Page 15 of Animal Instincts
Declan’s lips curved up in a crooked smile. “He’s been patted and petted, because who can resist a wounded doggie? I’m sure he’s been the reason we’ve been able to up-sell on the cakes. You should put him on the payroll. I made the decision he could stay. It was my call.”
Charles sighed. “He’s doing no harm, I suppose, and pets are made welcome here, so leave him be. And you’re right,” Charles returned his attention to Declan. “It was your decision, given the circumstances.”
“Yes, it was. Right or wrong, who knows?”
Joss’ eyes flickered between the two men. He’d been completely and utterly forgotten. Whatever it was they were really talking about, it had little if anything to do with Bingo, snoozing and oblivious in the half-hidden dog basket.
Mitch bowled across, dispelling the off-kilter atmosphere. He was grinning from ear to ear, his former white-faced fear of the feisty grannies nowhere to be seen.
“They had a whip round and gave me a tip.” On a plate, strewn with crumbs, lay a pile of coins. Mainly silver, one or two bronze and a couple of buttons, but Joss spotted a few pound coins as well. There must have been close to £10.00. “But I suppose it should be put in the kitty?” Mitch’s smile dropped.
“I reckon you earned it.” Declan stared down at the money. “You and your bum. Is it sore?”
Mitch flushed.
“The knitting grannies. Yes, you’ve earned every penny.” Charles shuddered. “I’m going to be holed up in my office for the rest of the day. Ah, he’s awake.”
Charles reached down, and patted Bingo, who yawned and stretched after a hard morning of being curled up. Charles was rewarded with a lick and a yelpy little bark.
“Joss, if you really need to bring him in tomorrow then do so, but—ah, here comes the hero.”
Oliver strode across the café, smiling as Charles stepped forward to greet him.
All Oliver’s attention was on Charles; Joss might just as well have been invisible. His stomach fell with an unexpected disappointment as he turned away and went from table to table, collecting used crockery, exchanging a word or two with the customers, focusing his attention on his job rather than on the two older men. Balancing a tray heaped with used crockery, he made his way towards the counter getting no more than a few steps when Charles called out to him.
“Joss? When you’ve a moment, can you see to Oliver, please? Brie and grape baguette, and an Earl Grey. It’s on the house.” Charles’ lips twitched as he waved away Oliver’s protests. With a final pat for Bingo, Charles disappeared up a narrow, winding flight of stairs as he made his way to his office.
TEN
“How’s the patient?” Oliver nodded to the dog basket in the corner when Joss brought his order over and set it down, without any danger to life or limb.
Bingo lay on his back, bandaged paws flapping above him as he exposed his pale pink tummy for rubs from the customers. It was impossible not to smile. The toothless mutt was undeniably cute and was milking it for all it was worth.
As cute as his owner… Oliver cleared his throat and kept his attention glued to the dog.
“Much better today, thanks.” Joss shifted from foot to foot, making no attempt to return to his duties.
“That’s good.” Oliver’s insides cringed. Was that all he could say? He’d never been much good at chit chat and small talk, he was devoid of the easy, breezy, relaxed charm that seemed to come so naturally to others.
Joss shuffled some more, and still made no attempt to go.
Oliver turned his plate around clockwise, 180 degrees.
“Perhaps you should bring Bingo back to the surgery. Just so as I can change his bandages,” Oliver blurted out. He turned his plate 180 degrees anti-clockwise.
“Oh.”
The surprise in Joss’ voice jerked up Oliver’s gaze. Joss stared down at him, a dark cloud of worry shadowing his eyes.
“Do you think there may still be glass embedded, or an infection?”
Joss’ brows knitted in concern, and Oliver felt a pang of guilt for being its cause. He only wanted to make sure the little dog was recovering.
“No, but—”
“I can check, and apply fresh bandages. I’ve patched him up for minor scrapes in the past.” Joss dipped his head, just enough for his fringe to fall forward and obscure his eyes. “But, erm, I’ve also not settled yesterday’s bill — which will be the first thing I do as soon as I’m paid.”
Joss’ cheeks mottled pink, as he mashed down on his lower lip.
