Page 42 of Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
She turned her head to look at him, and then she whispered. “I take it you don’t want to.”
What was he supposed to say? That singing was the last thing he wanted to do, but if she was going, then he wanted to be with her.Wait. That isn’t right. Is it?
Definitely not.He would go because he wanted to keep her safe. Yes, that was it. Still, he couldn’t help but ponder his earlier thought. Did he want to be around Belle just because he liked her?
“Parker?” Belle’s gaze searched his.
“Uh…” He struggled to recall what they’d been previously talking about, and then he noticed everyone had left them alone in the kitchen. “We should get going before they leave without us.”
“Would that be so bad?” Belle walked away.
Had he heard her correctly? Did she want to spend time alone with him? His pulse picked up its pace. Or was he just reading too much into her offhand comment?Probably.
As he puzzled over the questions and answers, he joined her by the front door. Everyone but them was bundled up for a chilly walk through town.Oh, boy.
Why hadn’t she gone caroling before?
Belle totally enjoyed singing Christmas carols. Even though she’d been nervous in the beginning and had initially lip-synced, by ten minutes into it, she was using her voice. No one seemed to care that she wasn’t the greatest singer. When she figured this out, she relaxed and just enjoyed the experience.
Of course, she noticed that Parker wasn’t enjoying the evening as much as she was. As though he sensed she was staring at him, he turned his head until their gazes met. He sent her a smile, but he didn’t even fake singing, “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” She wasn’t going to make an issue of it. She was just glad he was there.
It was surprising to find how quickly she’d gotten used to having him around. Of course, all of that would end tomorrow when they both went back to their jobs. And it was probably for the best, because if they spent any more time together, it might start to seem like they had a real relationship, instead of him being near her to catch a criminal.
Her thoughts turned to Odie. As his image formed in her mind, her heart ached. She was really starting to have doubts if she would ever see him again. And she missed him terribly.
Parker leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Is everything all right?”
Not missing a beat, she said, “Sure. Why?”
“You stopped singing, and you had a sad look on your face.”
“I was thinking about Odie. I really wish he was here. Although, he wouldn’t enjoy the caroling. He hates the cold. He’d rather be at home curled up with a blanket on the couch.”
“I can’t honestly blame him.”
Just then Parker’s mother, who was standing in front of them, turned an arched brow. Belle felt like a kid again. She let out a nervous giggle. Apparently they weren’t whispering as quietly as Belle had thought.
She turned her attention back to the carols. They were most of the way through their planned area when her phone began to ring. She was mortified that she hadn’t thought to turn off the ringer. She stepped away from the group. Parker followed her.
With warm, fuzzy gloves on, she couldn’t just grab it from her coat pocket. And so it kept ringing while she yanked off a glove. Finally, she pulled the phone from her pocket but before she silenced it, she noticed the number on the screen wasn’t one she recognized.
Her heart clenched. Was this the dognapper? She froze.
Parker was on his phone, talking to someone. He read off the phone number. And then he placed his hands on her shoulders. “Answer it and put it on speaker.”
Her hands were trembling as she pressed the buttons. “Hello.”
“If you want to see your dog again, give it to me.” The male voice rumbled with anger.
“Please. Give me Odie back.” Her voice cracked with emotion. She struggled not to cry in fear for her dog. “He didn’t do anything, and he must be so scared.”
“You should have thought of it before you hid it from me.” His voice was harsh and clipped.
Her heart was pounding so loud it echoed in her ears. “I…I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
There was a distinct pause. “Don’t play with me.”
“I’m not. Tell me what I need to do to get Odie back.”
