Page 107 of Must Love Dogs… and Hockey

I’ve made progress, though.

It still feels weird not to have to take Otis outside before I do anything. I didn’t have him that long, but that damn dog managed to make himself part of my life. I miss the mutt.

After a shower, I dress in jeans and a hoodie and make myself scrambled eggs and toast and, of course, coffee. Which reminds me of Lilly. So many things remind me of her.

I pick up my phone and scroll through social media as I eat. I smile at a pic of Cookie wearing a Santa hat, flanked by his two sisters. I frown at a few posts I see about trade rumors. I don’t like to believe rumors, but where there’s smoke there’s usually a flame, and more than one sportswriter is talking about a trade between the Bears and the Stars, naming a few Stars defensemen, including Josh Heller.

I shake my head and scroll on, lingering over a photo Lilly posted on Instagram of her and Carlin with Carlin flashing a diamond ring. Huh. Looks like Carlin and William got engaged.

What does that mean for Lilly? She was worried about Carlin moving out and being able to afford the apartment.

I guess it’s not my business. Sadness washes over me.

I drop my phone.

A knock at the door jolts me. I frown. Is it Cookie or Russ? Did we make plans I forgot about?

I cross the living room and yank open the door.

Lilly.

My heart slams against my ribs.

And Otis.

My mouth drops open.

“What…?”

An uncertain smile flickers over her beautiful face. “Hi.”

I move my head from side to side, still not sure if this is real or I’m still in bed, asleep, having crazy dreams. “Hi.”

I look down at Otis, jumping up on me, crying. “You are such a badly behaved dog,” I mutter, bending to pick him up. “What the hell are you doing here?” I raise my questioning gaze to Lilly. “Both of you.”

“I brought Otis back to you.”

I’m still not comprehending. “Uh, come in. I’m a bit confused.”

Holy shit. I’m more than confused.

She walks in, bringing her scent with her, the scent that instantly makes me think of pressing my nose and lips against her skin, breathing her in. She’s carrying Otis’s bag, packed with his things, and her purse. She sets the bag down and removes her mitts. “So, this is kind of crazy.”

I stare at her, absorbing everything about her. Her shiny hair, her sparkling blue eyes, her pretty mouth. “I miss you.”

Her bottom lip quivers almost imperceptibly. She swallows. “I miss you too.”

“Yeah?”

She nods, her eyelashes fluttering.

Time stretches out, looping and wrapping around us. Finally I break the clotted silence. “You were right.”

Her eyes widen and her chin lowers. “About…?”

“Come in. Can I take your jacket? Would you like coffee? I’ll make you coffee.”

The corners of her mouth quirk. “Coffee would be great.”

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