Chapter Three

Devon Pratt was a pain in the ass.

He stared at her as she filled up his inventory closet with decorations for the gala. The past few days he’d begun to regret his threat. He figured she wouldn’t bother him until the week of the gala, but instead she’d taken his words to heart. The next day, she showed up to meet with the staff who volunteered to work the event to discuss set-up arrangements. Seems she wanted to tear apart the restaurant to allow plenty of room to display the dogs. Then it was demands for a finalized menu so she could create fancy place cards and deal with any allergy issues. She spoke of a doggy bar filled with toys and treats, which caused him a prickle of alarm. When he mentioned it, she announced with cold disdain it had been in the original plans agreed to with Mac.

Now, she was cluttering up his organized pantry with lights, mini trees, and endless sparkly things that dripped with holiday cheer.

The real problem?

His reaction to the woman’s physical presence.

She…disturbed him.

Jameson studied her shapely form as she bent over, biting her lip and mumbling to herself. Her hip length, dark hair spilled down her back, stopping just above her denim clad rear. She reminded him of a forest sprite, with her large green-brown eyes, narrow face, and shiny straight hair. There was both a quiet stillness within her and a passionate animation that fascinated him. It seemed like one moment, she was studying him with intensity without speaking, and then her body sprung to life while she blasted him with a speech that edged his nerves.

Not to mention her voice. The sound evoked both music and smoke; lilting and husky until he wanted to take a step closer to hear more of it. Her laugh was just as sensual. Not that she’d laughed with him, but he’d overheard her with his staff, who all seemed to like her much better than him.

Trisha, one of the waitresses, interrupted his thoughts. “Mr. Franklin, I wanted to ask if I can have this Friday off. I’m working the morning shift but my mom called and she needs me to come home for the weekend.”

He tamped down a flare of impatience. He’d just finished a meeting regarding shift changes and days off and was clear about his expectations. “I’m sorry, Trisha, but the schedule is done. You need to be here.”

Her fawn-colored eyes widened with distress. “But Mr. Franklin, she’s ill and needs help. My sister can’t get there and she can’t be alone.”

Jameson shook his head. “I can’t spare you. I’m sure there’s someone who can be with her until your shift ends. We’re missing Sheyann this week so there’s no one to cover you.”

Her lower lip trembled. “I know it’s last minute but it’s an emergency and I don’t want to lose my job, but I have to see my mom. It’s only breakfast—I’m sure Layla can handle it.”

“One server cannot handle the entire restaurant.”

“She needs to see her mother.”

The blast of silk and sand echoed in his ears. Jameson turned to see Devon march over to stand beside Trisha. Outrage at her interrupting his conversation made him lose his words for a few seconds. “Excuse me?”

“Trisha’s mom has an autoimmune disease and has been struggling this week. It’s a family emergency. I’m sure something can be done to give her a morning shift off. What if Trisha was sick and couldn’t come in? You’d manage, right?”

He clenched his jaw as Trisha leaned against Devon in gratitude. How’d he get to be the bad guy from trying to keep a restaurant running smoothly? “This isn’t a sick day,” he grated out. “If her mom needed help, I should have been informed by Monday so I could make proper arrangements. I have no one to cover the shift.”

“What if you find someone to work?”

“Then she can have the time off.”

“Fine. I’ll do it.”

He stared at her with shock along with Trisha. “You can’t work here!”

“Why not? It’s only a few hours for brunch.”

“You have no experience as a server. I have no time to train you.”

The woman actually gave a smug smile. “Yes, I do. I worked for years at a restaurant before I decided to open my flower shop. I can handle it.”

He opened his mouth to reject her ridiculous offer, but Trisha emitted a cry and hugged Devon. “Thank you, thank you! I’m so grateful for this!”

“No problem, sweetheart. Go take care of your mom.”

Tearfully, Trisha squeezed Devon one last time and raced away before Jameson could even speak.

He glared, caught between annoyance and a strange hit of arousal as she crossed her arms in front of her chest, raised her chin, and met his gaze head-on with sheer stubbornness. Trapped within those moss eyes, Jameson reminded himself she was an interloper trying to control his restaurant. “You had no right to interfere with me and my staff, flower girl.”

“It’s Christmas, restaurant boy. Are you always such a Scrooge?”

His voice iced. “Not everyone becomes a fool for a silly holiday.”

