
“Wait a minute.” I placed my hands on my hips. “How do you know who Harriet Peters is? And how do you know that is her new book?”
Joel’s cheeks turned pink. “Oh, um, my sisters read her books and they always like talking about her new release at family dinner.”
“Ah hah,” I said, my voice laden with scepticism. Only people who read her books knew who she was. “Tell me the truth, Joel. Do you read them too?”
His face turned beet red, brighter than his hair colour. It was the most endearing thing I’d ever seen.
“I’ve never met a guy who reads romance.” It was appealing and comforting, he was nothing like my dad. I plucked the pages from his hand, our fingers brushed, and the sparks sizzled beneath my skin. “What do you like about romance books?”
“All right, I admit it.” He dropped his head and mumbled, “one day when I was bored, I opened my sister’s book. The author created this connection between two people and put them through the wringer to earn their love. I was hooked.”
I placed my palms on his cheeks and lifted his head.
“I love the happy endings.”
His lips landed on mine and I sunk into the soft caress of his lips while electricity sparked along every inch of my skin. My previous disappointment forgotten in the sizzling kiss. Even more perfect than our date. How was that possible? We’d only just met. But...oh it was perfect. As our lips melded, and our breaths turned heavy Bosco barked at us from our feet. We pulled apart and looked at him.
“I think he’s jealous,” Joel said.
“You’re still in my bad books, Bosco.”
I narrowed my eyes at him but stooped to pat his head as it tilted at me. How could I resist those big brown eyes?
“Can I take you on another date tomorrow night?” Joel asked.
I straightened. His green eyes shone.
I couldn’t resist his eyes either.
I liked Joel. I liked him a lot. Everything about him, from his calm easy manner to his deep husky laugh, and the adorable dimple in his cheek. Not to forget the kiss. How could I forget that? I couldn’t spend my life avoiding men and the potential hurt they could cause when they could also bring me happiness like I’d had with Joel tonight. A perfect night until I’d come home to Bosco. But I couldn’t be mad at him, he was the reason I met Joel.
“I’d like that, but I don’t want another disaster to come home to. Why don’t you come here? And I’ll cook dinner?”
“It’s a date,” he replied with eagerness and an enthusiastic smile.
His dimple made me crave to kiss him again, instead, I walked him to the door, closing it behind his back. A sigh of pleasure left my lips and I swung into a twirl. Then I turned to face Bosco and his mess.
“Is this my pillow?”
I lifted a handful of stuffing, the pale pink material mixed with it looked like the case that was on my pillow.
“Well, Bosco, I think you made your point. I won’t leave you alone again.”
Bosco rolled over onto his back and waited for me to rub his belly.
I laughed. “Lucky you’re so cute.”
***
I WALKED BOSCO ALONG the beach, the bright morning sun sparkled on the white sand. But it did nothing to ease my apprehension with yesterday’s incident fresh in my mind. A sigh of relief left my mouth when we made it home unscathed. I sat at my laptop and worked on paperwork for the silk farm for a few hours. Numbers were my thing, and my accounting degree meant I was qualified to take care of the silk farm’s paperwork.
Lunch rolled around, and I took Bosco with me to Casey’s Café. He sat watching me eat with his big brown eyes and brows pulled downwards. Unable to resist his pleading eyes I threw him a chip. He snatched it from mid-air in a quick snap of his eager jaws. I ended up feeding him half my lunch.
“Come on, Bosco, let’s walk off our lunch.”
Back on the beach, Bosco chased seagulls with excited barking. Chuckling at his antics, I watched him zoom across the sand, but he was never fast enough to catch them. As we headed towards home, he darted into some bushes.
Not again!
I jogged after him and called his name. A sharp spike of fear clenched my stomach. He was in trouble again. But I found him rolling around on the ground, rubbing his head and shoulders into a black mangled mass. I bent and grabbed his collar, gagging on the horrendous odour wafting from Bosco and the black mass.
“Bosco!”
He sat up and looked at me with a happy-dog expression. I could see the black mass now. It was a dead bird. A stinking dead bird.
“There is no way you are coming in the house smelling like that.”
I snapped his leash on and marched him to The Funny Bone. The counter empty, I rang the bell, tapping my foot and waited for someone to appear. The odour wafting from Bosco grew more horrendous by the second.
