Saving Mistletoe Page 4

  “Lovey?” Ellen watched as a blur of red and white fur shot out of a doghouse across the yard, and slid to a stop at Burke’s feet.

  He hunkered down and rubbed an affectionate hand over the soft fur of the red Border collie. “Ellen, I’d like you to meet Lovey. Lovey this beautiful woman is Miss Ellen Meade. Can you tell her hello, girl?”

  The dog lifted one paw to Ellen, as though she wanted to shake hands. Delighted, Ellen bent down and shook the dog’s paw then gently ran a hand over the dog’s head and scratched behind Lovey’s ears. Her efforts were rewarded with an enthusiastic lick to her chin.

  “She’s gorgeous, Burke. What a pretty girl,” Ellen crooned to the dog, cupping her chin and making note of the dog’s pale blue eyes. “Yes, you are Lovey. You are a very pretty girl.”

  The dog wagged her backend and her ears perked up, as though she greatly appreciated the compliment.

  “Let’s get you inside out of the cold,” Burke said as he straightened.

  At first, Ellen assumed he spoke to the dog. When he took her elbow in his hand and smiled down at her, she realized he meant her. Warmed by his attention and care, she followed him inside. Lovey dashed in front of them, her feet skidding on the linoleum of the floor. She turned in a circle and yipped excitedly, her focus dancing between Burke and a large jar on a shelf above the washing machine.

  “Lovey, you know better than to beg,” Burke cautioned the canine. Lovey sat back on her haunches and appeared to pout.

  Ellen had to look away, lest she laugh at the scene of the cowboy bent over the sulking dog. He whispered something to the dog and took several steps back. “Okay, Lovey, circle time.”

  The dog yipped once more then raced to Burke, leaping up as she neared him. He held out his hands, like a step. The dog used them to give herself a push and flipped over in a circle before he caught her in his arms.

  Lovey barked, as though calling attention to her superb skills, and then licked Burke’s neck.

  Spontaneously, Ellen clapped, thoroughly enchanted by the dog and her owner. “Oh, that was unbelievable!”

  Burke handed Lovey a treat from the jar then set her down on the floor. She wagged her tail then trotted over to a food bowl and began crunching away on her dinner.

  “Take a bow, Lovey,” Burke commanded.

  The dog turned away from her food, stretched out her left leg in front of her then touched her nose to the extended to leg.

  “Oh, my gracious, Burke! She is fantastic!” Ellen gushed, rubbing a hand over the dog’s head before Lovey returned to her food.

  “She is pretty special. Once she eats her fill, she’ll wander into the front room to visit,” Burke said, guiding Ellen back to the living room. He helped her out of her coat and tossed it over a side chair then removed his coat and hat, leaving them on the chair with hers.

  “Would you like something to drink? I have soda pop, juice, and milk. I may even have some tea left over from the last time Bella came to visit.” Burke took a step toward the kitchen.

  “Tea sounds wonderful, but I can help with it.” Ellen followed him back to the kitchen.

  He set out the tea and sugar then filled a mug with water and set it in the microwave. While they waited for it to heat, Ellen went back to the utility room door to watch Lovey. She turned to Burke with such a soft look on her face that he almost dropped the mug before he set it on the counter and scooted it toward her.

  “How long have you had Lovey?” Ellen asked as she dropped a tea bag into the mug and waited for it to steep.

  “Since she was about eight weeks old. I was at the ranch for a weekend visit when one of our neighbors stopped by and mentioned he had a few pups he wanted to get rid of. I went over there and Lovey decided she wanted to come home with me. Of course, I had an apartment then that didn’t allow pets. I had to smuggle her in and immediately began looking for a place that would give her a big yard to play in.” Burke edged a bowl of sugar closer to Ellen. “This place isn’t fancy, by any means, but she has plenty of room for playing. I traded installing the fence for rent. I’ve done some improvements around here and the landlord is good about taking the cost of both my labor and supplies off the rent. I think he likes having an officer in this neighborhood, because he owns three other houses around here. He claims it cuts down on the riffraff.”

  Ellen pointed her spoon in the direction of the dog. “Did you teach her all those tricks?”

