Page 39 of New in Town

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A thump before him causes Grey to look up from his phone. He’s out on his porch, the text thread he has with Maddie currently open. Leaning forward, he picks up the stick Pippa just brought him, that happens to be twice her size.

“What do you think girl, should I text her about today?” The dog sits with her head tipped to the side, her focus on the piece of wood in his hand. “Thanks for the advice.” He groans and tosses the stick, turning back to his phone.

Why did I leave before she answered me, he wonders, frustrated with himself. But maybe, she didn’t answer on purpose. Maybe she wanted to spare them both the pain of her telling him no. It’s not like he had offered a planned, public date.

Determined to distract himself, he shoves his phone in his pocket and stands, headed for the garage attached to Brett’s house. In the end bay, his motorcycle awaits. He’ll go for a long ride today, really cover some ground, and this way he won’t be tempted to text Maddie.

Halfway to the main house, he feels his phone vibrate in his pocket. Automatically, his heart skips a beat. Could it be her? Hesitant to burst his sense of hope, he walks the rest of the way, coming to a stop in front of his bike before he checks the text.

Maddie

The line is out the door, do you think at least a few of them will let me treat their pets?

He looks at the picture above her words to see her holding out a flyer that reads WALK-IN DAY and behind it a packed lobby at the clinic. Having never owned a pet to bring in before, he only vaguely remembers that Arlo sometimes holds a walk-in clinic day. The hours on the flyer read 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. She has a long day before her. Before he can reply, another text comes in. A smile spreads across his face as he reads it.

Maddie

I’d rather have taken you up on the offer to see each other.

Grey

Would have found something more fun for us.

Maddie

I can think of a few things that might be fun for us to do.

Grey

Dirty.

Maddie

That’s my line. And yes, most things I thought of tended to be on the dirty side. Too bad you’re a gentleman.

Grey

I don’t have to be, rule breaker.

* * *

A few hours later, Grey had still gone for a ride, but this one shorter and more enjoyable than he originally planned. Coming up on dinner time, another text from Maddie arrives.

Maddie

Does this town have DoorDash?

Grey

I think you already know the answer to that, sweetheart.

Maddie

UGH. Does Norma’s deliver?

Grey

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