Free Her Special Charm by Marie Ferrarella

already cautioned her once about not being afraid. Did the dog have a Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde kind of personality and chew on unsuspecting people? “Whatever gave you that idea? I love dogs.”
    Stanley had managed to weave his way between them and was now beside Constance, nudging at her legs. Checking her out and obviously liking what he discovered.
    James frowned. The dog hadn’t barked once at this Southern ball of fire. Had done nothing but trot after her with almost a smitten expression on his muzzle.
    What the hell had gotten into his dog? It was almost as if she’d bewitched him.
    â€œHe seems to like you,” he said grudgingly.
    â€œThe feeling is mutual.” She addressed her words to both man and beast. Her smile, however, was meant for Stanley. “Seeing your dog just reminds me how much I miss having a pet around.” She looked up at James, giving him an explanation even though he hadn’t asked. “Whiskey died a little over eight months ago.” She’dtaken the dog’s death very hard. It had come just after her breakup with Josh and it had made her feel twice as alone.
    James looked at her, puzzled. “Whiskey?”
    â€œMy Labrador retriever. Her coat was the color of whiskey when the sun hits it.”
    â€œRight.”
    She wondered if this tall, handsome police detective possessed any imagination at all. “I’m still trying to work up my courage.”
    â€œCourage?” It was like having a conversation with a jigsaw puzzle. He braced himself, not knowing what was about to come next. “To do what?”
    â€œTo risk my heart again.” She ran her hands along Stanley’s coat again. If the damn dog was a cat, he would have been purring by now, James thought. “It’s very hard, getting attached, knowing that things might end…”
    Something in her voice caught his attention. He asked the question before he could think better of it and stop himself. “We still talking about your pet?”
    Constance smiled. Maybe he did have some imagination after all. She unzipped the thermal carrier and began to divide up the food she had brought. “I can see you’re a very good detective. In part.”
    Which meant, she was telling him, that he was half-wrong. He felt his curiosity aroused. “And in part?”
    She looked down at her hand. It still felt funny looking at it and not seeing the diamond there that had rivaled the state of Texas. It had been Josh’s investment in his future. One that she’d given back to him.
    â€œI didn’t come here to bore you with talk about me.”
    James had a feeling that it wouldn’t be nearly as boring as she maintained. And it beat the hell out of delving into his life, which he sensed she was far more inclined to do.
    â€œWell, we’re not going to talk about me,” he informed her.
    â€œFair enough. Then let’s just eat.”
    Bending down, Constance placed the first dish she’d prepared in front of Stanley. The dog lost no time in sniffing at the offering. The investigation lasted all of one minute before he began wolfing the food down. Constance took the remaining two plates and placed them on the counter. She slid onto one of the two stools that were flush against the other side of his kitchen counter. James couldn’t help noticing the way her skirt rose up on her legs as she did so.
    His dog and his uninvited guest were both eating. There was nothing left for him to do but sit down on the other stool. As he did so, he looked down at the plate and, for the first time, realized that she’d brought dolmadakia, which were stuffed grape leaves, spanakopita, a kind of spinach-and-cheese pie, and keftedes, meatballs made with mincemeat, onions and bread. Greek cuisine. He was partial to Greek food, despite the fact that he had met his ex-wife in a Greek restaurant. She’d been the waitress who had taken his order.
    He nudged the