Will let out a low whistle. “Wow. Where’d you come from?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “I’m just saying, this here—this is why I hired you.” He broke out in a grin. “I knew you had it in you, and damn it, I was right.”

  Serena’s heart swelled with pride and the overwhelming urge to hug Will. She raised her hand instead, like she did with her kids.

  “Up high?”

  Will gave her a high five, and they both burst out laughing.

  “It’s about time for lunch,” he said, once they’d both sobered up. “How about we pick up that socket, then grab a bite to eat?”

  “I’d love to,” said Serena. The words tumbled out too fast, too eager, but Will only smiled.

  “Perfect,” he said. “I’ll just grab Luna, and I’ll meet you out front.”

  “Luna?”

  “My dog.” He scooped up his toolbox and started for the stairs. “Don’t worry. She’s a sweetheart. Not a mean bone in her body.”

  Serena made a hoarse sound. Her throat had gone tight. Since when did Will have a dog? And what were the odds Luna was a toy poodle?

  6

  “You be sweet, now,” said Will, scratching Luna around the scruff of her neck. “No jumping, no tail-whacking, none of that slurp-slurp-slurp. How do we say hi when we’re being polite?”

  Luna cocked her head at him, her big brown eyes blank.

  “Come on, you know this. Gimme a ‘hi.’”

  Luna raised a paw and let Will shake it. The minute he’d finished, she nosed up for a treat. He fed her a snausage.

  “Oh, wow. She’s...big.” Serena stood poised in the doorway, like she had half a mind to dart back inside. “What, uh—what breed is she?”

  “She’s a German shepherd,” said Will. “She’ll shake a paw if you want, or we can just head out.”

  Serena regarded the dog for a long moment, knuckles white on the doorframe. Then she shook her head.

  “Maybe next time,” she said. “I’ve just washed my hands.”

  “Okay, not a problem. Here, Luna. Heel.” He tapped on his thigh, and Luna trotted around behind him. Serena exhaled harshly and let the door swing shut.

  “I’ll work up to it, I swear.” Serena hung her head. “It’s just, part of me hoped you’d have some little purse dog.”

  Will laughed out loud. “My brothers would have a field day if I showed up with a purse dog. Plus, it’s the little ones you’ve got to watch out for—anything toy or teacup. Those are your biters, not your big cuddly lugs.” He gave Luna a pat. “Luna’s a licker, but her teeth are for show.”

  “My granddad had a Rottweiler,” said Serena. “His teeth haunt my dreams.”

  “Did he bite you?”

  “He sure tried.” Serena hugged herself tight. “He’d be scrabbling and scrabbling, claws in the dirt, and those teeth—those teeth! I was like this high, about to your hip, and I swear to God, Monster was as big as a horse. Grandpa would tell us, you kids best behave, or I’ll let Monster off his chain.”

  “A chain, that’s just wrong.” Will made a huffing sound. “Not to badmouth your granddad, but I’d be mad too, chained up all day.”

  “I know Luna’s not like that,” said Serena. “But I see a big dog, my blood still runs cold.”

  “You were great with Buster,” said Will. “One small step after another’ll take you a long way.”

  Serena laughed, a little shakily. “One small step for dogkind.”

  Will chuckled along with her. It felt good to laugh, to have someone to laugh with. That blown socket could’ve ruined his day, but out here with Serena, with Luna trotting beside him and the sun in his face, life felt okay.

  “I should go in myself,” said Serena, as they arrived at Top Hardware. “Kara’s like me, nervous around dogs. I’ll get us a better deal without, y’know.” She shot Luna an apologetic look, but Will waved her off.

  “Don’t worry about us,” he said, and he knelt to tickle Luna. “We’ll do a lap round the block, stretch our legs while we wait.”

  “Perfect, then.” Serena flashed him a shy smile and ducked inside. Will set out with Luna, giving her space to sniff this and that.

  “You know I’d never chain you, right?” He reached down to pet her. “Gonna get a big house one day, with a yard all for you.”

  Luna wagged her tail, grinning ear to ear. Will let her run ahead, knowing she wouldn’t stray far. By the time they’d rounded the block, Serena was waiting outside Top Hardware, a bag in one hand and a sheaf of flyers in the other.

