Page 23 of Finding Noah
“Yep.”
“And he’s tried to set you up with other tops?”
“Yep. Bossy ones at that.” I couldn’t believe I was having this conversation with a puppy parent, but I was in need of someone who understood. “He’s convincedthe oneis out there for me somewhere.” I sighed. “And here I am, trying to set him up.”
“Daphne’s a great woman. She was honest with us about her newly divorced status. If I knew someone to set her up with, I totally would. She’s got a wicked sense of humor.”
I smiled. “That’s great to hear. Christian’s a bit of a dark horse. He can come across as quite serious sometimes—” Evenas I said the words, he and Daphne burst out laughing. “Well, okay, then. Clearly they’ve discovered their senses of humor.”
Soren nudged me. “Who knows? Maybe they’ll bond over dogs. I’ll head to the pet store and buy more toys.”
“Try some food puzzles as well. Tibby’s young, but she’s food motivated and clever—she might take to them quicker than you think.”
“Got it.” He pressed a hand to my arm. “Thank you.”
Instead of being disconcerted by the unexpected grasp, I was touched. I hadn’t had any physical contact with anyone since I left Leroy.
Well, except the amazing hugs Christian gave me whenever I seemed to need them.
I met Soren’s gaze. “See you next week.” I bent at the waist and stroked Tibby’s soft fur. “You be good.”
She blinked up at me with enormous dark-brown eyes.
Yeah, I think this might just work.
Chapter Seven
Christian
Do not ogle Noah’s ass while he’s bent to pet the puppy.
Right. Like a stern lecture from my inner voice was somehow going to have me paying attention. Uh…no.
“So you’ve really never gone strawberry picking?” Daphne offered me a smile. “It’s actually a ton of fun. We should go next month. They grow in the late spring.”
“Uh, sure.”
“Christian?”
Something in her tone of voice had me refocusing. “Sorry. Strawberries. Spring.”
She smiled, with sparkling eyes. “Soren’s gay. Just inserting that into the conversation.”
I frowned.
She counteredwith a grin. “You can’t take your eyes off him. And I can completely understand. I was so disappointed when I found out he doesn’t swing my way. I mean, I’m fresh out of my divorce, and probably shouldn’t be looking, but I’d have to be blind not to notice him. Premature gray and owns it. I love that confidence. I figure I’ll be coloring my hair as long as I’m able—I don’t ever want to show my age.”
Does she realize Soren and Noah are probably setting up a date right now? They make a striking couple—
“Christian?”
I blinked. “Daphne, I’m so sorry.”
Stormy bonked Penny on the head again.
“Hey.” My dog gazed up at me with completely innocent eyes.
Penny resumed trying to mouth Stormy’s paw.
