Page 38 of A Tempting Seduction

“Roxie, Hart. Good to see you.” I stood up to shake Hart's hand. “This is Ruby Miller. Ruby, meet Roxie and Hart Laramie.”

Ruby smiled and offered her hand to both of them.

“Ruby runs Java Jolt,” I added. “Makes the best coffee in three counties.”

“I've heard wonderful things about you from Millie Drakos,” Roxie said. “She mentioned you've been incredibly kind to Luther and Violet.”

Ruby's cheeks flushed with pleasure.

“They're wonderful people. I look forward to my visits with them every week.”

“We won't keep you from your dinner,” Hart said, but Roxie was already settling into the conversation.

“Actually, I'm glad we ran into you, Ford. I heard through the grapevine that you might be interested in adopting a dog.”

“That was fast. I only mentioned it to Carrie two days ago.”

The Laramies laughed and Ruby covered her mouth, but I heard her snort of laughter.

“It wasn’t Carrie who told me, it was actually Lettie Magill who mentioned it,” Roxie said, still laughing.

“This town,” I shook my head. “But yeah, I've been thinking about it. With the business doing well and me being home more often, it seems like good timing. Those times I’m out of town I know my parents would watch the dog.”

“Are you looking for a puppy or an older dog?”

“I’m looking for the right dog.”

Roxie gave me a big grin. “That is the perfect answer. “I’ll keep my eyes out and if I find a dog I think might be a fit, I’ll give you a call. How does that sound?”

“That sounds perfect.”

Roxie turned to Ruby. “Do you have any pets?”

“Just plants. Lots and lots of plants.”

“Plants are great practice for pet ownership,” Hart said with a grin. “If you can keep a fiddle leaf fig alive, you can probably handle a dog.”

Ruby laughed, the sound warm and genuine.

“I'm not sure the comparison holds up, but I appreciate the vote of confidence.”

Roxie and Hart excused themselves to return to their own table, leaving Ruby and me alone again. Our food arrived a few minutes later, and the first bite proved that the server's enthusiasm had been justified. The short ribs were fork-tender, the bourbon glaze adding just the right amount of sweetness to balance the rich meat.

“This is incredible.” Ruby closed her eyes briefly, savoring the flavor. “I might have to become a regular here.”

“Worth the drive?”

“Definitely worth the drive.”

We ate in comfortable silence for a while, both of us focused on the excellent food. I found myself studying Ruby's face in the candlelight, memorizing the way her eyes crinkled when she smiled, the graceful movement of her hands as she used her fork and knife.

“So, have you had a dog before?” Ruby asked.

I shook my head. “Not since I’ve lived on my own. But we always had dogs when I was growing up.”

“What kind of dogs?”

“Labs, mostly. Dad's favorite breed. He said they were smart enough to be useful and loyal enough to be family.”