Page 25 of Katherine's Last Hope
“You said it’s like vacation,” he said, shrugging. “Wealwaysswim when we go on vacation.”
Chuckling, she squeezed him in a side hug. “That’s true. Swimming might not be an option, especially since it’s really not that warm, but he does have a dog.”
Excitement vibrated through him, and he shot to his feet. “Really? A big one or a little one? What’s its name? Can we play fetch?”
She held up her hands. “I don’t have any answers for you, silly. But if you’re ready to meet my friend, we can head outside and you can ask him all the questions you want.”
He nibbled on his thumbnail. “Is your friend nice?”
“He’s very nice.”
“Okay, let’s go.” He sprinted toward the door.
“Wait for me.” She hurried after him, not wanting him out of her sight in case something—or someone—waited outside. “We need to tell Elsie and Jimmy goodbye.”
Ollie switched directions and headed toward the store at the back of the shelter.
Katherine reached him at the doorway and circled her arms around his neck to pull him close. He must have sensed her need to be near him because he didn’t struggle against her hug like he’d started to do lately. She gave Elsie a quick, watered down version of what was happening and promised to call her later before steering Ollie back toward the front door.
“Wait!” Jimmy yelled and ran out to the hallway. “Here’s your fidget spinner. It’s super cool.”
Ollie grinned. “Thanks.” He took back his toy and gave a little wave before stepping outside.
The warm spring sun hit Katherine in the face. She drew in a deep breath, filling her lungs with crisp, mountain air. She kept one hand on Ollie’s slim shoulder and walked beside him down the porch steps to the driveway.
Cody stood on the sidewalk. He lifted his hand in greeting.
She wiggled her fingers in a come-here motion. Nerves bunched in her core, vibrating her insides. She wanted Ollie to like Cody. Wanted the two of them to like each other. She wasn’t exactly sure what that meant but understood that how these two got along would impact the way she navigated any attachment to Cody.
Because even if she might be ready to take a step toward her new future, it didn’t mean Ollie was. And Ollie would always be her number one priority.
Reading her signal, Cody shoved his hands in the pockets of his trousers. With his shirtsleeves pushed up to his elbows, his muscular forearms stood out against his khaki uniform.
Saliva pooled in her mouth, and she cleared her throat to clear any lingering desire from her system. Dang, how was it possible for these feelings to sneak up so suddenly for someone she’d known her entire life?
“Hi, Ollie. I’m Cody. It’s so nice to meet you.” He slid one hand out from his pocket and extended it toward Ollie.
Ollie scrunched his nose. “Why’s your hand dirty?”
Cody twisted his wrist to look at his palm and shrugged. “I was changing the oil on your Pappy’s truck. I must have gotten some on me and haven’t had a chance to wash it off.”
“Wow,” Ollie said, eyes widening. “You like cars? Do you like Hot Wheels?”
“I like all kinds of stuff.” Cody grinned and kept his attention squarely on Ollie.
Katherine’s toes curled in her sneakers. She couldn’t help but wonder if she was one of those things he could like.
“And you have a dog?”
“Yep. Her name is Bailey. She’s going to love you.”
Ollie finally fit his little hand in Cody’s and gave one big shake. “Can’t wait to meet her. She can play cars with us. Mom, did you pack my toys? I want to play with Cody and Bailey.”
He scampered ahead and climbed into the back of Cody’s cruiser.
Cody’s gaze latched onto hers and the side of his mouth slid up.
A shiver raced down her spine. Her son wasn’t the only one who wanted to play with Cody, but she’d keep that thought to herself. At least for a little while longer.
