Chapter 5
Julian had just finished filling the sample cups of their new rosé, when he spotted Claire carrying two donuts. He was tempted to call out to her, but thought better of it. Why rock the boat? He’d see her at the house tomorrow afternoon. Best to not inflame the situation any more than it already was.
His decision to adopt Tank had been impulsive, but to adopt a dog had not. Ever since walking into an empty house the other night, he’d been pondering the idea. He hadn’t had a dog in a long time, not since Elroy, his one hundred and ten pound bernese mountain dog. Eight years had been way too short a time to spend with him, although, that was considered old for the breed.
He’d had no doubt that he was going to adopt from Finding Forever, but he’d planned on getting another big dog. Never had he imagined deciding on a tough little character like Tank. But the second he laid eyes on him, Julian’s mind was made up. And when Claire told him the dog’s sad story that only made him want Tank more. Of course, having Claire as his trainer, only sweetened the deal. She looked incredibly hot today in boots and jeans, to say nothing of her white cable knit sweater that outlined her curves perfectly. And she was the only woman he knew that could look so good with no make-up on. There was more to Claire, though, than her stunning looks. She intrigued him, and he wanted to get to know her better…much better.
Julian was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn’t hear Gracie calling his name, until she waved her hand in front of his face. “Julian, have you seen my sister? I went by the rescue booth, but they said she had taken a break. I’ve looked everywhere, though, and I can’t find her.”
“She went by here a few minutes ago, carrying two donuts. She couldn’t have gone too far. Come on, I’ll help you find her.” Julian turned to a young part-timer. “Be sure to hand out all these cups of wine,” he advised. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
As he walked with Gracie, Julian couldn’t help but notice a spring in her step that he hadn’t seen before. He’d spent quite a bit of time over at her house recently, going over advertising concepts with Henry, and he hadn’t recalled ever seeing her appear this upbeat. Her cheeks were rosy and there was a slight curve to her lips, that couldn’t be called a smile, but close to it. Must be the festive atmosphere. How could you not be in a good mood?
“I adopted a dog today,” he said, cheerily.
“You did! That’s wonderful. What kind?” she asked, as her gaze scanned the crowd in front of them for Claire.
“A fawn French bulldog with a black mask.”
Gracie’s green eyes widened in surprise. “Tank?”
“Yep. So Claire told you about him?”
“At Bennie’s last night. We went there for burgers and chili cheese fries. I can tell she’s got a soft spot for him.”
An odd twinge squeezed his heart. “Do you think she wanted to adopt him?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so. Her apartment doesn’t allow animals.”
He gave her a sidelong glance of utter disbelief. “I’m surprised. I thought for sure she’d have at least a couple of dogs and maybe even a cat.”
“She found her place senior year of college. I don’t think she planned on being in it for long, but then rentals aren’t cheap in New York, and it’s in a good neighborhood as well as being close to work. What made you choose Tank?” she asked bringing the conversation back to the dog.
He thought for a moment before answering. “You know how sometimes you just can look at something and know it’s right for you. I felt that way about that French bulldog. I didn’t get the warmest greeting from him when we met. In fact, he growled at me, but I didn’t care. I knew he was just scared and trying to act tough to cover up his fear. Claire’s going to work with him to help him adjust to me and his new home.”
“Really?” She narrowed her eyes as she scanned his face. “If anyone can do that, Claire can. I’m happy that you two are getting along better now.”
He laughed. “Well, I didn’t say that. I don’t know if I’ll ever get her to like me, but I’m sure going to try. I had no idea, Gracie, that she hated me so much in school.”
“I didn’t either, or that she still carried a grudge. But there’s a thin line between love and hate.”
Once again Julian stared at her in disbelief. “You’re not saying that you think she had a crush on me?”
Gracie shrugged. “I don’t know, and don’t you dare tell her about this conversation, but it does seem odd to me that she would have such strong feelings for you after all these years, albeit they’re negative…”
Satisfaction pursed his mouth. Just the thought that that might be the case filled him with joy. Maybe he could get her to like him, after all.
They walked by a pumpkin decorating booth, then a cider booth, and a few others that he couldn’t tell what they were because they were so full of people before reaching the animal rescue booth.
“There she is,” Gracie exclaimed pointing to the rear of the booth, “sitting next to Tank’s cage.”
He looked back there, and as he did, his eyes locked with Claire’s, and if she could shoot daggers at him, that’s exactly what she was doing.
“Are you going to come in with me?” Gracie asked, taking a step inside the tent.
“I better not. I’ve got to get back to my booth. Tell Claire I’m looking forward to seeing her tomorrow when she brings Tank over. I’ll talk to you soon, Gracie.” As he walked away he could feel Claire’s direct, hard stare on his back. Even if she really had had a crush on him in high school, getting her to reverse her negative feelings for him now would be no easy task, but one well worth the effort, he thought with a devilish grin.