Page 84 of The Good Luck Cafe
Gil cast Moira a questioning look. “Why do I get the feeling there’s a motive behind your wanting to meet Beth? Maybe Beth is your motive for wanting to be here today too?”
Moira fidgeted with her hands. “My main motive today is spending time with you.”
Gil wasn’t quite believing that in full, but he returned the sentiment. “Mine as well.” He pointed at the dogs they were approaching. “Ready to pet on some lonely dogs?”
“Ready. You said Goldie was the jealous type. If you go home smelling like all these guys, you’ll be in so much trouble with your dog.”
Gil chuckled. “Yes, I will. But, if I’m with you, it’ll be worth it.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Moira had stopped noticing the double takes and looks of surprise as she and Gil walked hand in hand, and she was now just focused on enjoying herself. And she was. This was the best date she’d ever had. “Who’d have thought an animal adoption fair could be so much fun?” She looked up at Gil from where she was kneeling in front of an adorable brown and white Cavalier spaniel mix.
Gil squatted beside her and petted the little pup’s head as well. “I would have.”
Moira’s gaze hung on him for an extended moment. Then the puppy tugged on her sweater, regaining her attention. “You are pretty demanding, huh?” she asked the puppy, who licked her palm in response.
“I think she likes you. I can’t blame her, really.”
Moira side-eyed him. “Such a charmer.”
He leaned in to kiss her, and she was very aware that this was their first public kiss. They’d been holding hands, so it was obvious they were here together, but a kiss confirmed their relationship for anyone who doubted.
Gil paused just a millimeter from her mouth. “You okay with this?”
“Mm-hmm,” she said, her heartbeat quickening.
Gil leaned in again, and then the puppy jumped up between them and ran its tongue over both of their faces.
“Eww!” Moira laughed. “Either the puppy got us or you’re one sloppy kisser, Mr. Mayor.”
Gil used his shirtsleeve to wipe his face as well. “Wow. Goldie really is going to have a fit when I get home this evening.” He patted the puppy’s head again. “You sure you’re not in the market for a puppy?”
Moira shook her head quickly. “I’ve always loved this breed. My grandmother used to have a Cavalier. I don’t make rash decisions though, remember? Bringing Molly home with me would be impulsive.”
“Moira and Molly has a ring to it. Just saying.”
Moira straightened back to a standing position, and Gil did as well. She looked down at Molly. “Don’t worry, girl. You’ll find your forever home.” Moira turned to Gil. “Just not with me.”
Gil reached for her hand again. “Now, where were we before Molly so rudely interrupted us? Ah, yes. We were just about to kiss.”
Moira grinned, heart leaping back into her throat.
“Hey, you two!”
Both Moira and Gil separated short of a kiss when they heard Denise Berger’s voice.
“Well, this is interesting, isn’t it?” Denise looked practically giddy. “My two rivals in the race for mayor are a little more than rivals with one another.”
“Hello, Denise,” Gil said politely.
Moira had to give it to him. He had grace in difficult situations. She guessed that made him a good mayor. She forced a smile and tried to do the same. “Are you here looking for a new pet?”
Denise offered up a fake laugh, pulling her hand to her chest. “Oh, no. Not me. I’m not a dog person.”
Gil held on to his smile. “Maybe you should be.”
“Excuse me?” Denise asked, smile slipping at the corners.
