Page 128 of Mistletoe and Mischief

Beth shrugged, knowing it was true.

“Why are you out here, anyway?”

“I dropped off a puppy. A Christmas gift.”

He seemed to be waiting for her to explain why she hadn’t gone directly home. If she knew the answer to that question, she wouldn’t be sipping blistering hot coffee and feeling as if the entire world was against her.

“So, how long have you and Ted been...friends?”

“Oh, for some time now.”

“Is it serious?”

“No.” She managed a nonchalant smile. “Perhaps I should’ve clarified that. I routinely see Ted on a professional basis—and yes, we’ve been out socially.” She didn’t mention the few kisses they’d shared because, frankly, it wasn’t any of his business. When it came tohisfriend, she’d rather not know.

“But it could develop into something serious?” he asked.

This was even more difficult to answer. “I suppose. If we both wanted it to.”

“And do you?”

She stared down into her coffee to avoid looking at him.

“No.” Then she quickly shook her head. “Well, maybe.”

“Maybe,” he repeated slowly.

“It depends.”

“On what?” he prodded.

Beth straightened. “I’d rather not talk about Ted and me. I didn’t ask you about Danielle.”

“True.” He nodded. “All right, whatdoyou want to talk about?”

“Do we need to talk about anything?”

He hesitated. “I guess not.”

The kid brought over Kent’s coffee and he paid for it. He was about to take his first sip when Beth warned him, “Careful, it’s hot.”

Kent sipped his coffee guardedly and grimaced. “You’re right.”

Beth took another sip of her own coffee, which had cooled slightly. “The puppy I delivered—it was to the Polgars.”

“Polgar. That’s an unusual name. As in Bobby Polgar, the chess champion?”

“Yes, he lives in Cedar Cove.”

“Bobby Polgar lives here?” Kent arched his brows, clearly impressed.

“His wife is, or rather was, a local hairdresser. She’s a wonderful, wonderful person.”

“You mean to tell me Bobby Polgar married a beautician?” Kent grinned, as if the idea amused him.

“Don’t say it like that. Teri’s perfect for Bobby and now they have triplet sons....”

“And they took a puppy?”

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