Page 19 of Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
He frowned at her. “I do have a life.”
“I mean a social life.”
“I interact every day with the public. When I’m off-duty, I like some quiet time.”
How could she argue with that? “Do you have any pets? Maybe a cat? Or a dog?” And then to lighten the conversation, she asked, “How about a little pot-bellied pig?”
“A pig?” He let out a laugh. “No, I don’t have a pet pig or any other pets.”
As soon as he laughed, a small smile pulled at her own lips. Just as quickly, she felt guilty for enjoying herself while Odie was missing. Maybe this conversation wasn’t the best idea. She turned her attention back to baking.
While she worked, she expected Parker to go back to working on his laptop. Instead, he pulled out a stool at the island and sat down. “What can I do?”
His question caught her off guard. “What do you mean?”
“With the baking. I can help.” He seemed perfectly serious.
She hadn’t baked with anyone since her mother died. The thought brought a pang of grief to her heart. She thought of turning him down, but he’d turned the recipe card around and was reading it.
She looked at the mixing bowl and tried to remember what came next. And then she remembered. “You can add the vanilla.”
He picked up the little bottle of flavoring. “How much?”
“Two teaspoons.”
He looked around. “Where’s the measuring spoon?”
“I don’t use one. Just guesstimate it.”
“What?” He sent her a confused look.
“You know, just pour a little like you would to fill a measuring spoon and then repeat it.”
He shook his head. “I can’t do that.”
She pressed a hand to her hip. “Why not?”
“Because it won’t be the right amount.”
“It’ll be close.”
“But it won’t be exact. Can you hand me a measuring spoon?” He held out a hand.
She thought of continuing the argument but realized there was no point. This was just one more example of why they’d never be any more than…what? Friends?
As she added ingredients to the mixing bowl, she tried to ignore him, but instead, she was aware of every little move he made. His nearness and undivided attention had her unable to recall the recipe from memory, so instead, she had to follow the recipe card step by step. Thankfully, her mother was detailed, so Belle just had to read and do what the recipe instructed.
When at last the cookie dough formed a smooth ball, she flattened it into a round disc. She wrapped it in plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
When she turned around, she saw him studying his phone. “Anything new about Odie?”
He glanced up. His gaze met hers, but he seemed lost in thought. It took him a moment before he said, “Uh. No. Nothing. I’m sorry.”
“I’ve been going through it in my mind, trying to figure out who might do something like this, but I can’t come up with anyone I know who would do something so horrible as to take Odie. He must be so scared and confused.” Suddenly, her emotional turmoil came washing over her. She blinked repeatedly. She wasn’t going to fall apart—not now—not in front of Parker.
He reached across the island and placed his hand over hers. His touch was warm as he gave her a squeeze. “Hang in there. This investigation is only just beginning.”
Thunk!