“What is that awful stench?” Harley strutted towards us from the hydro bath room.
“It’s Bosco.”
I smiled at Harley, heat rushing to my cheeks. I may have outgrown the teen crush I had on him, but I was still self-conscious and awkward around him.
“Bosco boy, have you been into mischief again?” Harley took his leash. “I’ll give him a wash for you.”
“Thank you, Harley.”
“Give me an hour.”
With an hour free of Bosco, I went to the supermarket to buy groceries for dinner. Hands full of shopping bags, I picked up Bosco. He sniffed at the bags with a loud snuffle and the occasional snort.
Harley handed me his leash and said, “Maybe you should keep his leash on.”
“Good idea. Can you put this on Aunt Harriet’s account?”
“Already have, Katie.”
“Great.” At this rate, my aunt would never ask me to dog sit again.
Bosco curled up in his bed and slept the afternoon away while I baked a chocolate mud cake for dessert. Then made a salad to go with the steaks I would grill on the barbeque on the outside deck.
Joel arrived early with a familiar knock at the door. My heart skipped a beat, and I dropped the tea towel I’d been using on the counter with nervous fingers. I left the kitchen on legs that quivered with every step closer to the door and Joel. Inhaling, I swung open the door.
“Hi,” I said. I tried to smooth my hair and my mixed emotions.
“Sorry I’m early, I couldn’t wait to see you.”
His green eyes and dimple beckoned me.
“That’s okay,” I said.
All day I’d looked forward to seeing him. Every time last night drifted into my mind my body warmed in happiness and my lips tingled in memory from our kiss. But at the back of my mind was a small nagging voice. At times like this, I hated my dad for making me doubt myself. And second-guess my feelings. I had lost my self-confidence.
He patted Bosco on the head as he walked past his bed.
“How was your day?” he asked.
“Well,” I sighed, “Bosco found a dead bird and rolled in it.”
Joel laughed as Bosco followed us into the kitchen and looked at us with a tilt of his head.
“You get up to mischief.”
“Mischief? He’s downright naughty.” I picked up the steaks and led the way outside onto the deck. “Would you like a drink?”
Joel nodded, and I handed him a beer while I sipped from my bottle and fired up the barbeque. Joel rested on the banister looking at the view over the beach as the sun dipped into the sea, the sky alight with an array of purples and pinks.
“How was your day?” I asked.
“Good. I assisted in an emergency caesarean on a Boston terrier and delivered three healthy puppies.”
“I bet you see lots of incredible things as a vet.”
I dropped the steaks on the hot barbeque, they sizzled and hissed, steam wafting from the red meat. Bosco ventured close and sat with his nose in the air, a snort escaping along with a drip of drool.
“Want me to tell you some stories?”
I nodded. Joel talked while I cooked. He had some amazing stories that continued into our meal and well into the chocolate cake dessert. He sat back with a satisfied sigh.
“You’re a great cook.”
I ducked my head and smiled. Gathering the plates, I carried them to the kitchen while Joel brought the leftover cake and placed it on the table. Joel found my hand, and he drew me into his arms, his aroma of sandalwood and musk wrapped around me like a comforting presence. His eyes intent on my lips, he lowered his head. I held my breath anticipating his kiss I knew would set me on fire.
Bosco barked at us. Joel’s lips spread into a grin as he turned to the beagle.
“What’s the matter, boy? Don’t enjoy being left out?”
“He’s waiting for his third walk. I swear he can count. I meant to do it before dinner, but you arrived before I could,” I said.
“Why don’t we take him now?” Joel suggested.
“I’ll grab a jacket tonight.”
I hurried upstairs and returned with a light jacket. Joel had Bosco on the leash and sitting by the front door. He took my hand and led the way down the street under the soft glow of the streetlights, Bosco trotting along on his leash at Joel’s side. The sound of the waves lapping at the dark beach drifted to us as we walked, and the scent of seawater carried on the slight breeze. Stonecrest Bay really was a great place.
“What was it like growing up on a silk farm?”
“Well,” I said, launching into the running of a silk farm for the duration of the walk. Punctuated by questions from Joel. He was so easy to be with. A calm assurance flowed from the warmth of his palm pressed against mine along with the constant awareness of him as a man. My hesitation about dating him grew less with every moment we spent together. There was something about him that was perfect for me.
