Page 21 of Hidden Memories

If I stand on my tiptoes to gaze in the direction of her finger, I can make out said door.

Just then, outside on the porch, there’s a massive commotion and a symphony of growls and barks. I look down, and Keeper isn’t next to us anymore.

“Oh man…” I groan.

I rush outside to see if Keeper is in a fight. Theo is glued to my side, and Julia trails just behind.

And then, the world stops.

Santi stands there with my dog in his arms and another at his ankles devouring a dog treat.

We lock eyes. The air stills in my lungs. The features under his elegant Stetson are as gorgeous as the day he left me. His warm brown eyes still have the same hypnotic effect. In them is the same boyish charm, the same passion and fire, the same determination… the same…everything.

We’re silent. It’s strangely calm and urgent all at the same time.

My mouth is dry, but a greeting squeaks out. “Hi.”

He gazes at me like he’s trying to figure me out, hell, like he’s trying to figure out the last thirteen years and chewing on my hello as if I said a lot more. More than a beat passes with him in his thoughts, but eventually, that low, smooth voice of his enters my soul.

“Hello, Kat.”

Tension wraps around us like smoke, intense and consuming.

Theo’s voice relieves us. “That’s my dog.”

Santi’s gaze floats down to Theo but flicks up to me, back and forth, probably making out the resemblance.

Theo thrusts out his two arms, and Santi bends down to hand over our tiny poodle that I’m glad Santi’s gigantic dog didn’t crush.

Santi starts, “I think she…”

“He…” Theo corrects.

“I think he’s all right. My girl doesn’t usually go after other dogs, but my friend Julia here gave her some treats yesterday, and I’m pretty sure they’re made of highly addictive illegal substances.” Santi’s eyebrow cocks and he throws Julia a displeased expression.

Theo hugs Keeper into his arms and kisses his head. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means Mila here wasn’t very friendly to your dog because he was sniffing around her treat. Sorry about that.”

Theo shrugs. “It’s okay. He seems fine.”

Santi eases back up to standing, and it’s as if his tall, perfectly honed frame is making its way up in slow motion. He’s still broad. Firm. That cowboy buckle tight around a trim waist.

I should thank him. But before I can get a word out, he curls his finger, beckoning Julia toward him. “Can I talk to you?”

She shrugs innocently and follows Santi who whisks past me to enter the shop. They don’t go too deep inside, just around the corner. Though they keep their voices low, I developed supersonic hearing in motherhood, and every word reaches me.

I stare at Santi’s massive but somehow cute herding dog eating some stick-like treat. I pretend to watch Santi’s dog while I listen carefully. Theo sits on the ground and checks Keeper over for damage.

Santi’s tone is accusatory but still respectful. “You said you needed help today. And I asked when Kat was coming. You said tomorrow.”

“Many hands make light work. What’s the issue?”

He doesn’t answer.

Julia pokes. “You said she was a friend.”

I can just see Julia’s arms crossed over her chest right now. She strikes me as a woman who doesn’t back down from a challenge.

---