Page 47 of When Annika Met Thom

It must have tickled because Cerberus sneezed mightily.

Percival bolted, running around the couch then making a beeline for his cage. Annika dropped the leash and removed his harness, securing the door before she untangled the leash from the furniture. Cerberus collapsed beside the cage with a sigh and stared at the ferret, who peered right back.

“It’s like they’re in love,” Annika said with a laugh.

“Warming up to each other at least,” Thom said. He poured out the dog food, but had to whistle to Cerberus to get her to come. “Do you have your route sorted out?” he asked.

“Yes. I was going to leave in twenty minutes.”

“We can go together, if you want.”

Annika was surprised by this offer, but Thom shrugged.

“I don’t have a spare set of keys so I need to leave last and lock up. Leo kept his. I’m sorry I didn’t think of it yesterday, but I’ll get a set cut for you today.”

“You shouldn’t have to do that.”

“But I have the keys.” He dangled them. “And I’m only working a part day today. I’m off at three.”

“I have a full day today. Nine to five, at least.”

“So, I’ll be here when you get back, then you’ll have your own keys.”

“Ferret in the bathroom, dog in the living room?” she asked.

“Sounds like a plan.” Thom said with a nod. Cerberus was cleaning her bowl and Thom was making a bagel disappear. Once the dog had eaten, he headed for the bedroom to dress. “If you don’t want to wait for me, that’s all good, too.”

“No, I’ll wait. I need to buy a pass for the subway and you can show me where they sell them.”

“No problem. Give me five.”

“Thom?” she said and he glanced back. “Thank you, again.”

“You would have figured out the subway.”

“No, I mean for being sensible last night and not making me feel like a jerk.”

He smiled, just a little, a sight that made her hot to her toes. “No problem.”

“You really are nice, you know,” she said lightly. “Maybe I should fix you up with someone.”

“Don’t start sounding like my sisters,” he growled, giving her the glare she’d expected.

When she laughed, he just shook his head and retreated into the bedroom. Annika smiled and finished her tea.

* * *

It wasunusual for Thom to need to be at the club first thing, but this was the week that the installation on the rock climbing wall at Flatiron Five Fitness would begin. He was totally invested in this project and didn’t want to miss the construction. Annika, of course, had to be at her job by nine. By the time he came back with Cerberus, she was dressed and he almost didn’t recognize her.

Her hair was pulled back and wound up into a tight bun, which made him miss the sight of it flying free around her shoulders. Her freckles seemed to be more subdued so he guessed she was wearing make-up—her eyelashes were longer and darker, too, and her lips were a little more rosy. Instead of her funky look, she was wearing a tweed suit, jacket and pants, in a blend of caramel and black. She wore a black turtleneck underneath and black shoes with flat heels. She had a black raincoat, a small caramel leather purse and a huge black briefcase. Amber earrings dangled from her earlobes, the perfect feminine touch.

It was interesting to watch the dog and the ferret make their first contact, and he wished it hadn’t been necessary to go to work.

Thom walked with Annika to the subway and explained the various passes, then headed to work when she said she had it all figured out.

He took his usual route, not paying much attention, until Annika dashed down the platform and got onto the same train at the last minute. She was at the other end of the car and didn’t spot him right away. When she did, her eyes widened in surprise. He waved and she smiled.

She changed trains at the same station, which wasn’t a big deal since a lot of people changed there. But when she appeared on the platform where he was waiting for his train, Thom wondered.

---