Page 60 of Since the Day We Kissed

Ethan grinned, keeping her hand gently in his. “Hey, Benny’s getting the makeover, not me.”

“Just keeping you on your toes.” Kara didn’t move, her lips curving into a playful smile.

Ethan chuckled, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as he met her gaze. “I’ve got a feeling Benny’s getting jealous of all the attention you’re giving me.”

“Pretty sure Benny’s just thrilled that you’re the one doing all the hard work.”

Ethan shook his head, still holding her hand. “Well, I don’t mind sharing the workload—or the company.”

Their hands lingered a moment longer, their eyes locked.

Ethan’s thumb traced slow circles on her palm, and he noticed a shiver run up her arm.

The space between them seemed to hum with unspoken words, and for a heartbeat, it felt like the world had shrunk to just the two of them.

Then—Benny barked, and they both jumped before bursting into laughter.

Kara turned her attention back to Benny. “Well, look at you, handsome,” she cooed, running the comb through his now-fluffy coat.

Ethan stepped back. “He looks amazing. I think we make a pretty good team.”

“We do, don’t we?” Kara agreed, her smile warm. “So, what’s next for our glamorous friend here?”

“Time to take the picture. I’ve got the perfect spot in mind.”

“Where?”

“It’s a surprise, but we’ll need to drive to get there. You up for a quick adventure?”

“With you two?” Kara grinned, scratching Benny behind the ears. “Always.”

21

Kara

Karaopenedthepassengerside door of Ethan’s truck, gently lifting Benny into the seat. She glanced back at the rescue. “Are we gonna be gone long?”

“Not at all,” Ethan reassured her with a smile. “We’ll be back before you know it.”

“Oh, almost forgot.” Kara checked her pockets. “Let me just lock up.”

Ethan started the truck, waiting while Kara locked the front doors of the rescue, then pulled up to the entrance.

Kara hopped into the truck, patting Benny on the head as she fastened her seatbelt.

“So, if we’re not going far, are we going to the park?”

Ethan chuckled, pulling out of the parking lot. “Nice try, but no.”

Kara tapped her chin. “The lighthouse?”

“Good guess, but nope.”

She let out an exaggerated sigh. “Just tell me already!”

Ethan grinned, eyes on the road. “And ruin the surprise? No way.”

As they wound their way along the road, the moss-draped oak trees that had sheltered them began to thin out, revealing a more open landscape: nature’s own slideshow unfolding before them.

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