Page 132 of Cautious Love

Stooping down to pick the dog up, I wait for her to meet my eyes, and when she finally does. I can’t read them.

She seems both sad and angry and I don’t know what to do with that.

She frowns at the dog and I tilt my head, waiting for her. She’s so stubborn we’ll stand here in a stare off for hours before she gives in.

“Shy,” I rumble.

She huffs and says something to Mollie-Mae, and starts for the front door. I hold it open for her with Dozer still tucked under my arm and follow her out.

Setting the dog down I hold on to the leash while he sniffs the ground.

“What do you want?” she snaps.

I can’t be mad at her. Irritated? Yes. Annoyed? The same thing, but still, yes. Even if I wanted to be upset with her, I can’t.

“Baby, don’t do this,” I rasp.

She huffs and crosses her arms.

I still love that diner dress on her.

“Stop looking at me like that,” she spits.

My eyes finally reaches hers again. “Why didn't you wait for me to come get you?”

“Because I’m a grown woman and I can drive myself to work.”

“But I told you why that’s not the best idea right now,” I say gently.

She bites her lower lip looking away from me. Dozer comes to her ankle sniffing on her and lifts his little body up onto her calf.

Shiloh rolls her eyes and drops down to give the dog attention. “I’m sorry I left you, but I knew your daddy would be there to get you.”

I smile and rub my mustache to cover it.

While she’s focused on the dog I look around town. It’s quiet, per usual. But my gut has been in knots all morning and it’s either because of what starts today or something else is coming. It all has me on edge.

“Shiloh,” I rasp.

She picks up Dozer and nuzzles her nose into his neck.

I wish she was doing that to me.

“I know we’re … I don’t know what’s going on to be completely honest, but I’m begging you to listen to me this one time.”

She looks around the open street, a few people walk down the other side of the sidewalk.

“Fine, I’ll call you before I leave. How’s that?” she asks.

I huff and slip my hands in my pockets. “You’ll call mebeforeyou leave andwaitfor me to get here so I can escort you home. If I can’t I will send an officer.”

She tilts her head back and groans while the dog wiggles in her arms.

“Why are you so annoying?” she asks blinking rapidly. I know that tick.

I grab the back of her head gently righting it so I can look her in the eye.

“Because I love you Shy. That’s why.”