  “I got us twenty percent off,” she said. “An ongoing discount—for repairs, supplies, you name it. All we have to do is go exclusive with Top Hardware. Oh, and hand out these flyers, but I’ll handle that.”

  “You’re amazing,” said Will.

  “It was nothing,” said Serena, but her cheeks had gone pink. “Kara’s a friend, is all, and—you know what? I am awesome. I snagged a great deal.” She blushed even deeper, but Will could see she was pleased. More than that, he thought he’d glimpsed the old Serena from high school, the girl he’d idolized, with the world at her feet.

  “I thought we’d stop by the park,” he said. “Luna’s got energy to burn, and if I’m honest, so do I.”

  Luna gave a yip. Serena’s shoulders went tense, but she kept smiling. “I don’t see why not.”

  “It’s usually just us, this time of day.” Will tipped her a wink. “If there’s other dogs, don’t worry. We’ll try the creek instead.”

  Serena nodded gamely, but Will was in luck. The park was nearly empty, just an old man feeding the pigeons and two kids on the swings. He found a good stick and held it up for Luna.

  “Wanna play? Wanna go?”

  Luna bounced on her toes, eyes fixed on her prize.

  “Okay, go!” Will slung the stick as hard as he could. It sailed through the air in a high, graceful arc. Luna streaked after it, churning up the snow. She caught it midair and did a graceful twist, landing neatly on all fours.

  “Are German shepherds hunting dogs?” Serena had edged closer, half hiding behind him.

  “They’re great trackers,” said Will. “But all Luna hunts are table scraps, and sometimes her own tail.”

  Luna came bounding back, yipping joyously in her throat. Will reached for the stick, but Luna skipped around to him and presented it to Serena.

  “Oh, sweetheart, I don’t think—”

  Serena gave a hoarse shriek and skittered back across the footpath. She bumped into a bench, then jumped up on it. Luna stood puzzled, tail swishing to and fro.

  “Over here, girl.” Will gave a whistle and Luna scurried to his side. “That’s my stick, okay? Serena doesn’t want your slobber.”

  “Sorry about that,” said Serena. She hopped down, all sheepish. “I know she just wants to play. But when she came running, my heart hit my throat.”

  “You saw Monster, huh?” Will took the stick again and tossed it for Luna. “Luna here’s more of a teddy bear. No bite to this one, and not much bark either.”

  “She does look pretty cuddly.” Serena braced herself as Luna ran back. This time, she stood her ground as the big dog danced around her. Will wasn’t sure she was breathing, but at least she didn’t flee.

  “I’ve got her, don’t worry.” He squeezed Serena’s arm as Luna raced off again. “I’d never let anything bad happen to you.”

  Serena smiled at him, warm and sweet. A strange feeling swept through him, the same one he’d got down in the basement—the urge to hold her close. To take her in his arms and feel her melt against him. Those big, trusting eyes did things to his heart, things that weren’t appropriate between a boss and his employee. He stepped back, heart pounding, as Luna caught her stick.

  “All good,” he muttered, half to Serena, half to himself. All good—I got this. It’s only a crush.

  Serena sat watching as Will unfolded a collapsible bowl and filled it with water from his bottle. Luna dove in headfirst, drops flying everywhere as she slurped the bowl dry.

  “Looks like someone was thirsty,” she said. Luna grinned up at her, pink tongue hanging out.

  “She’s had a good run.” Will leaned down and petted her, ruffling her fur.

  “She really is beautiful.” Serena sucked in a deep breath, gathering her courage. “I was wondering, is she as soft as she looks?”

  Will glanced up, brows raised. “Are you asking if you can pet her?”

  Serena bit her lip. Was she? “Maybe just a quick pet? Somewhere away from her teeth?”

  “Her neck’s good,” said Will. “Right here along the scruff.” He demonstrated with both hands, scratching till Luna sagged with bliss. “Now that I’ve messed her up, you smooth her down.”

  Serena reached out, heart racing. She was sweating, she realized, her palms damp and clammy.

  “It’s okay,” she whispered. “Just gonna, uh...”

