I let out a breath and leaned against the wall. Maggie Maye squirmed until I released her, and she settled at Mike’s feet.
He stuffed his hands into his jeans pockets, looking a little embarrassed. “Some habits die hard. The area I worked in Chicago was kind of rough, and I was constantly on edge.”
That made sense. His initial reaction had seemed a little over the top. “It must have been pretty bad.”
“It was.” There seemed to be more to that statement. For a moment, his eyes seemed haunted.
I took a step closer. “Is everything okay?”
He blinked and the sadness was gone. “Yes. Glad the place is behind me.” He picked up Maggie and turned her to face me. Hiding behind her head and speaking in a cute puppy voice, he said, “Have dinner with Mike. Please.”
Those puppy dog eyes undid me. I put my hands on the sides of her face. “He better give you an extra treat when I say yes.”
She licked my face, and I laughed.
“She approves.” Mike’s pager went off, and he scowled before reading it. “I need to go to the precinct. Do you mind watching Maggie Maye? If not, I can run her home.”
I petted her soft head. “She can stay the night with me. I have some supplies in my car. I’ll bring her into the clinic tomorrow.”
“Thanks, I don’t know how long I’ll be.” His pager went off again. Mike kissed the top of Maggie Maye’s head, and instantly, I was jealous of the puppy. Like really jealous. Would it be weird to intercept the kiss? I only pondered that craziness for about half a second before I mentally slapped myself.
“Lock the door after me, okay? I’ll see you tomorrow. You girls sleep good.”
“We will.”
I closed the door and peered through the peephole. Mike stood there until I set the lock. It was sweet that he was so concerned. He wanted me safe. That thought made me wonder what had happened in Chicago.
Maggie Maye whimpered. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Your daddy is going to pick you up tomorrow. We get to have a sleepover tonight.”
A lick and wagging tail told me she approved. After turning off all the lights and taking the dog outside in the backyard one last time, we headed to bed. Figuring Maggie Maye would feel safer in a strange place next to me, I put her on the bed. She cuddled up to me.
My phone vibrated.
Unknown Number: Hi. It’s Mike. Everything okay?
Me: How’d you get my number? Everything is great. We’re about to go to bed. Maggie Maye is snuggling with me.
Mike: I may have bribed Lou with coffee and donuts for your number.
Oh man, Lou was a sucker for donuts and coffee. Before I was able to respond, another text appeared.
Mike: It’s official. I’m jealous of my dog.
I giggled and saved his number.
Me: I felt the same way earlier this evening.
Mike: When?