***
WE RETURNED TO THE house after a long walk, and Bosco curled up in his bed. I flopped onto the couch worn out from Bosco’s antics. Joel sat next to me, his firm thigh pressed against the length of mine. He slid his hand into my hair, pulled me close, and parted my lips with a sure stroke of his tongue. A soft sound of delight left my throat. I glided my hands across his shoulders, and down his back and pulled him closer. The kiss grew in intensity, and just when I was about to suggest we go to my room, a loud clatter sounded from the kitchen.
Joel raised his head as my heartbeat roared in my ears. He glanced across the room and frowned. I turned my head and found Bosco’s bed empty. I groaned.
That dog was so challenging.
I shifted out of Joel’s arms with reluctance and headed towards the kitchen.
“Bosco! No!” I shouted.
Bosco lifted his chocolate smeared face to mine, tilted his head to the side as if to ask what was the problem?
“Oh crap,” Joel said, joining me. “How much chocolate did that cake have in it?”
“A lot, and he’s eaten most of it.” My voice rose in alarm.
“Call Doctor Chambers.”
Joel scooped Bosco up into his arms and headed for the door. I raced after him grabbing my mobile phone and calling the vet with a hurried explanation. A quick run down the street once again. And dread-filled sweat seeped from my pores. How could I do this again? How could I be so careless as to leave the chocolate cake out? Everyone knew chocolate could be fatal for dogs.
Doctor Chambers held the door open for us. Joel rushed straight to the back with Bosco.
I stood aside and watched in helpless fear as they administered vomit-inducing medication. Within seconds Bosco was bringing up the chocolate cake. They hooked him up to fluids and then a seizure racked poor Bosco’s body. A shudder ran through mine and I wrapped my arms around my stomach trying to stop the hollow pit of despair clenching it in fear—Bosco would die. I sniffed back the threatening tears. I didn’t deserve to cry. I’d done this to poor Bosco. His little body shook, and his eyes stayed closed. How would I tell Aunt Harriet I’d killed Bosco?
Bosco stopped seizing and a small flare of hope coursed my body. Maybe, just maybe Bosco wouldn’t die. And I wouldn’t be the most horrendous person in the world for killing a dog with chocolate cake.
Joel drew blood, and I almost fainted at the sight. Doctor Chambers ran an ECG test.
“It’s normal.” He smiled.
When Bosco’s vomiting ceased, they moved him to a cage, and I sat down on the floor next to him and patted his head. His droopy eyes looked at me in pleading, like I was the one who could help him. The tears fell with a splash of warm salty wetness down my cheeks and over my lips.
“I almost killed you again,” I sobbed. Guilt ate a hole in my stomach. How could I be so careless? Not once, but twice Bosco had nearly died while under my care. I was the most pathetic dog sitter ever.
Doctor Chambers left the room for the small lab to examine the blood. Joel knelt beside me and wrapped his warm arms around my shoulders.
“It’s as much my fault as yours. If I hadn’t distracted you in the kitchen, you wouldn’t have left the cake out.”
I tried to give him a smile, but my lips wobbled instead and I buried my face into his chest. He held me tight, and I battled the urge to bawl my eyes out. The sound of his steady heartbeat, the aroma of sandalwood and musk filling my lungs, and the warmth of his strong arms was what I needed in that moment. Joel was everything I needed and wanted in a man.
Doctor Chambers cleared his throat as he came back into the room. “By golly, it’s good you brought him in straight away. What type of chocolate did he consume?”
“He ate a chocolate mud cake,” Joel said.
“Ah, so baking chocolate?”
“Yes,” I sniffed.
“That’s the worst type for toxicity for dogs. The darker the chocolate the more theobromine it contains and the more effect it has on the dog’s system. Did you know fourteen grams of bakers chocolate for a four and a half kilo dog is all it takes?”
I sucked in a harsh breath. I’d used two blocks of dark cooking chocolate baking the cake. I really did almost kill Bosco. Never again. I’d make sure there wasn’t a speck of chocolate in the house before he came home. If he came home.
“Will he d...?” I gulped, I couldn’t say the word. “Will he be okay?”
“These blood tests are good. We’ll draw more in another hour and make sure he’s stable. Why don’t you go home to bed, Katie?”