  “Here, let me show you.” Will took her hand, slow and gentle, and set it on Luna’s scruff. The dog’s topcoat was coarse and a little bit oily. When Serena ran her fingers through it, she found it was soft underneath. Will’s hand, by contrast, felt rough from hard work, a strong, steady weight on top of her own.

  “That’s right,” he said. “Slow strokes down her back. See how her ears are all loose and wobbly? That means she’s happy, enjoying her pets.”

  Serena closed her eyes and focused on Luna’s slow breathing, on the texture of her fur. This wasn’t so bad, not so bad at all. And Will was right there. She could feel him breathing too, and the beat of his heart. Or maybe that was her heart, and—

  Luna sneezed, a soft atchoo. Serena choked back a yelp.

  “I think, uh—”

  “Enough for one day?” Will let go of her hand. “It’s okay. You did great. Luna thinks so too.”

  Serena leaned back, limp with relief. She’d done it—she’d really done it. A sense of exhilaration washed over her. She’d braved the beast, and the beast hadn’t bitten. The beast had sat quiet, wearing a goofy grin.

  Because she’s not a beast. She’s just a big, bouncy pup.

  “Up for a lap round the pond before we head back?”

  Serena smiled up at Will. “You know, I think I am.” She got to her feet. “My kids are too cool for the park now, but we used to come here all the time. Julie lost her first tooth right there by the swings.”

  “How old is she now?”

  “Nine—they’re both nine. Twins.”

  “Buy one, get one free.” Will paused to let Luna sniff at a root. “I’ll bet you’re a great mom. You’ve got that mom vibe, like if I stepped out of line, you’d put me in my place. But then you’d give me a cookie and tell me, ‘Do better.’”

  Serena burst out laughing. He’d nailed the way she was with her kids. “The kids were a surprise,” she said. “I wasn’t sure I’d be ready, or know what to do. But the first time I held them…they were screaming their heads off, red as tomatoes, and I just hugged them close. They stopped crying and looked up at me, first Nathan, then Julie—and I thought these are my kids. I loved them so much, and it all felt so right.” Her eyes prickled at the memory, and she laughed, self-conscious. “Motherhood came naturally, after the initial shock. Animals, on the other hand...”

  “Everyone has their hang-ups,” said Will. “For me, it was rats, with their long, slappy tails. But I let one sleep in my pocket every day for a week. It chewed holes in the lining, but we reached an understanding.”

  “I’m not sure Luna would fit in my pocket.” Serena pulled a wry face. “But watching her play makes me want to be a dog person.”

  “No reason you can’t be,” said Will. “I could show you the ropes.”

  “I’d like that.” Serena kicked at the snow. “But I’m not great with cats either, or bunnies, or rats. Not that I’m scared of them, but I didn’t grow up around them. I don’t know what they need, but I want to learn. I don’t want to be the airhead who brings poinsettias to the office.”

  Will caught at her arm, stopping her in her tracks. “Hey, enough with that. Everyone makes mistakes.” He cocked his head just as Luna did, his grin matching hers. “Besides, I was thinking, my waiting room is pretty beige. Some decoration wouldn’t hurt.”

  “I could bring in some stuff,” said Serena. “Some pictures, maybe a spider plant. Those are safe, right?”

  “They are.” Will’s grin faded. “But my budget’s tight. I can’t spring for décor.”

  “I just meant some stuff from home.” Serena frowned. “It’s been pretty rough, huh? Since Doctor Wright left?”

  Will cleared his throat and said nothing. Serena took a deep breath.

  “I don’t mean to pry,” she said. “But I’ve heard around town, you know, about how grumpy Doctor Wright got when his wife got sick. I know folks are switching to, uh—”

  “Doctor Melman.” Will reached for Luna and scratched behind her ears. “But it’s not just the competition. That fuse today was the tip of the iceberg. The whole building’s in lousy shape. My wiring’s shot, my plumbing’s a mess, and not to gross you out, but there’s termites in the basement. I just got an estimate on the wiring, and it was a lot more than I thought. I’m not sure how I’ll swing it, on top of everything else.”