She actually gasped. “Oh, my God! You really don’t like Christmas?”

He wrinkled his nose with distaste. “It’s overrated, commercial, and sets up everyone for a letdown. What’s to like?”

“What about the trees? The lights? The presents? What about joy to the world and Christmas spirit?”

He practically sneered, warming up to his topic. “Christmas is an excuse to sell unneeded things to the population. To create doubt regarding your life, making one feel lonely, poor, needy, and empty.”

Her jaw unhinged. He refused to acknowledge how cute she looked. Were those freckles on her nose? Somehow, they only emphasized her earthly beauty. Her pink lips parted. “Tell me how you really feel. Did you not get the video game you wanted when you were younger?”

He refused to smile. “No. I just think the world would be a better place if we didn’t pin all hopes on a useless holiday.”

Instead of joking, she cocked her head and narrowed her gaze. His gut tightened. “Something made you feel that way.”

Oh, hell, no. He wasn’t going there. “Must be nice to shut down your business on impulse. I should’ve been a florist.”

That got her off topic. Steam practically rose from her head. “I’ll have my delivery person watch the shop. Running a successful business means employing people you trust who will help when you call.” Her sweet smile held poison. “I can’t imagine anyone wanting to answer the phone for your call.”

Damned if he had to smother a respectful laugh. Why was her sass so damn attractive? “Just make sure you pull your weight.”

Her voice snapped. “Don’t worry. You’ll get your full use of me.”

“Doubt it.”

Her eyes widened at his impulsive retort. Immediately, his muscles locked down as arousal hit full force. The hidden meaning in those words suddenly crackled to life with possibility. Jameson refused to show emotion on his features. He refused to let her gain a hint of his interest. After all, it was just a shallow, passing attraction. She was beautiful and headstrong. He was a virile male who found her desirable.

But she was all wrong for him.

He pivoted on his heel. “See you Friday.”

She didn’t respond.

* * * *

Devon drove back to her shop and kept going over the scene with Scrooge.

Their relationship was…odd. She didn’t like him. He bullied his staff, thought he could change Mac’s restaurant to fit his own vision, and didn’t believe in Christmas. Or dogs. He was cold and a bit arrogant.

Yet, she was aware of a simmering electricity underneath the surface as they traded barbs. Her body definitely recognized he was an attractive man. All that graceful polish and those gorgeously sculpted features were impossible to deny. The body under those classic suits seemed lean and muscled. Even more intriguing?

She’d caught the flash of a tattoo above his wrist, glimpsed as he shot his cuffs.

Jameson Franklin didn’t seem interesting enough to get a tat. She wondered what it said or if it meant anything to him?

Devon wondered why she cared.

Shaking off her thoughts, she made a quick stop at the animal shelter to check in. The loss of Judith had thrown everyone into panic mode, and they were short staffed. Foot traffic was extremely low at her shop in the afternoon, so she texted Pandora to hang out an extra hour. Might as well see if she could help out.

The sound of sharp barking hit her ears at the same time the smell of disinfectant drifted to her nostrils. The animal shelter was small but mighty, housing an array of cats and dogs who desperately needed homes. Various kennels were set up, with personal touches to try and make the animals calm, including toys, bones, old blankets, and some pillows. A few couches were set up in the play room where they could socialize when the weather was bad.

Vishya waved at her from the front desk. The older man had moved to Cape May five years ago and been a life saver for Judith. He was retired, widowed, and thrilled to spend most of his days helping with the animals. He wore his usual bright floral shirt that strained a bit at the belly and faded jeans. Usually, his face was wreathed in a smile but today he looked a bit drawn and worried. “Hi Devon. Judith is still at home.”

“I know, I figured I’d swing by to see if I can help out with anything.”

Gratitude skittered across his features. “Appreciate it, but dealing with the gala is our number one priority. You’re a savior.”

She waved the comment away. “No, you guys do the real work. Is anything wrong or is it just general stress? You look worried.”

He glanced back and rubbed his head. “Got a new dog and he’s a challenge.”

Sympathy flickered. “Biter? Aggressive?”

A short laugh escaped his lips. “Nope. The opposite. He’s terrified of the other dogs and causing a ruckus. I feel so damn bad—I haven’t seen a case like this in a while.”

“Abused?”

