Page 27 of Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
“I’ll go start the pickup.” He headed outside.
He could tell this was going to be a long evening, especially if Belle decided to argue every move with him. But if she thought anything she said would stop him from doing his job, she was wrong. He was going to keep her safe. And with a little bit of luck, he would bring her dog home to her in time for Christmas.
The party was in full-swing.
Belle didn’t know how so many people fit into the Kringles’ home. It was a large red Victorian house with white trim and a candle in every window. There were guests at every turn. It felt as though the whole town were there, but she knew that wasn’t possible.
She really wished she could relax and enjoy herself, but between Parker dogging her every step and the anxiety of anticipating contact with the dognapper, she was wound tight. Nevertheless, Belle did her best to paste a smile on her face and speak the appropriate greetings.
Everyone had heard about Odie’s abduction. There were hugs and words of comfort. She knew they all meant well, but it was a lot for her. She eventually excused herself and went to get a drink.
With a glass of punch in hand, Belle looked over the crowd of festively dressed friends and acquaintances. Christmas songs played in the background. And… She inhaled deeply. In the air was the scent of holiday potpourri with hints of cloves, allspice, citrus and evergreen.
She wondered if the dognapper was among them. The thought of Odie being stuck in some cage in a dark corner caused her smile to falter. Was he afraid? Was he wondering why she hadn’t come for him?
She moved to a quiet corner while attempting to keep the tears at bay. There were a few curious looks here and there, but no one said anything to her. She did not want to fall apart at a party and ruin everyone else’s evening. And yet she couldn’t leave yet. The dognapper hadn’t made contact yet.
“Hey, are you all right?” Parker’s voice came from just behind her. It carried with it a caring tone that warmed a spot in her chest. He’d spoken so softly that no one around them appeared to have overheard.
When she turned to him, the concern shone in his brown eyes. She didn’t trust her voice in that moment, so she nodded in response.
“I’ve made the rounds,” Parker said. “I haven’t seen any strangers.”
“Are we sure they’re actually going to show up?” She so desperately wanted to get Odie back and move past this nightmare.
Parker’s gaze continued to surveil the room. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Then she had a thought. “Maybe if you aren’t around, they’ll approach me. I know you’re out of uniform, but everyone here knows that you’re the sheriff.” When he didn’t respond, she said, “Go. Make yourself scarce.”
“I don’t like it.”
“And I don’t like having Odie dognapped. We all have things we have to deal with.” She wasn’t going to back down. She needed to do whatever it took to get her puppy back. “Go. I’ll be fine. I’m in a crowded room. What could possibly happen?”
“That’s what worries me.” He frowned at her. She leveled her shoulders and stared right back at him. “Fine.” He sighed. “I’ll go outside and check the perimeter. But if you need me, call me.”
“I don’t have your number.” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. She wasn’t going to need his number or him. She could take care of herself in a room full of friends.
He held his hand out to her. “Let’s have it.”
She knew he wanted her phone, and she only had herself to blame for this. She withdrew it from her small beaded handbag. When she went to hand it to him, their fingers touched. It felt as though she’d just been zapped by a bolt of static electricity. The sensation pulsed up her arm and settled in her chest, making her heart pound.
She yanked her hand back. What was that? She’d never felt anything like it before.
When he handed the phone back to her, she made sure their fingers didn’t touch. Although, she was certain it wouldn’t happen again. Still, she didn’t want to take any chances.
She meandered through the party until she bumped into Candi. “Hi. Are you getting to know everyone?”
“It’s taking me a little bit to put the names with faces.” Candi sent her a concerned look. “How are you?”
Belle shrugged and lowered her voice. “I still have no idea who took Odie.”
“I can’t believe they broke into your house and took him. Who does that?”
“It’s the question I keep asking myself.” Not wanting to focus on her own problems, she changed the subject. “How are you and Michael doing?”
A big smile came over Candi’s face. “We’re doing really well.” She leaned in closer and lowered her voice. “I didn’t know I could be this happy. You should try it.”
Distracted as she searched the partygoers for someone who stood out, she asked, “Try what? Being happy?”