  Serena’s frown deepened. “Who did your estimate?”

  “That guy with the bus stop ads—Angus Borland?”

  “Well, there’s your mistake. You got the wrong Borland.” She gave a confident nod. “You want his aunt, Sarah. She’ll fix you up in half the time, and she won’t nickel-and-dime you to death. Plus, I’m friends with her daughter, so I can try for a discount.”

  “I’d appreciate that.” Will found a bench and sat down, face to the sun. The harsh winter light cast his features in stark relief, highlighting the dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days.

  “Will? You okay?”

  He nodded. Reached for Luna. “Ed wasn’t always like that, all grumpy and cold. He was kind, caring—he taught me everything I know. He was the one who made me put the rat in my pocket.” He laughed weakly. “I grew up in his practice, started helping out every summer before I even hit high school. I’ve got to keep it going, but...” Luna nosed at him, and he buried his hands in her scruff.

  “I’ll help you,” said Serena. “However I can.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yeah.” She sat down beside him, their knees bumping together. “I need this job too, so we’re in this together. That, and I’m jealous.”

  Will’s brows went up. “Jealous of what?”

  “Your passion. Your drive. I’ve always wished I had a real calling. A dream of my own, outside the home.”

  Luna whined softly and set a paw on her knee. Serena inhaled sharply, but didn’t pull away. She clenched her teeth instead, and then gave the dog’s paw a shake. It felt wet and warm, all claws and toe-pads.

  “Good girl,” she whispered as she let Luna go.

  When she looked up, Will was beaming ear to ear, as though in shaking his dog’s paw, she’d sealed some pact between them. And in a sense, she felt like she had. She’d promised to help, and that’s what she’d do. She might not have her own dream, but she’d help Will save his.

  7

  “So you’ll count the vials up here, then enter them on your tablet,” said Will. He tapped on his tablet to demonstrate. It gave a loud, angry beep, and he shook his head. “And that’s what happens when the numbers don’t match. I hit ACCEPT by mistake, and now it thinks someone’s stolen five vials of prednisolone.”

  “And can you fix it?”

  “Sure can. I hit UNDO, then nine, then accept it again, and that ding means we’re good.” He handed Serena the tablet. “You try the next one.”

  She scanned the next label and counted the vials. “What if something’s missing for real?”

  “Then we’ll have a problem, and a lot of paperwork to fill out.” Will frowned. “We keep dangerous stuff back here. In those purple bottles, that’s—” He broke off, scowling, at a series of clunks. “What’s he doing out there, ripping out my whole toilet?”

  Serena laughed. “Plumbing’s a noisy business. You should’ve heard the ruckus when I had my bathroom redone.”

  “I’m glad you came in today, though the office is closed.” Will stopped and waited till the clanging died down. “Inventory goes faster with someone to talk to.”

  “I’m glad, as well. To be learning the business.” Serena bowed her head to the screen, hair hanging in her face. Was she hiding a blush, or was it only the light? The closet was cramped, and Will was suddenly aware of his own body, of the space he took up. He’d squeezed in behind Serena, so close he could count the stitches on her collar. She smelled of sweet maple syrup—she must’ve had pancakes for breakfast. Could she feel the change in his breathing as he inhaled her scent? He cleared his throat.

  “So, I thought, after this—”

  A loud crash rang out, rattling the vials on their shelves. Serena shrieked and jumped back, and Will caught her in his arms.

  “What was that?”

  “I don’t know.” Will peered down the hall, where he’d last seen the plumber. “Jenner? That you?”

  “Wasn’t me, Doc. Think it came from upstairs.”

  “Upstairs?” Serena’s eyes went wide. “Isn’t that—”

  “Luna!” Will raced outside and up the stairs to his apartment, guts churning with panic. He could hear Luna inside, barking up a storm.

  “Wait—what if someone’s in there?” Serena caught his arm as he reached for the door.

  “We’d have heard them on the stairs.”

  “Not if they broke in, climbed in through the window.”

  “Okay. Stay back.” Will edged up to the door, braced for the worst. Serena tapped his shoulder and handed him a broom. He snorted in spite of himself. “What do I do with this? Sweep out the burglars?”