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“Ding, ding, ding. We’ve got a winner,” I said in an over-the-top voice that made me cringe. Why couldn’t I act like my normal self around this guy? I was as bad as Milly and the rest of them.

He let out a whistle. “Well, that’s awkward. I’m sorry about that. I’m sure you do a fine job predicting the future of canines around town. Or the world. I don’t know how far your services reach.”

His words made me break out into a giggle. I loved a guy who was able to acknowledge his mistakes. Besides, he wasn’t the first person to have commented on my “weird” services. He hadn’t offended methatmuch, but hearing him search for words was fun. At least I wasn’t the only one feeling like a fool.

“Does this mean I blew my chances of hiring you as Archie’s dog walker?” he asked.

I sat up straight. “No, not at all. I am absolutely available to walk your dog. In fact, I’m wide open.”

Wow, that sounded dirtier than I’d intended. I felt my cheeks redden. Thank goodness Lewis couldn’t see my face through the phone.

“As long as you’re sure about that, and you promise not to spit in my coffee next time I visit your place of work?”

“I won’t, I promise,” I said.

He chuckled. “Great, because I had already talked to another dog walker, and she babbled on about rhinestone collars and glitter poop bags. I hardly got a word in. All I’m looking for is the service without the fluff.”

What? Melissa was getting the stink eye from me next time I saw her.

“That’s me,” I said. “No fluff, no glitter. Just plain old no-nonsense.”

“That’s good to hear.” He sounded genuinely relieved. “How do we proceed? Is there a contract for me to sign?”

A contract? Never in my years of dog walking had I considered drawing up a contract, but I was positive the internet was filled with examples. “Sure, yeah, you get a contract.”

“Shall we set a date to meet then?”

My heart picked up a notch. “To meet?”

“So we can discuss the details? Don’t you want to meet my dog first?”

Oh, of course. He didn’t mean like adate. I slapped my hand against my forehead. I could be so dense sometimes. “Actually, yes, meeting the owner and his dog are part of the process. We’ll need to see if there’s a click, on both sides. Just let me check my schedule real quick.”

I knew my schedule by heart since it hardly contained anything, but Lewis didn’t need to know that. It was bad enough that I sounded like a complete doofus on the phone.

I leafed through an old copy ofOld Pine Cove Weeklyto make my fake calendar check sound more convincing. “Hmm, yes… Maybe… Hmm… Would tomorrow work for you? I can squeeze you in around ten.”

“Ten works for me. The clinic won’t be open for another couple of days anyway.”

“Just give me your address, and I’ll be there at ten o’clock sharp. It’s best if I can observe the dog on his own turf.”

Holy moly, that must’ve been the most nonsense I’d ever uttered in a span of mere minutes, but I couldn’t help it. There was something about Lewis that made me want to be near him. And when would I ever get another perfect opportunity to see where he lived?

“I live down on Snow Globe Lane – number twenty-two.”

I jotted his address down on the back ofOld Pine Cove Weekly. “Great, we’re all set. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I can’t wait,” he said.

I grinned as I put the phone down. I couldn’t wait either.

Chapter Five

Olive

As soon as sunlight broke through my one and only window, I threw the covers off and headed to the bathroom, where I squeezed myself into the shower. It wasn’t easy, but doable. If I angled my body the right way, I could even shampoo my hair without bumping my elbows against the wall. Of course, I also had to make sure the shower curtain was closed far enough, or the toilet got soaked.

After my shower, I poured cereal into a bowl while the coffee maker sputtered to life. For once, I wasn’t concerned about how I would pay my bills. I had my appointment with Lewis to look forward to, and I was positive the experience would brighten my entire day.