Page 40 of Courting Catherine
“Lots of things, but nothing that tells us where to look for the necklace.” Her misery turned to curiosity as she watched the ripples run along his jacket. “Is everything all right?”
“Fine. Just fine. “Trent cleared his throat, folded his arms. “I took a walk.”
“Okay.” It was awful, she thought, just awful. He could hardly meet her eyes. “Aunt Coco’s making a light lunch if you’re hungry.”
“Oh—thanks.”
She started to move by him when a high-pitched yip stopped her in her tracks. “What?”
“Nothing.” He smothered an involuntary chuckle as the puppy wiggled along his ribs.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, yes, I’m fine.” He gave her a sheepish smile as the dog poked his nose above the zipper of the jacket.
“What have you got?” C.C. forgot her vow to keep her distance and stepped closer to tug the zipper down. “Oh! Trent, it’s a puppy.”
“I found him down in the rocks,” he began quickly. “I wasn’t sure just what to—”
“Oh, you poor little thing.” She was already cooing as she gathered the puppy to her. “Are you lost?” She rubbed her cheek over its fur, nuzzled nose to nose. “There now, it’s all right.” The puppy wagged his tail so fast and hard he nearly fell out of her grip.
“Cute, isn’t he?” Grinning, Trent moved closer to stroke. “Looks like he’s been on his own for a while.”
“He’s just a baby.” She crooned and cuddled. “Where did you say you found him?”
“Down on the rocks. I was walking.” And thinking of you. Before he could stop himself, Trent reached out to touch her hair. “I couldn’t just leave him there.”
“Of course not.” She looked up and saw that she was all but in his arms. His hand was in her hair, his eyes on hers.
“Catherine—”
The pup yipped again and had her jolting back. “I’ll take him in. He must be cold, and hungry.”
“All right.” The only place left for his hands was his pockets. “Why don’t I run down and get the milk?”
“Okay.” Her smile was strained as she backed toward the steps. She turned and, murmuring to the puppy, dashed inside.
By the time Trent returned, the stray had a place of honor by the kitchen hearth and the undivided attention of four beautiful women.
“Wait until Suze and the kids get back,” Amanda was saying. “They’ll flip. He sure goes for your liver pâté, Aunt Coco.”
“Obviously a gourmet among dogs.” Lilah, already on her hands and knees, leaned her nose against his. “Aren’t you, cutie?”
“I’m sure he should have something more bland.” Coco was also on the floor, charmed. “With the proper care, he’ll be very handsome.”
The pup, amazed at his good fortune, raced in circles. Spotting Trent, he gamboled over, tripping over his own feet. The women scrambled up, all asking him questions at the same time.
“Hold on.” Trent set the grocery bag on the table, then crouched down to scratch the pup’s belly. “I don’t know where he came from. I found him when I was walking along the cliffs. He was hiding out. Weren’t you, boy?”
“I suppose we should ask around, to see if anyone’s lost him,” Coco began, then held up a hand as her nieces voiced unanimous dissent. “It’s only right. But it is up to Trent, since he found him.”
“I think you should do what you think’s best.” He rose to pull the milk out of the bag. “He could probably use some of this.”
Amanda already had a saucer and was arguing with Lilah on the proper amount to give their new guest.
“What else did you get?” C.C. poked at the bag.
“A few things.” He moved his shoulders, then gave up. “I thought he should have a collar.” Trent pulled out a bright red collar with silver studs.
