Page 39 of Here Comes Santa Paws

Instead of getting upset as I’d expected, Elias looked at me with sympathy. That was worse than pity. He gripped my thigh, and I didn’t brush him off.

“Roman, I’m not asking you to change your mind, but if youdodecide to keep her, it’s okay. It’s not a sign of weakness to let an animal companion into your life.”

I frowned. “Is that what you think this is? I’m worried about looking weak?”

“Why else would you be so hesitant to consider adopting her?”

“I’m not equipped to give her a good, reliable life. She deserves someone more affectionate and stable.”

“You spooned her yesterday.In your bed.Newsflash: you’re affectionate.”

I dismissed that. “I don’t plan to stay here forever. It’s unfair to her if I keep picking up and moving places.”

I’d said the words more bluntly than necessary, given whatever was happening between us, but he needed to be reminded of the reality. We both did.

A crease formed on Elias’s forehead. He opened his mouth, and I braced for his questions about my plans to move. I wasn’t built to stay in one place.

“Dogs can be moved. I’m sure she’d be as cozy as a bug in a rug riding shotgun in your truck. You can take her with you. Animals are amazingly resilient, and as long as you do your best to keep a routine for her, she’ll be fine, no matter what you do.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but he held up his hand and cut me off.

“Again, not trying to convince you because no pet deserves to be placed in a home where someone has to be convinced to want them.”

Fucking ouch, but point taken.

“But moving isn’t a dealbreaker. I can give you tips. Again, not trying to twist your arm, just giving you information to make an informed decision.”

When he’d first approached me about fostering Carol, it was all about her needing a temporary home. How had the conversation changed so quickly to whether I’d keep her?

There was a light rap on the door before a cute twink in scrubs with messy blond hair entered the room.

“Elias, hi. I heard you were here. How’s it going?”

Who the hell’s this guy?

“Hey, Frankie. Good, thanks. How are you? Good festival season?” Elias’s voice was friendly as always.

I tried to decipher if there was more there, but I couldn’t tell.

“Great. I was thinking of hitting up trivia at the White Elephant next week. You ever go to that?”

I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes at Frankie. Why the hell did I care if some lithe cutie wanted to have a few drinks with Elias? My neighbor was a rainbow thorn in my side, and I preferred a life in muted tones. At least, I had until I’d started to get to know Elias—now I found myself appreciating color and noise. The silence in my home was loud each time he left it, and I was starting to crave more time with him.

I held my breath as I waited for Elias’s response.

“I haven’t yet. You’ll have to tell me how it is. Hope you win!”

Frankie’s enthusiasm dimmed as he said goodbye.

“What?” Elias asked defensively.

My grin grew. “Breaking hearts all across Christmas Falls.”

He knocked his shoulder into me. “Shut up.” He grinned too.

“When are you free for that thank-you dinner you owe me for saving your ass last weekend?”

Elias’s eyes sparkled. “Tomorrow?”

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