“I’m not leaving Bosco.” He hated being left alone and I couldn’t leave him like this when it was my fault he was miserable. I owed it to him to stay by his side through the night.
“Joel, can I have a word with you?” he asked.
Joel dropped his warm, comforting arms from around my body, sending a chill over my flesh. He stood and walked to the other side of the room with Doctor Chambers. They thought they were far enough away, but the room echoed, and I heard every word.
“What do you think you are doing with Katie?”
“We’re dating, sir. We like each other.” Joel crossed his arms over his chest.
Doctor Chambers copied his stance. “Why would you date someone when you are here for two weeks? Katie is a good kid, she deserves better than that.”
“I’ve applied for a few positions and I’ll apply here at the end of the placement. Kate is a good woman, and I want to get to know her better.”
Doctor Chambers looked over at me. He held my gaze, maybe his eyes registered the fact I was no longer a little girl. He turned to Joel.
“I like you, Joel, you’re bright and talented, but if you hurt Katie, there will be many people in this town who will take pleasure in hunting you down.”
“I have no intention of hurting her,” he declared with a firmness that made the final piece of my hesitation crumble.
“Good to hear, Joel. Now let’s get back to work, her Aunt Harriet would kill me if we let Bosco die.”
Joel returned to my side and knelt beside me. My eyes found his, a moment of rightness amongst the disaster of Bosco and his misadventures. He turned to Bosco and checked his temperature and vitals.
“So far, so good.”
Doctor Chambers left around midnight, satisfied Bosco was stable and let us stay with him in the clinic. Joel wrapped a blanket around my arms and sat down on the floor next to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. I slid my head into the crease of his chest and let his comforting warmth fill the cold places the fear for Bosco’s life had occupied. And with the release of the fear came the rightness I had with Joel by my side.
***
A WARM WET TONGUE ACROSS my face woke me. I sat up with a start.
“Bosco, you’re all right!”
Bosco barked and Joel sat up. I hugged Bosco, burying my face in his fur, then I hugged Joel. Bosco jumped up at our faces, licking and slobbering over us. I’d never been this happy to have Bosco lick my face. I let him lick, he’d almost died. Happiness washed away the despair of the night.
Bosco was alive!
Doctor Chambers came in and smiled. “Appears someone is feeling better.”
“Thank you both so much,” I said. I stood and stretched trying to ease the kinks from sleeping on the hard floor.
“We’ll keep him in for observation today, and if his tests come back normal, he can go home tonight. Go home Katie and get some rest. My wife will be in soon, and she’ll make sure he’s not alone.”
I nodded, sleeping on the hard floor had made me stiff and achy. While Joel’s chest had been a great pillow, I longed for a hot bath and a soft bed. I ruffled Bosco’s ears and left him in the capable hands of The Chambers Veterinary Clinic.
The house was empty without Bosco, and I appreciated why my aunt had him for a companion. My aunt was a lifelong spinster and recluse, preferred her writing and fictional characters to real people. There were times I couldn’t blame her, like when my dad had left my mum for a younger woman. Meeting Joel had brought the romance to real life and reminded me not all men were like my dad.
Later that day, as I was preparing to head back to the vets to pick up Bosco, a recognisable knock sounded. I opened the door to an excited Bosco and a smiling, dimple-faced Joel. He walked in with a confident swagger, and Bosco made a beeline for his bed.
“Hi,” Joel said and placed a swift kiss on my lips.
“Hi.”
My lips tingled and warmth infused my body. It was more than attraction though. I was falling for this sweet, caring man and if we only had a few days together, I would make the most of them.
“Would you like to stay?” I asked.
His eyes widened at my direct question.
“Do you mean to stay for dinner or stay, stay?”
I licked my lips. “Both.”
It was more than I ever believed myself capable of since my parent’s breakup but I let my fears and heartache from their impending divorce go. I wasn’t them, and neither was Joel. Whatever we had was special and only the beginning. If I didn’t take a chance on this wonderful man in front of me, I’d regret it for the rest of my life. His dimpled smiling face would haunt every waking and sleeping moment with what-ifs.
His grin widened. “I’d like that, but I need a shower.”
“You can shower here,” I offered. Now I’d opened myself to the possibility of more I didn’t want to waste a single perfect moment with him.
