Page 47 of Incomplete
“Yes, I actually just spoke—”
Her reply was cut short as Sheba surprised me when she suddenly came skidding around the corner dragging a plastic drop sheet in her mouth.
“Sheba, stop. Drop it,” Brooke called out.
The pup wasn’t interested in listening to her owner as she made a beeline for me with an overexuberant level of excitement.
“Hey, sweet girl.” I crouched down and rubbed behind both her ears.
“Sheba down,” Brooke commanded, but it fell on deaf ears.
“Honestly, it’s fine.” I waved her off before returning my attention to the pint-sized fluff ball lapping at my cheek like it had peanut butter on it. “Nobody gives better kisses than you, do they? No, they don’t.” I giggled abruptly, remembering I had an audience, and moved to stand up. “Please excuse my puppy talk.” And me fawning all over your dog, I thought to myself.
“It’s all good. I find myself speaking in a cutesy voice far more often than not around her. My husband, Luke, teases me incessantly about it.” She reached down and took hold of the leash. “Anyway, before this little one interrupted me, I was just going to clarify that I spoke with Boden on my way here. My husband is taking me to St. Anne’s for the night, and my brother offered to take Sheba for us.”
“St. Anne’s?”
“It’s a winery just outside the city,” she replied while taking in the state of the fixer-upper, which was equal parts sparse and inundated with tools and building supplies. It wasn’t exactly where you’d typically venture, dressed as she was.
From her black peep-toe heels to her high-waisted wide-legged black pleated pants paired with a thick black belt, then complemented with a one-shoulder periwinkle blouse, she was the epitome of class and sophistication. Her skin was also radiant and glowing, while her chestnut brown hair was styled with a soft French braid framing one side of her face before all being pulled into a side ponytail that draped over her shoulder.
“Are you doing a tour and wine sampling?” I asked.
“No tour this time, but we have in the past. My husband’s work colleague is hosting a private dinner for a small group of guests tonight.”
“Very nice.”
“I’m sorry to do this to you, but are you okay if I leave Sheba here until my brother returns?”
“Of course, it’s no bother at all.”
“Thank you. Boden said you wouldn’t mind, but still, I had to ask.” She handed me the leash. “I wish I wasn’t in such a rush as I’d love to chat more. Maybe I can coax my brother into having a barbeque tomorrow when we return to pick Sheba up, and we can all hang out for a bit?”
“From what I’ve gathered about him so far, it won’t take much convincing.”
“No, it won’t, especially if it’s your suggestion.” She grinned before heading out.
Chapter20
Boden
“I’m absolutely famished, you?” I asked Lakelyn after my stomach rumbled rather loudly.
“I’m feeling a little ravenous, too.” She smirked.
“You up for some company tonight? We can order in and watch one of those baking shows you like.” I pulled onto our street. “Or if you want to lay low tonight, I completely understand.”
Despite our little furry third-wheel, we’d made some good headway together at the flip property. I installed all the laminate flooring in the living room while Lakelyn finished priming and started painting the kitchen, so I’d be in good shape once the cabinetry arrived.
“No, I’m up for something.”
“Cool, do you have a hankering for something specific?”
“Not really, you?”
“I haven’t had this in a long time, but I could go for some Chinese. Thoughts?”
“I could do that; it’s been a while for me too.”