“Probably, we don’t know much. Found him abandoned out near Ocean Drive. Someone called it in saying a monster was sighted.”

Devon frowned. “Monster? I don’t get it.”

“He’s a bit…large. Was happy around people, a real love, but the moment he got here and saw other animals he went into panic mode. He can’t stay at the shelter and all of our fosters are full. I need to find him a place ASAP with no other animals. At least, until I can figure things out for where to place him.”

Her heart ached. She shifted back and forth on her feet. “Can I meet him? Maybe I can call around and find him a temporary home.”

Vishya’s dark eyes lit up. “I’d really appreciate it. I’ve exhausted all my contacts and so has the rest of the staff. His pic on social media has been met with crickets, not that I’m surprised. Come on, I’ll show him to you quick.”

Devon followed him back, and she greeted the other volunteers that had stopped in for the day to help with paperwork or cleaning the kennels. She passed a row of pups and the cat house until Vishya opened up the side door. “We’re keeping him in here temporarily so he has no access to the others. But he can’t stay in here—it’s the meet and greet room.”

Devon walked in, expecting a dog shaking in the corner.

Instead, the biggest dog she’d ever seen in her life cocked his head, gave her a hard three second stare, and rushed toward her.

“Bear, Bear—no, ah crap,” Vishya yelled, trying to block the progress.

But nothing was stopping Bear from getting to her. In seconds, he’d knocked her back, tail wagging, massive head bumping against her in sheer affection. She caught her breath and her balance, and began laughing. “Does he think he’s a Chihuahua?” she asked, petting him while he drooled all over her pants.

“Yep. Again, he’s a people person. Pretty young, too, that’s why he’s so active. A real love but sloppy with manners.”

“I’d say sloppy period.” Her hand came away covered in dog hair, but between his wriggling butt, and large adoring eyes, in a few moments Devon was madly in love. His fur was chocolate brown with some scattered white streaks. “What breed is this?”

“English Mastiff. Hard to place. Very narrow niche of lovers for this breed.”

“Why, his size?”

Vishya nodded. “Yep. Expensive as hell. Huge food bills, vet bills, and space issues. They shed a ton and drool consistently. Plus, their life span averages about six years. Most people don’t want to get attached.”

She rubbed his jowls, trying not to wince at the amount of fluid he leaked from his mouth, and wondered what would happen. Hopefully, a slew of calls and contacts would help her out and find Bear suitable space. “Aww, buddy, who wouldn’t want you? You’re a good boy.”

He seemed to agree by slamming his head up and down on her knee. Devon laughed.

“We’ll take any help we can get. If we can’t find a place very soon, we’re going to be in trouble. I’ve got a few emails out to other shelters so maybe that will work.”

Bear bounded away to grab a giant stuffed snake, dragging him over with pride and shoving it in her hand. She tugged at it, expecting fierce resistance, but he was so gentle pulling it back between his massive teeth, Devon realized he was a gentle giant. “I’ll work on it right away.”

She spent some time playing and petting him, dreading when she had to leave. Finally, she dusted the hair off her clothes and stood up. “Okay, Bear, it was nice meeting you. You’re a good boy.”

She patted his head and inched back toward the door.

Bear sensed retreat and skirted around her, blocking the exit. Vishya laughed. “He does this whenever someone tries to leave. It’s heartbreaking. He just wants company.”

They tried to gently push him aside to open the door but Bear wouldn’t budge.

Vishya firmed his voice. “Bear, no. Sit.”

Bear blinked. Then whimpered.

Devon sighed. “You have to deal with this every time?”

“Yep. No one can give him the time he really needs for a new intake.”

And then it happened. Knowing it was a terrible idea and she’d probably regret it, she uttered the damning words.

“I’ll take him.”

Vishya gasped. “Are you kidding me? You’ve never fostered a dog for us.”

She winced. “I know.” Devon didn’t want to explain why. It sounded selfish and shallow and she wasn’t ready for Vishya to know the truth. “But I’ll do it until we find Bear a home. The holidays are a bad time for finding placement so this can buy us some time.”

Bear stopped whimpering as if he understood her.

Within record time, Vishya set her up with food, a few toys, collar, leash, and made her sign some forms. She got in her Honda Civic with Bear taking up the entire back seat, drooling over her shoulder.

And just like that, Devon inherited a dog.