Page 32 of Three Rules I'd Never Break

Tessa would give me grief for getting a dog before the house was ready, but the way she laughed whenever I talked about stopping at an adoption made me think she half expected it.

“I’m sorry. This little guy was adopted earlier today.” She flashed an apologetic smile.

“But he’s here.”

Who adopted a dog and left without it?

She put her hand up, blocking the side of her face nearest the cage. “He has an appointment the week after next to be neutered. The dog, not the new owner. The new owner will pick his puppy up after that.”

“Poor little guy. I hope you’ll be going home with someone amazing.” I squatted in front of the cage. “Because you’re adorable.”

The woman bit her lower lip, then leaned forward. “Just between you and me, the guy definitely qualifies as amazing. Shoot, if he’d asked, I would’ve gone home with him. Hopped right into the back of his pickup.” She winked. “If you know what I mean.”

I laughed out of sheer politeness. What did I care that the puppy would have a hot owner? “Thank you for your help.”

“Have a nice evening.” She walked over to a woman looking at the cats.

After trudging out to the car, I called Tessa. “I found the perfect puppy. He was exactly what I was wanting.”

“So you got a dog?” She laughed.

“No.” I sniffled for added effect. “Someone already adopted him. They just couldn’t take him home until after his surgery. The new owner is probably some pickup-driving hick who only wants the dog for hunting. The poor dog will have to sleep outside and eat stale dog food.” There was a chance I was overreacting to not getting the puppy.

“The poor puppy will have such a horrible life.” Tessa didn’t bother to stifle her giggle. “Need to come over and indulge in ice cream?”

“I would, but Joji invited me over. It was kind of out of the blue, and I’m curious about why she asked. She seems fun though.”

“She’s awesome. I love her. Have fun.” Tessa ended the call without another word.

I stared at the phone. “That was weird. Bye, Tessa. Have a good evening. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.” Talking to myself made me look crazy.

I tossed the phone into the cup holder and headed to Joji’s farm. Thankfully, I knew where I was going. When Cami lived in the trailer on the goat farm, Tessa and I sometimes spent evenings there.

After rolling through the gate, I eased up the road toward the main house and sucked in a breath when I saw Eli’s truck parked in front of the trailer.

He’d switched places with Cami.

Since he lived here on the goat farm, maybe I’d see him tonight. My toes tingled at the thought. Then my whole body tingled when I remembered our kiss. Cool it, Carter.

Fanning myself, I walked toward Joji’s door. I raised my hand to knock but took an extra second to look back toward the trailer. That’s when I noticed the open garage.

A car—no idea what kind—had its hood open, and my favorite deputy was leaning into the engine.

The air out here was definitely warmer.

Had Joji noticed me standing on her porch? I dropped my hand, trying to decide what to do. I could say a quick hello to Eli before going inside, or I could come back outside after going inside and chatting with Joji. But as soon as I knocked, I’d lose the element of surprise.

I tiptoed off the porch, past the chicken coop, and up to the garage. Country tunes rang out from a speaker sitting next to his phone.

Tessa had mentioned that Eli liked cars, but she’d failed to mention that he knew how to work on them.

This was kind of hot. All kinds of hot. Who knew?

“Will you hand me that wrench from the top of the tool chest?” Eli still had his head inside the engine.

Assuming the giant red metal drawer unit was the tool chest, I picked up the tool off the top. It looked like a wrench. “Here.”

“Thanks, Delaney.” He stuck his hand out, and I laid it in his palm. “Did Boingo leave?”

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