  “I did. It gave me something to do in my free time besides sitting around bored. Lovey keeps things from being too quiet or lonely around here.”

  “You’re very fortunate to have her, Burke, and she’s very lucky to have you.”

  He tipped his head toward her with a pleased smile. “Why, thank you, kind lady.”

  She took a sip of her tea and rolled her eyes. “Oh, my word. That is delicious. I may need to buy a box of this. What is it?”

  “I don’t know, just some stuff my sister brought when she was here a few weekends ago.” Burke held the box of tea out to Ellen. “You can keep it if you want.”

  “No, I wouldn’t think of stealing Bella’s tea, but I will get some of my own.” She took her phone from her pocket and snapped a photo of the box, so she wouldn’t forget the name or brand. “It tastes like Christmas and happy memories.”

  Burke shook his head at her fanciful description, but smiled indulgently. “Let’s go sit somewhere comfortable.” He snagged a bottle of soda pop from the fridge then guided Ellen back into the living room. They both sat on the couch, on opposite ends. For a moment, the only sound was the effervescent whistle of carbonated bubbles as he unscrewed the cap on his Dr. Pepper.

  “Do you often...”

  “Have you ever...”

  They spoke at the same time, looked at each other and laughed, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

  “Go ahead, Ellen,” Burke said, pointing toward her with the bottle of pop. “What did you start to say?”

  “I was just going to ask if your sister comes to visit you often. I get the idea the two of you are close.”

  Burke took a swig of his drink then leaned back against the soft cushions of the couch. “Despite our age difference, we are close.”

  “How old is Bella?” Ellen asked, then took another dainty sip of her tea.

  “The little brat is twenty-one. I was seven when she was born. Although I’m closer in age to my brothers, Bella and I have always gotten along well.” Burke grinned. “When she gets tired of college life, she comes and spends the weekend with me, dragging along all her laundry. In exchange for me putting up with her for the weekend, she cooks the meals, but only if I fill her detailed grocery lists.”

  “Sounds like a great compromise,” Ellen said, wondering what it would be like to have a sibling, especially one like Burke. She could envision him as the perfect older brother, one who was protective and supportive without being smothering.

  A clicking sound of nails on linoleum preceded the dog as she raced through the kitchen. Lovey ran into the living room and wiggled to a stop at Burke’s feet.

  “Did you have a good dinner, Lovey?” Burke asked, rubbing a hand over the dog’s head.

  Lovey waggled her entire body while her tongue lapped at his hand.

  He glanced over at Ellen. “I leave her food and water outside, since I never know when I’ll be home, but she much prefers to eat inside.” He looked back at the dog. “Don’t you, girl? You’re just another persnickety female, aren’t you?”

  Ellen cleared her throat in warning. “I suggest you not make such broad, expansive statements, Officer Tipton. They might get you into trouble.”

  He winked at her. “Nah. Lovey knows I’m only teasing.” Before Ellen could work up a proper protest, Burke reached out to her. “Lovey loves attention. You can scoot closer if you’d like to pet her.”

  Ellen took one more sip from her nearly empty mug then set it on the coffee table before sliding closer to Burke. The warmth of his body combined with his luscious scent wrapped her in a comforting embrace in spite of the fact he kept one hand on the dog and the other holding his drink.

  “Did Bella name the dog, too?” Ellen asked as she held a hand down for Lovey to sniff.

  “No. You can blame that on my mom. When I brought the puppy home from the neighbor’s place, mom cuddled her for awhile and declared her to be such a little love, that the name just sort of stuck. So she’s Lovey.” He rubbed a hand along the dog’s side. “Aren’t you, girl. You’re my sweet little Lovey.”

  The dog nuzzled his hand and leaned against his leg then licked Ellen’s fingers.

  “She is sweet, Burke.” Ellen leaned down and rubbed both hands over the dog’s head. Lovey flopped onto the floor and rolled onto her back. Ellen obliged by scratching her tummy while the dog sighed in bliss.

  “You may not realize it, but you’ll be considered one of her friends for life now. There is nothing she likes better than having her stomach rubbed unless it’s herding something.”