“I don’t have a change of clothes,” he said.
“You won’t need clothes.”
I placed my hand on his chest over his heart and it thundered against my palm. He put his hand over mine and stepped closer. He slid his other hand into my hair and kissed me in a way that left no room in my brain for any other thoughts, except the two of us together.
***
I FILLED THE REST OF the week with Joel. Every spare moment we could find we’d spent it together. We’d lunch at Casey’s Café and holding hands strolled the sidewalk back to his work. Dinner on the deck watching the sunset over the beach, talking and laughing, followed by hours of kissing, caressing and making love.
Bosco didn’t get into any more mischief. He seemed to have calmed down and grown up after all his mischievous misadventures and for that I was thankful.
Then the day arrived when my aunt and mum pulled into the paved driveway, the little blue hatchback laden with cases. I frowned. It looked like more luggage than what they’d left with.
Bosco raced out to greet Aunt Harriet. She bent to hug him, and he pushed her over licking her face in a frenzy. Unconditional love was a wondrous thing.
“How’s my good boy?” she crooned.
I tried not to laugh. Wait until I tell her about all the naughty things he’d been up to. Mum embraced me in a tight hug.
“Hi Mum, how was the cruise?”
“It was marvellous,” she said, wrapping an arm around me, and we walked inside. “We’ll get the bags later. I want to talk to you first.”
“Okay.”
I was hesitant, but she seemed happy. Maybe the happiest I’d seen her in a long while. We sat outside on the deck in the warm sunshine, a gentle breeze blowing the sea scent towards us.
“I love this place.” Mum sighed.
“Me too,” I said. “Mum, what do you want to talk about?”
She fixed me with her hazel eyes. I looked back at her, apprehension making my palms sweat she was about to tell me something worse than her and dad splitting.
“I’ve agreed to sell my share of the silk farm to your dad.”
I sat back in my chair.
What did this mean for me?
No way I would work there with him and his new girlfriend. Especially after what they’d done to mum. Deceit and lies. That’s all those two were good for. I wanted no part of it or them. Did that mean I was now homeless? Jobless? What would I do? Where would I go? I couldn’t focus with all these whirring in my head. A dull ring started in my ears. What about Joel, too? Not that we’d talked about where or what we’d be when we both went back to our normal lives. I didn’t have a normal life now. I was flung out into the world with uncertainty. I needed a lifeline.
“I understand it’s a shock,” she said and patted my shoulder. “I discussed it with Harriet on the cruise.”
Aunt Harriet joined us with a bottle of wine and glasses. She poured the wine. I watched in silence trying to wrap my thoughts around what I would do with my life now I wouldn’t be working on the silk farm. Or had a house to live in. It was time I moved into my place, but still...
“Here’s to you, Matilda.” Aunt Harriet lifted her glass, and we clinked them together and sipped the sparkling white wine.
“Tell her the rest.” She encouraged my mum.
Mum smiled, pure happiness shining out of her and said, “I’m buying the house next door to Harriet and turning it into a bed-and-breakfast.”
My mouth fell open, and I said, “That run-down place has been for sale for two years.”
“It’s only the outside that’s run-down,” Aunt Harriet said. “Inside it’s charming.”
“It’s a lot to take in,” Mum said and sipped her wine. “I’d like you to move here with me, but I understand if you want to work at the silk farm or even at an accountancy firm in Perth.”
My head whirled. The thought of working with my father and his young girlfriend or stuck in an office all day made me cringe. I liked the fresh air, the freedom to come and go as I pleased so long as I completed the paperwork.
“Stonecrest Bay could always use another tax agent, you would have plenty of work here at tax time,” Aunt Harriet said. “Your mum would need help in the summer. You appreciate how busy it gets here when the tourists arrive.”
I picked up my glass of wine and drank until it was empty. Mum was right. It was a lot to take in.
And where would Joel fit into this?
“It’s a lot to take in.” I voiced my thoughts.
“Think it over, it will take time to settle everything.” She changed the subject. “Did you have fun while we were on the cruise?”
