Holly rubbed her forearms. “You know, they all could use a home. If you think—”
“Oh no. I’m way too
busy for a pet. I came for a visit. It’s been a while since I’ve been here.”
Holly nodded. “I understand, but for what it’s worth, I think you’ve stolen his heart.” She walked away to attend to another patron.
Leah let out a deep breath. The puppy climbed up her chest, and she giggled at his efforts to scale her back. She held him out an arm’s length to face her. “I can’t take you home.”
The puppy tilted his head as if it understood.
Leah continued. “You don’t understand. I’m not a pet person. I even have fake plants because I can’t stand to see the real ones wilt.” She sat him down in front of her. “I know you need a home, but there are others coming. I’m sure they’d love to take you.
She sighed. Her shoulders drooped. “I’m having a conversation with a dog.” Another puppy tugged the hem of her shirt. Leah laughed and picked him up. He rested in her lap. “You’re all relentless, aren’t you? I don’t have room for you all.”
“I see you made a new friend.”
Her head jerked around to see Tyler. She touched a hand to her chest. “I didn’t see you there. What are you doing here?”
He jabbed a thumb to Holly. “Holly’s engaged to my best friend, Josh. I love animals, so I come in from time to time. I haven’t seen you at the coffee shop. Everything okay?”
Anxiety swirled through her. “I hope you don’t think I was ignoring you. I meant to stop by, but I’ve been so busy—”
“Don’t worry about it, Leah. I know you have a lot going on with your business. I know the difficulties of entrepreneurship.” He waggled his eyebrows.
She laughed. “Thank you for understanding.” She stroked the puppy’s back as it reclined in her lap.
Tyler inched forward. “He seems to like you.”
She got a warm, fuzzy feeling. “He’s starting to grow on me too.” She tilted her head at Tyler. “You have any pets?”
“I adopted one of these little guys last week. If you choose one, maybe we can set up a play date?”
“I have to be honest with you.” She let out a deep breath.
Tyler stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Too soon, huh?”
“You’re a great guy, but I don’t think I see you that way.”
He made a spot to sit beside her. When a puppy climbed onto his lap, Tyler patted its back. “I know that look. It’s been a while since someone has turned me down.” His smile gave him away.
Leah gave half a smile. “I’m sorry. I should have said something before.”
“I don’t know what it is about you, Leah. I know we’ve been friends for years, but you seem happier. There’s a new light in your eyes.”
The compliment warmed her from within. “I didn’t think you saw me like that.”
Tyler shrugged his shoulders. “People change.” He faced her. A smile tugged at his lips. “I’ll be more than happy to be your friend.”
Leah’s eyes gleamed. “Me too.”
He pointed among the puppies. “So, are you going to take one of these guys home? I think that puppy is in love with you.”
The puppy wagged its tail in her lap. His pink tongue hung from its mouth as it panted happily.
Leah folded her hands in her lap. “Why do you have to be so cute?”
The puppy barked. Tyler laughed aloud.