Page 21 of Say Yes

Nodding, he said, “Yes, you would. You did.” Then he added in a low voice before she could get too worked up, “But I didn’t mind. Not at all.”

“Gavin…”

“Are you going to help me move a few of my things here today?” He threw that in just to change the subject before she could get angry enough to toss him out on his ear. Not that he’d let her toss him out, but accomplishing his goals would be easier if she didn’t want to wring his neck.

After blinking several times, she glanced at the clock, then accepted the new topic with a vague show of relief. “I suppose I could help a little. But I have to go to the shelter this afternoon. I’m sorry, but they’re counting on me. If I’d known everything that would happen, maybe…”

“No, that’s okay. I can manage on my own.” And without her help, there was no way he could haul his mattress and box springs down the street. Leaving the sleeping arrangements as they were suited him just fine, at least for the time being.

“If you’re sure?”

It was obvious to Gavin she wanted some time alone, time to sort through all he’d thrown at her over the past twelve hours. “Positive.” Then he nudged her plate at her to get her to finish eating. “It seems to me you’re a damn picky eater. That won’t do. I like to cook and I’ll expect you to be properly appreciative of my efforts.”

Sara lifted her chin. “I think that’s one rule I won’t have a problem abiding by.”

“Good.” He waited until she finished eating, then went to the side of her chair. Time for the next step. He could hardly wait for her reaction. Damn, but he was a genius.

She glanced up at him, her expression alert.

He tried to look serious. “Now, I was thinking, Sara. Maybe you ought to pick out that pet you want today. I know it’s kind of soon, but since we’ll both be living here, it shouldn’t be a big problem or an expense to keep up with one cute little animal. I’ll be glad to help out some, to look after it when you’re not around, to take it for walks every now and then. What do you think?”

Her eyes widened, and the look of naked excitement that came over her features was worth any amount of nuisance. Gavin didn’t look forward to a puppy’s accidents, or the chore of housebreaking, but he had thought it an excellent way to start stepping in the right direction. Once she saw how supportive he could be of her pet, she’d realize he wasn’t the least bit similar to Ted. And he’d been right.

She leaped from her seat, wrapped her arms around him and gave him a strangling hug. She talked nonstop about whether or not she wanted a large or small pet, male or female. Gavin silently congratulated himself when she rushed out the door, anxious to reach the shelter.

He rubbed his hands together. Things were moving along just as he planned. And as Sara had once told him, he was a master planner.

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