Page 54 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

“Great. Anything I need to know?”

“The llamas usually make a humming noise before they spit at you, and they don’t seem to like it when I hum back. So, I recommend not doing that. And stay out of the goat pens. Boingo jumps fences, but he’s mostly harmless. If there is another goat with him, don’t bend over. Bumpo has earned his name.” Eli scratched his head. “That’s all I can think of.”

I squatted in front of the carrier. “Sherlock, I’ll be right back, buddy.”

The puppy looked genuinely sad that we were leaving.

“I made sure to put the lid on your coffee properly.” I clasped Eli’s hand after locking the door.

“Much appreciated.”

As soon as Eli left, I finished the last of my coffee and tossed my napkin in the trash. “Bye, Tessa.”

She waved. “Call me later.”

I stopped in the shop only long enough to grab my purse, a book, and Sherlock. Then I loaded it all in my car and drove to Eli’s.

It would be a little weird being at his house while he wasn’t there. Snooping was not part of my plan. But maybe a few peeks here and there would be okay.

“Hey, Sherlock, what do you want to do today?”

He barked an answer I didn’t understand.

“I guess we’ll just have to play it by ear.”

I parked in front of the trailer just like I used to do when I visited Cami. As I unloaded the dog crate, a goat bounded toward me.

“Hello, you must be Boingo.”

Boingo made a goat sound, and Sherlock barked.

“Have y’all met?” I set the crate down, letting Boingo and Sherlock sniff each other.

Boingo didn’t seem that impressed. After a sniff, he trotted away, probably looking for some other trouble to get into.

I carried the crate inside and opened the door. Sherlock was more than happy to be released from his confinement and ran around the living room in circles.

On the counter was a note.

Delaney-

I left a little something for you in the fridge. I wasn’t sure what your favorite flavor was.

And I might use fingerprint powder on the knobs to know where you snooped. (Joking... sort of.)

Call if you need anything.

E

I needed to wipe all the knobs even for the rooms I didn’t enter. I opened the fridge and startled Sherlock with my laugh. Sitting front and center on the shelf were cans of Shasta soda in several different flavors.

Eli knew my first name.

How long had he had that tidbit? Until today, he hadn’t made a single joke. And this teasing was cute. My thoughts jumped to the day he’d pulled me over. Eli had known my real name for a while.

There were lots of layers under that quiet shell. Should I be worried that he could keep a secret that well?

I dropped onto the floor and loved on Sherlock. We had lots of time to play.

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