Page 73 of When Annika Met Thom

“So long as she doesn’t have a ferret, you should be fine,” Tessa said.

Thom didn’t reply.

“I got it in one, didn’t I?”

“It doesn’t matter…”

“Whenever you say that, it totally does,” Tessa replied. “Okay,” she continued, taking charge in her big sister way. “I’m coming Saturday for Cerberus’ annual vet check-in.”

“No.” Thom straightened. “Cerberus doesn’t have...”

At the sound of her name, the dog looked up with anticipation.

“She does now,” Tessa said, interrupting him firmly.

“I’m working Saturday.”

“What’sshedoing?”

“I don’t know.” Thom hadn’t thought about it, but Annika was working Monday to Friday. “Other plans maybe.”

“But she thought she was engaged to Leo when she arrived.”

“Yes.”

“And when was that?”

“Last Saturday.”

“She has no plans,” Tessa said with authority. “And she’s visiting the city. I’ll come to see Cerberus and then that will just naturally evolve into my showing her some of the sights.”

Thom groaned. “You’re going to meddle…”

“I’m going to fix whatever’s going on there,” Tessa said fiercely and Thom knew better than to argue. “When are you going to work?”

“Nine-thirty.”

“I’ll see you Saturday morning at nine.”

“At least take Cerberus to the East River Park,” Thom said, trying to negotiate. “She needs her long weekend walk.”

“You can do that Sunday.”

“I’ll be working.”

“Since when? Wait!” As usual, Tessa didn’t wait for a reply when she thought she’d solved a riddle. “You’re avoiding her, aren’t you? This is much more serious than I thought. Thank your lucky stars, little brother, that you have me to save you from yourself.”

“I’m not sure I should,” Thom said but Tessa was gone.

He ended the call, pinched the bridge of his nose as if that might give him strength, and tossed his phone toward the table as Annika came out of the bathroom.

“Problem?” she asked.

“Sister,” he said flatly and took a step toward her. He knew she wouldn’t be satisfied with that, but he was ready to distract her. He let his voice drop low. “Now, where were we?”

Annika smiled. “You were carrying me off to ravish me and I couldn’t wait.”

Thom scooped her off her feet again and she squealed, then he pulled her close and silenced her with a kiss.

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