Page 5 of Keystrokes and Kittens

Our gazes locked.

Time stood still. For just a moment, we were back in Christian and Noah’s front hall. Our lips were touching. He wrapped his arms around me. I deepened the kiss.

He ran.

With his dark skin, I couldn’t tell if he was blushing or not. God knew I was.

Tibby pulled on her leash—something she never did. Especially since completing her latest round of training, she’d become even more obedient. At least when she was leashed. The rest of the time, she was a goofy puppy. She was just over a year old and could be a menace if she was left to her own devices for too long.

Hence needing the toys.

I cleared my throat. “Hey, Sam. How are you?”

He rubbed his eyes. “I’m okay.”

I cocked my head.

After a moment, he yawned. “I’m not okay.”

“Yeah.” I brought Tibby right to the cash register.

Sam reached for the container of treats. His hand stilled. “Is she still allowed?”

“Yes. Thank you for asking. Tibby? Sit.”

She plopped onto her butt and waited patiently as Sam retrieved a treat. When he held it out, she held his gaze.

“Are you a good girl?” He used the same soft tone he always did.

The voice that did something to my insides. Made them all gooey.

She woofed.

He handed her the treat—which she took delicately. Then she munched it down in an inelegant bite.

Sam chuckled. “Glad to see some things don’t change.” He scratched Tibby’s ears. “You’re still a good girl.”

She gave him a look that said bothof course I amandanother treat, pleaseat the same time.

This time I laughed. “She has your number.” I cleared my throat. “She passed therapy-dog training last week. Noah andChristian are really busy these days, so I’ve gotten permission to visit the nursing home. Miss Esmeralda is looking forward to our visits.” The woman was easily in her eighties—if not older—but a gentleman never asked a lady’s age. She’d gifted her home to Christian and Noah before going into the nursing home. She was still a hotbed of gossip in Foggy Basin and had given me more than one pointed look over the past few months.Big surprise—she knows something’s up.Of course, I had given her some hints at the pride day.

“Great job, Tibby. I’m so proud of you.” Sam grinned. Then he eyed me. “One more?”

Tibby’s gaze shot between the two of us—as if gauging who was more likely to give her a coveted treat.

I shrugged with a smile. “Sure.”

He gave her one, then turned his attention to me. “It’s great to see you here today. Is there something I can help you with?”

“We’re here to pick out new toys. To celebrate Tibby’s accomplishment. Plus, I might as well pick up a bag of her food and some more, uh, things.” I gestured to the treats container with my chin.

Sam nodded. He understood.

His phone rang.

No. That wasn’t a ringtone. It sounded like an alarm.

He grabbed for it, swiped, and winced. Then rubbed his forehead.