Page 53 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

Sherlock whipped his tail back and forth, and Eli laughed.

Who knew that all of this was what hid underneath Eli’s quiet exterior?

“What do you say we take Sherlock to my place so that Tessa can have her apartment back?” Eli looked down the hall. “If you haven’t figured it out, she’s not really a dog person.”

With Sherlock in my arms, I stood. “Bye, Tessa.”

She walked out and pointed at me. “I’ll see you first thing in the morning.”

“I’ll be there.”

Eli shook his head. “Are y’all planning to talk about me?”

I bumped his side. “What do you think?”

* * *

Friday morning,I overslept and didn’t have time to talk to Tessa, but I made up for it on Saturday morning by arriving at the doughnut shop before it opened.

“Morning, Tessa.”

“Good morning. Big plans today?” She tied on her apron.

“Eli is working, so I’m pet sitting.”

“Better you than me. That little guy is cute but not conducive to relaxation.” She laughed.

“When did you talk to Eli about me wanting a puppy? I thought y’all didn’t talk about me.” I wiped down the coffee station.

She loaded doughnuts into the display case. “He already knew you wanted a puppy. I didn’t tell him that. On the Friday you went to the adoption event, he messaged that morning asking when you were going to get one.”

My phone buzzed, and I yanked it out of my pocket and read the message from Eli.

Sherlock and I are headed your way. Will you let Tessa know?

“Eli is headed this way.” I grabbed a to-go cup and filled it with coffee. After prepping it to his specifications, I made sure the lid was on properly.

“He’s texting you now?” Tessa laughed. “Tell him not to bring that dog into my shop.”

I tapped out a text, warning Eli.I’ll meet you out front and put Sherlock in my store.

He knocked on her door a few minutes later, and I ran out.

“Good morning.” I hurriedly unlocked the door of my store.

Eli followed me in and set the crate down. “Tessa doesn’t want dogs in her doughnut shop or were you just trying to get me alone?”

“Yes, and even though the second part hadn’t occurred to me, yes.” I stepped closer and slid my hands up his chest. “You’re kinda hot in that uniform.”

“Even with the body armor?” Chuckling, he lifted me off my feet and kissed me, making my morning even better. “Thanks for watching Sherlock today. He’s just too little for me to leave for long, and I can’t exactly tote him around with me.”

“That would be funny. And you know I don’t mind a bit. How did last night go?”

Eli scrubbed his face. “I’m tired. He woke up several times. I think his bladder holds about as much as a baby spoon. It can’t be bigger than a peanut.”

“Aww. I’m sorry. It’s really okay if we go to your place?” I squatted in front of the carrier, greeting Sherlock.

“It’s fine. I’m thinking a dog in a lingerie shop is a bad idea.” He motioned to the racks behind him but didn’t turn around. “The trailer isn’t locked. Joji knows you’ll be there.”

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