  “Herding something?” Ellen asked, continuing to scratch the dog’s belly. Lovey’s leg twitched with each scratch, making Ellen hold back a giggle.

  “Lovey is a Border collie. Herding livestock is in their blood. Although, when I take her to the park, she’s perfectly happy trying to herd the ducks. Once, she even herded a group of kids away from a homeless guy who was sleeping on a bench and having a nightmare.”

  “Oh, wow! That is incredible.”

  Ellen gave Lovey one last scratch then leaned back. While the dog slept at their feet, they just talked. And talked. And talked. They spoke of family, college, jobs, favorite things, their top dislikes, and dreams.

  In all her twenty-six years, she’d never felt so comfortable around a man, particularly not one so fun, funny, and handsome.

  When Ellen yawned, Burke glanced at the clock across the room and jumped to his feet. “I’m so sorry, Ellen. I didn’t mean to keep you out this late.”

  Shocked to see the time, she rose and followed him to the door. “I had no idea it was nearly morning, Burke. I’m sorry I kept you up all night. Do you have to work tomorrow? Or is that today?”

  Softly, he chuckled and reached for her coat, then glanced back at her. “As late as it is, you want to just crash here for a while?”

  Caught off guard by his question, her eyes widened. “Burke, I’m not... I don’t...”

  He held up his hands, as if he wanted to placate her. “I just meant to sleep a while. I have a guest room. Bella always makes sure it’s ready when she leaves.”

  “Oh, I...” Ellen felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. “If you don’t mind driving me, I think it’s probably best I go home. I could always call a cab.”

  “No. I’ll take you. Just let me chase Lovey outside and I’ll be right back.” Burke walked to the kitchen and whistled twice.

  The dog awakened from her bed near what had to be Burke’s recliner and scrambled into the kitchen.

  Ellen heard Burke praising the dog before he shooed her outside and locked the back door. He soon reappeared and hurried to pull on his coat and settle a hat on his head.

  “Let’s get you home,” he said, placing his hand on her back as they walked outside in the cold, drizzly weather.

  Ellen started to shiver before the heat kicked on in Burke’s pickup. He lifted one of her hands in his and raised it to his lips, blowing warm air across her skin. Immediately, she forgot about being cold, tired, or late getting home. Warmth unlike anything she’d ever experienced flooded through her like a river overflowing its banks. Harsh, unexpected, frightening and powerful — emotions simmered, senses engaged, nerves spiked until all she could think about was how marvelous it felt to have Burke hold her hand. He moved it from his lips to rest clasped with his on his hard thigh as he drove her home.

  In the illumination from the streetlights, she studied his profile, wondered if he’d be offended if she thought him beautiful. Oh, he was rugged and masculine, but a master sculptor could have carved his profile. The lines were perfection from the sweep of his brow, the thick eyelashes, the straight form of his nose, the curve of his lips, to the firm square jaw.

  As they drove past the truck stop, Burke once again slowed down and looked observantly out the window.

  “What is it?” she asked, breaking the comfortable silence between them.

  “Nothing,” he said, absently.

  Ellen leaned closer and nudged his side with her elbow. “I’m an attorney. I know when someone is being evasive. It’s not ‘nothing.’ Something out there has you concerned. What is it?”

  He gave her a questioning glance then tipped his head toward the parking lot. “You see that old beat-up car parked close to the convenience store?”

  At her nod, he continued. “It’s been parked in that same spot the last four days. Three times, I’ve seen a little kid getting in and out of it. Just makes me wonder what’s going on. If it’s still there Monday, I think I’ll stop and check things out.”

  “Just be careful, Burke,” Ellen said, feeling oddly protective of him.

  Burke grinned at her and squeezed her hand. “Oh, don’t you worry, darlin’. I’m always careful.”

  It didn’t take long for him to reach her apartment. He not only walked her inside the building but insisted on seeing her up to her door.

  As she unlocked it and flicked on the light, Burke leaned one arm against the doorjamb, watching her.

  Nervous under his scrutiny, she fumbled with the keys and dropped them on her tiled entry with a loud clang.