Heat rushed into my cheeks and I placed my palms on them. Then I groaned and told them about Bosco and his mischievous misadventures. Tight knots formed in my stomach and I clutched it with sweaty palms. I was a terrible dog sitter. My aunt picked Bosco up and cuddled him when I got to the part about the chocolate cake. But Bosco was alive, and she reached across the table to squeeze my hand and told me it was an accident and she was glad I was smart to take him to the vet. It lessened my guilt a small amount. But Joel was the hero for racing him to the clinic, so, I told them about Joel. My aunt smirked, and mum told me I had to invite him to dinner that night. I picked up my phone and texted Joel.
Hi, umm, Mum and Aunt Harriet want me to invite you to have dinner with us tonight. You don’t have to.
He responded immediately.
I’d love to meet your mum and aunt.
Really?
I texted back.
Yes, really. What time?
Six.
See you then.
I rubbed a thumb over the keypad. What should I send back? I didn’t know what else to say, I guess we’d talk tonight. I snapped my phone shut.
“He’d love to come. He’ll be here at six.”
“Now that’s taken care of, let’s get the bags,” Mum said. “I have so many souvenirs for you, Katie, and lots of knickknacks for the bed-and-breakfast.”
***
JOEL ARRIVED WITH A bottle of wine for my aunt, a bunch of flowers for mum, and a sweet kiss for me. Even that sweet kiss set my lips tingling. My aunt smirked, and mum swooned. By the end of the meal, they could tell we were falling in love.
Mum pulled me into the kitchen to wash the dishes, leaving Joel on the deck talking to my aunt about her books.
“Katie, I approve. He’s sweet and funny, and he looks at you with love in his eyes,” she said.
“I feel the same, Mum.”
After my parents’ break up, I didn’t think I could trust a man again, but Joel had found a way into my heart with an ease that gave me hope for a future together. He was perfect, every moment we spent together was perfect, apart from the incidents with Bosco.
“I realise your dad’s actions hurt you too. Your dad never looked at me the way Joel looks at you, and perhaps that’s the reason he cheated on me.”
“You can’t blame yourself, Mum.”
She flicked her red hair back with confidence. “I don’t.”
She looked me in the eyes.
“Tell him, Katie. Your future is yours, and I think he should be a part of it.”
I looked outside at the man I had fallen in love with, sitting with the aunt I cherished. He seemed fascinated with her. He was a keeper, and I hoped he felt the same way about me.
I walked onto the deck with confidence and determination. My future was mine. I wanted Joel to be a big part of my future. To have his easy manner and words day and night. The warmth of his arms and the rightness I experienced in them whenever I needed it and even when I didn’t. And to have the softness of his lips and the sizzle of his kisses forever.
My aunt yawned. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go to bed, all the travelling has caught up with me,” Aunt Harriet said.
Joel stood and shook her hand. “It was an absolute pleasure to meet you.”
“I’ll sign some books for you tomorrow. Delightful meeting you, Joel.” She walked away.
Joel wrapped me in his arms, the familiar aroma of sandalwood and musk enveloped my senses. The sounds of the surf a constant pounding on the beach in tune to the pounding of my heart.
“Joel, I’m in love with you,” I said before the courage left me.
His smile grew, and the dimple I adored sat in his cheek. He kissed me.
“I’m in love with you too, Kate. Have been from the moment you burst into the vet clinic with your wavy red curls flying around your flushed face.”
My body softened in his arms as I relaxed at his words, he’d fallen in love with me at first sight. But there were so many but’s now I had no home and no job. But one thing I knew whenever I was with Joel everything was right in my world. “I don’t want this to end.”
He tilted my chin up and asked, “Why would it?”
“Neither of us know where we will work. Mum is selling her half of the silk farm to my dad, moving here to Stonecrest Bay and opening a bed-and-breakfast,” I blurted unable to keep my bottled emotions in around the one man who’d treated me with undeniable love.
Joel’s smile and dimple grew.
“That’s perfect, Doctor Chambers has offered me a permanent position here.”
“So, if I moved here with mum, I’d see you all the time?” I asked as my hopes soared and raced through my veins.
“It wouldn’t matter where you moved, I would want to be with you,” he said.
His words melted my heart and my smile grew to match Joel’s.
“I love it here and I love you. I couldn’t think of a better place than Stonecrest Bay for us to have a future together.”
Joel kissed me with passion, with love, and a desire that left me breathless. Falling in love was like my Aunt Harriet’s books...only better.
As our lips parted, I said, “As long as I never have to dog sit Bosco ever again.”