Free Flirting with Love by Melissa Foster Page A

to ignore the fact that she smelled like heaven again, and something sweeter, which could have just been her in general.
    Elisabeth popped back up again and reached into the basket. “I have to admit, I’m not completely unselfish.” She waved a flyer in front of him. “I was wondering if you’d put these on your counter for your clients.”
    He tucked the basket under his arm and read the flyer. “Trusty Pet Bakery and Spa?”
    “Yes.” She bounced on her toes a little, and it made him smile. “I’m still coming up with a name. I’m thinking about something that I can combine with the pie business, like Trusty Pies & Pet Pampering, but first I need to see if I can get this business up and running or not. This name cuts to the chase, so I’ll know pretty quickly if it’s an epic fail or not.” Her tone grew serious. “You’re the only vet in town, so I was hoping you’d share my flyers with your clients. I’m also going to hang out at the dog park and visit a few stores tomorrow to spread the word.”
    Ross sat on the front porch step and patted the space beside him. As she sat down, her hair fell over one shoulder, and a few strands clung to her cheek. He reached up and moved them away with his index finger, causing her to blush like she had last night. If she was a woman who was here to take what she could from Cora’s estate and skip town, she was sure going to great lengths to pretend not to be.
    “I’m happy to share the flyers, but I think you’re barking up the wrong tree trying to get this type of business off the ground here. You know there’s a dog groomer in Allure, right? That’s not too far from here.”
    “Yeah, sure. But do you drive to the next town to get your dogs groomed?”
    Ross put an arm around Knight’s thick neck. “I brush my boys. I like it, actually. It’s great bonding time, and I can see firsthand if they have any cuts or issues from playing in the fields.”
    She thrust her palms out. “See? If only everyone could be like you. I was at Wynchels’ Farm this morning—thank you, by the way. I loved the whole setup there. They have six dogs. Did you know that?”
    “Sure. I take care of them.”
    “Of course you do. Sorry.” She smiled again. “Anyway, Barney, this big lovable mutt, had matted fur and the others were caked with mud. Wren said that grooming was a waste of time. A waste of time, like the dogs aren’t worth the twenty minutes it takes to give them even a quick brushing. I would like to know how she’d feel if she wasn’t able to brush her hair. Ever.”
    Knight settled his head between his paws and stretched his nose between them.
    “I hate to tell you this, but that’s probably going to be the majority of what you’re met with. These are farmers and ranchers. Their issues revolve around putting food on the table and making sure the livestock is fed and cared for. They don’t have a lot of extra money for pet pampering and doggy cupcakes.”
    The light in her eyes dimmed. He placed his hand on hers without thinking of the way that touch might stir his attraction even more…which it did.
    “Elisabeth, what did you think you were going to do? Come here and start up the same business you had in LA without any reluctance from residents?” He watched her eyes dart away, and he curled his fingers beneath her palm to let her know he understood. She probably felt lonely after discovering Trusty was a town where outsiders were met with careful consideration, trust was earned, and friendships were, too.
    “I’m not sure,” she said honestly, her eyes trained on their hands. “I guess I’ve wanted to be in Trusty for so long that I didn’t think I wouldn’t be able to make it.” She met his gaze with a different smile. A determined one. “I’m going to make this work. Even if I can’t do exactly the same work I did before, I’ll figure it out. Maybe no one will buy pupcakes or pawdicures, but I’m sure a handful will go for pet grooming.