  Quickly snatching them up, she stepped inside and set them on the table by the door. “I’d ask you to come in, but I’m sure you’re exhausted. Will you be okay driving yourself home?”

  “Absolutely.” Burke didn’t make any move to leave.

  Instead, his slow, lazy grin made her want to press her mouth to his and savor a lingering kiss. Her mouth flooded with moisture but she forced herself to a take a step back.

  “Thank you for a lovely evening, Burke,” she said, lowering her voice to a whisper. “It was the nicest blind date, or first date, I’ve ever had.”

  His grin broadened. “If you’re calling it a first date that must mean you’re willing for a second.”

  “I just might be.” Ellen returned his smile. “Do you have something in mind?”

  “Not yet, but how about I think of something and give you a call?”

  Ellen nodded her head. “That would be perfect, except you’ll need my number.”

  “Right,” Burke said, pulling his cell phone from his pocket and entering her number then sending her a text so she’d have his. He backed away, still smiling at her. “Thank you for a great evening, Ellen. I’m really glad EJ turned out to be you.”

  “I’m glad Tip was you,” Ellen said, watching him back down the hall. “Thanks again, Burke.”

  He nodded and touched his fingers to the brim of his hat then turned away. Ellen dropped her gaze for a moment, feeling bereft from his presence after spending so much time together that evening. Disappointment clawed at her that he hadn’t so much as pecked her cheek.

  With a sigh, she took a step back to close the door and found herself hauled against a solid, muscled chest.

  “I’ve already broken every first date or blind date rule, so what the heck,” Burke muttered as his lips took possession of hers.

  The kiss was as far from a friendly peck as Ellen had ever experienced. In fact, it was the most tantalizing, spellbinding, and thorough kiss she’d ever received.

  Knees weak and heart racing, she clasped the collar of Burke’s coat for support as his lips moved against hers, sending bright sparks of passion firing through her entire body.

  Just when she thought she would lose the ability to hold herself upright, Burke raised his head and released his hold. He lifted one hand, his thumb grazing across her puffy, just-kissed lips.

  “You’re even sweeter than I imagined, Miss Ellen Juliet Meade.” With a rascally wink, he backed away from her once again. “‘Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say good night till it be morrow.’” He doffed his hat with an exaggerated flourish then jogged along the hall and disappeared down the stairs.

  Ellen closed her door and leaned against it, sliding down until she sat on the floor, wondering if she’d ever recover from being kissed by Officer-Hunkalicious.

  Chapter Five

  “He’s just so...” Ellen sighed languorously and flopped back on her bed, holding her cell phone to her ear.

  “So what?” Tara Cutler asked.

  Ellen didn’t know how to explain to her best friend that the officer she’d whined about being mean to her last summer had charmed her so thoroughly, she’d spent the entire weekend wishing he’d show up at her door and kiss her again.

  “So... delicious,” Ellen said, then broke into giggles that Tara echoed.

  “Tell me more about this hunky hottie police officer who turned out to be a real life cowboy. How he has redeemed himself from the, and I quote you, El, ‘insufferable, overbearing, miscreant in need of anger management classes,’ to a man who makes you flop back on your bed and sigh dreamily?”

  Ellen sat up. “How did you know I’m on my bed and sighing dreamily? Did you install cameras when you and Brett came to visit?”

  “No, you weirdo!” Tara laughed. “But I know you, Ellen. For the record, Burke sounds like a great guy and I’m glad you’ve finally gotten to the place in your life where you’re willing to be a little adventurous. You know, not everything has to follow that detailed plan you have for your life.”

  “Oh, that,” Ellen said, sobering. “You’ll be happy to know I ran that plan through the shredder a while back. Look what it did to me. Almost turned me into one of those horrible people who only cares about their career and not the people they hurt in achieving their goals. I’m done with all that.”

  “And I’m so glad to hear that you are. For a while, I worried about you selling your soul to the devil, or at least your horrible boss.” Tara’s voice softened. “Are you sure you’re doing okay, El? It was a big change to go from cutthroat attorney to helping people plan estates and writing living wills.”