Page 91 of Sit, Stay, Love
He winced. ‘I can’t believe I forgot to tell you about that. I was so wrapped up in what I was going to have to say and do, what I was going to wear, it went straight out of my head. I’m useless. Lena has organised it for Wednesday week. I know it’s short notice, but I hope that works because I head to the States the week after, and it’s kind of the only date we could do. And don’t worry, you don’t have to do a thing. Lena’s all over it. She’s a machine. Just call her, she needs your friends and family guest list.’
Sera smiled, but her heart thudded as it sank like a stone. The fundraiser was in just over a week, and Ethan would be gone a week later. She swallowed down a panic-soaked sensation. What was the point of having all these stupid feelings for him if he was practically on a plane?
He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently squeezed. ‘I’ll only be gone for a few months,’ he said, as if he’d read her mind. ‘Then I’ll be back. Sera, I will be back, and hopefully you’ll want to see me… Maybe?’
Her mouth quirked up at the corners, even though she was trying her hardest to stay mad at him. But he was so awkward and adorable, and his vibrant blue eyes were sad and pleading, his hands warm and strong on her shoulders… and he was so goddamn stunning.
‘Maybe… I might.’ She gave into her smile.
He huffed out a happy sigh. ‘Maybe… you might… want to have lunch with me today?’
‘I can’t. I have loads to do. It’s a pretty important day. Someone is coming to look at Harry, and I want to make sure I’m here. Fingers crossed, he’ll be adopted.’
Ethan gazed over her head and his smile flickered out. He dropped his hands to his sides and straightened up, his shoulders back and his chest puffed.
‘Doc,’ he said.
Toby fell in beside Sera. ‘James,’ he growled then turned to Sera, his posture softening. ‘The stray is good. A Koolie-mix, by the looks. Did you check his microchip?’
She nodded. ‘The information’s out of date. He was at the pound for a week. That’s why they called me.’
Toby nodded. ‘Lucky dog.’
She hummed in agreement.
He slowly turned his gaze to Ethan and narrowed his eyes. ‘I hearyouhad a good time last night,’ he said with a none-too-subtle emphasis.
Ethan glared back at him. ‘What happened last night is between me and Sera.’
Toby stiffened and moved to step forward, but Sera grabbed his elbow.
He looked down at her. ‘Do you need me to stay?’
She squeezed his arm. ‘I’m okay.’
‘If you need me,’ he flicked his gaze to Ethan, ‘again, just call me. I’ll be here.’
‘I know.’
He leaned in and kissed her cheek. Her eyes closed at the soft touch of his lips. When had they gone from arm-thumping and hair-ruffling to sharing tender kisses?
Ethan cleared his throat. ‘I’d better go too,’ he said. ‘Unless you want me to stay?’
‘I really have a tonne of work,’ she said, and watched disappointment flicker across his face. ‘But call me later, okay?’
He hesitated, as if wondering if he should also kiss her, but then he just smiled and gave her a nod.
She watched the two men walking to their cars, Ethan to his Audi and Toby to his truck.
‘Hey,’ she called, suddenly remembering something. They both spun around, each with their eyebrows raised. ‘Oh, sorry. I meant Herriot.’
Toby’s gaze flicked to Ethan, then he stepped forward. ‘Yeah?’
‘The stray. Did you name him?’
‘I was thinking Barkley.’Sesame Street’s large, fluffy, red and white dog.
‘That’s perfect! He looks just like Barkley.’
