Page 1 of Midnight Secrets

CHAPTER 1

Claire

“Pebbles! No!” I looked up at the still dark sky and groaned before dashing out the door after my Yorkie. Pebbles had darted past when I opened it to pick up the paper and was now halfway down the front walkway, barking frantically at the stray cat we startled. My hot pink mule slippers slapped against the concrete as I ran after the pup. It was too early for this.

My dog reached the end of the walk and turned right, now headed down the public sidewalk. I picked up my pace. I didn’t want Pebbles to run into the street. It was early yet and traffic was light, but that didn’t mean a car couldn’t come around the corner.

“Pebbles!”

The little pooch ignored me and kept running. I tightened the belt on my robe and ran as fast as my impractical shoes would let me. In the growing light, a running figure turned the corner ahead, stumbling over the little dog.

“Whoa!”

I heard the deep rumble of a man’s voice. Squinting into the twilight as I neared, I could more clearly see the figure that had stopped and now approached my dog. In gray sweats, and a white long-sleeved tee, the man cut an imposing figure. Musclesstrained the fabric of his shirt. If I hadn’t been so concerned about Pebbles, I’d have taken more than a moment to appreciate his physique. I mean, I was a single, hot-blooded woman, after all, and this man checked all the boxes for tall, dark, and handsome—just my type.

Pebbles barked and backed away, but the movement tucked her up against the Winslow’s picket fence. In one quick move, the man stepped forward and plucked my dog from the ground. Pebbles barked and squirmed in his arms, but she was no match for his size.

I hurried toward them.

“I take it this little devil is yours?”

Huffing and puffing from my early morning sprint in my slippers, I stopped in front of him and nodded. “Yes. Sorry.” I reached for Pebbles. “She slipped past me when I opened the door to get the paper. Thank you for catching her.”

He handed her over. “No worries. She’s had her rabies shot, though, right?” He eyed the growling beast now in my arms.

I frowned. “Of course she has.” I pet my dog’s head, trying to calm her down. “She’s just worked up.”

“Good. Wouldn’t want her to pass on some deadly disease when she bites someone.” He touched two fingers to his forehead and tipped them forward. “Have a good day.”

I spun, watching him run off with a scowl on my face. How dare he insinuate my dog was mean? Pebbles was the sweetest animal on the planet.

I snuggled her close to my face. “You’re not mean, are you?” I crooned. “You just like to let people know you exist.” Glaring at the handsome stranger’s retreating form, I started back toward my house. His attitude almost made me not appreciate his firm tush as he ran. Almost.

Shaking my head, I returned home, locking the front door behind us. I set my dog down on the hardwood floor. “Now,”I shook a finger at the animal. “Behave while I finish getting ready.”

Pebbles wagged her little tail and dashed into the living room to attack her stuffed monkey. I chuckled. At least one of us liked mornings.

Picking up the paper I dropped when she escaped, I went into the kitchen and opened it. I knew it was a bit old-fashioned to still get a physical newspaper—especially at my age—but I liked having the hard copy in my hands. I processed the information better.

Looking through the headlines while I drank a glass of lemon water, I noted nothing too untoward had happened in Parker’s Landing yesterday, which was great. There had been a rash of burglaries lately, and I was glad to see there weren’t any to report.

With my water finished, I laid the paper on the bar and retreated upstairs to take a shower and get dressed. After showering and drying my hair, I donned a short-sleeved, fitted cobalt-blue dress and a pair of black pumps, then put on my makeup. A gray linen blazer completed the ensemble.

“Come on, Pebbles,” I called as I descended the staircase and rounded the banister. As far as I could tell, my Yorkie hadn’t done her business on her mad dash down the sidewalk, so she needed to go outside.

Collar and tags clinking, my little dog ran toward me, her tiny toenails tapping on the floor.

“Let’s go outside.” I led Pebbles to the back door and opened it. Immediately, she dashed outside, barking.

I rolled my eyes and stood on the stoop to make sure she went potty. Pebbles ran around the yard, nose in what was left of the last snowfall, but refused to pee.

“Pebbles, would you just go potty? I’m going to be late if you don’t hurry up.” I had an early meeting. Otherwise, it wouldn’tbother me to be a little late. I was the boss, after all. It’s not like I could fire myself for not being in the office right at eight o’clock.

My dog ignored me and continued to sniff. I looked at my watch and sighed. I had my morning routine timed down to the minute. Chasing after my ornery Yorkie put me behind, and this was not helping.

“Pebbles! Go pee!” I tapped my foot, waiting. When she ignored me, I took my phone from my dress pocket and got online to order coffee. Normally, I ordered it when I reached the coffeeshop, but I was already running late. I couldn’t go without my morning jolt, though.

Two minutes later, Pebbles finally squatted and relieved herself. I heaved a sigh. I was only ten minutes behind now.

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