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  Scott leaned forward. “Looks like we’re causing a scene.”

  “People act like this is a library or something.”

  “Would you be interested in grabbing a bite to eat? I know a great Mexican restaurant that’s within walking distance from here. It has an outdoor patio area that allows dogs.”

  “That sounds wonderful. All I had for breakfast was that half donut. Let me tell Cath. She drove me here and will need to take me home.”

  “Sure. You can invite her too if you want.”

  “That’s very nice of you to include her, but Cath will be fine. She’ll probably go shopping or have her boyfriend meet her for lunch. Besides, I want you all to myself.”

  The smile on Scott’s face spread to the corners of his chocolate brown eyes. “I like the sound of that,” he said with just the right amount of intimacy that made Skyler’s heart flutter.

  Both Skyler and Scott stood up, with Scott tucking the book under his arm and handing Skyler the rose.

  “Why thank you.”

  “Maybe someday I’ll bring you more than just one.”

  Skyler blushed with pleasure.

  “I’ll go saddle up Stanley. He’ll be a fur ball of energy when I first let him out of the Jeep. I’ve learned he needs time to settle down before he meets someone new.”

  As Scott turned for the door, Cath jumped up and rushed over to Skyler.

  “That’s it? What happened? Why is he leaving?”

  Skyler hooked her arm in Cath’s and led her to the door. “Everything is fine…more than fine, my little matchmaker. He’s not leaving. We’re going to have lunch down the street.”

  “Yes!” Cath squealed in delight.

  “I’ll need a ride home later, so can you stay in the area until I call you?”

  “Sure.” Cath squeezed Skyler’s arm. “This is terrific. He’s nice, isn’t he?”

  “Yes, but it’s more than that. It’s the way he looks at me when I’m talking. He seems…enthralled. He hasn’t stopped smiling since I walked in the door.”

  “Enthralled is good.” Cath squeezed Skyler’s arm again. “I can’t wait to tell Pete. He’ll be as excited as I am. I knew this would work!”

  “I think it’s a little too early to tell.” Skyler pushed open the door and they walked outside.

  Cath stood on tiptoe and gave Skyler a hug, whispering in her ear, “Take as much time as you need,” before releasing her friend and crossing the sidewalk to the curb.

  “Bye Cath,” Scott called out.

  She gave him a quick wave above her head as she ran across the street.

  Skyler walked over to where Stanley was seated, tail sweeping back and forth on the sidewalk, creating a small cloud of dust behind him.

  “So we meet again,” she said, bending at the waist to meet the dog halfway.

  Out came the pink tongue and Skyler stood back up to avoid being licked.

  “Stanley, this is Skyler. Skyler…Stanley.”

  “He’s very well-behaved, especially for a puppy.”

  “Stanley here is the proud owner of a diploma from the Puppy Academy. He loves going on walks and has the ‘heel’ command down pat. Shall we?” Scott held out his hand.

  Without hesitation, Skyler slipped her hand into his. It felt like coming home…warm, familiar and welcoming. It felt so right that she stole a glance at their entwined hands to see what perfection looked like.

  Scott followed her gaze.

  “Hope you don’t mind.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze that sent ripples of pleasure up her arm. “I like holding hands. I can tell a lot about a woman by holding her hand.”

  “So what can you tell about me?” Skyler challenged him as they began to walk.

  “Ask me again when we get to the restaurant. I’ll know everything about you by then.”

  As they walked away, with Stanley lumbering along one step behind, Cath watched through the binoculars. Her smile spread from cheek to cheek at the sight of her friend holding hands with Scott.

  Setting the binoculars on the passenger seat, she put the key in the ignition and started the car. She looked at herself in the rear view mirror before pulling out into traffic.

  “Damn, you’re good,” she said to her reflection. “Maybe you should start your own dating service—complete with stakeouts and donuts.”

  About the Author

  When looking for her soul mate, Christie Walker Bos made a “man list” with 65 items, created a “magical” ceremony and buried the list in the mountains. Two months later, her “magical man” appeared with 63 of the 65 required traits, so she had no choice but to marry the guy. Now she lives with her soul mate Robbie and golden retriever Simba in a mountaintop community in California surrounded by pine trees, crazed squirrels and an orchestra of birds.

  A hopeful romantic, professional photographer, multi-published non-fiction and fiction author of books and articles, editor for the optical industry, professional jewelry maker, peace advocate (www.nurturepeace.com), environmentalist and feminist, Ms. Walker Bos has embraced her love of romantic comedy with plans and outlines for dozens of new books in the years to come.

  “I just love a good romantic tale, especially with a liberal dash of humor. I want to laugh, cry and fall in love with the characters in every novel I read and write.”

  Christie welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.cerridwenpress.com.

  Tell Us What You Think

  We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at [email protected].

  Also by Christie Walker Bos

  Getting Back to Delaney

  Magical Man List

  The Write Man for Her

  Cerridwen, the Celtic goddess of wisdom, was the muse who brought inspiration to storytellers and those in the creative arts. Cerridwen Press encompasses the best and most innovative stories in all genres of today’s fiction. Visit our site and discover the newest titles by talented authors who still get inspired—much like the ancient storytellers did, once upon a time.

  www.cerridwenpress.com