A Little Christmas Jingle by Michele Dunaway Read Free Book Online Page A

funny,” he argued.
    â€œNo, it’s not,” she agreed, shaking her head to stop from giggling. “But I’m picturing you trying to cover your eyes and—
    â€œI have a year of this!”
    She crumpled the chip in half and dropped it onto the white wrap paper of her sandwich. “I know. I’m being insensitive.” She gave a wave, as if brushing off a fly. “Worse, you had to kiss me after that lady trapped us. Who knows what you thought when I said I wanted to be involved.” She dissolved into laughter again. “No wonder why you ran away.”
    His expression was incredulous. “Away? You’re the one who vanished. After the photo, you were gone. I looked for you.”
    She sat back in her chair with a hard thump, surprised. “You did?”
    A cheeky grin made more butterflies take flight. “Heck, a man would be foolish not to go back after a kiss like that, and Kat, I’m no fool.”
    â€œOh. Well.” Frankly, she didn’t know what to say. They were locked in a staring contest again, neither of them looking away.
    â€œKat?” Angela stood in the doorway. “Media is here again.”
    Saved by the bell. “We’ll be out in a minute.” She faced Jack. “I approached you because I wanted to help. Every pet deserves a good home. That’s why I do this, spend so much time on my …”
    â€œShelter?” Jack filled in helpfully.
    â€œYes.” She shouldn’t be surprised he knew.
    â€œThat reminds me, I need to see your shelter. I have this letter.”
    The expression of hurt warped to anger. “Are you saying I’m not caring for Jingle?”
    â€œNo. I’m very impressed. You will continue to care for him.”
    Butterflies had been replaced with dread. She considered Jingle as her dog. She’d saved him. “What are your plans for Jingle?”
    â€œBilly’s heartbroken about his dog, but Jingle’s not going back there, and I’ve convinced his parents he should not get another dog for a very long time.”
    That pacified her slightly. “Good idea.”
    â€œBesides, Jingle’s evidence. When he’s well and ready, Jeff at Pet Rescue will make sure he finds a good home.”
    â€œJingle’s not going to be ready for a while.”
    â€œWhich is fine. But people are going to want to adopt him. He’s something of a celebrity. They’ll line up to adopt him. Remember Trooper, the dog pulled behind the car? Over a thousand people applied to be his new owner.”
    â€œI can find him a new owner when it’s time.”
    â€œLet’s see how your legal problems pan out. Jingle just brought me here earlier. You and I would have been meeting Monday anyway. I’m going to need to inspect you. I received a complaint.”
    Disbelief bubbled. She gestured to the food. “So this was all just to butter me up? You’re toying with me?”
    Jack shifted uncomfortably. “No. I …”
    â€œHey guys.” This time Anthony poked his head in. “Sorry to interrupt. Busy schedule today.”
    â€œNo problem. We are finished,” Kat said. She willed her anger not to show as all the ease of lunch disappeared.
    She and Jack went out into the waiting area, where the cameraman had everything set up. She put the mic on, this time by herself.
    â€œSo Dr. Saunders,” Anthony asked. “How’s Jingle?”
    Kat went through the basics, including telling him that the front desk had already fielded calls from people wanting to adopt him. “We’re keeping a list while trying to refer them to our other animals and other shelters,” Kat said.
    â€œPeople only want what they see on TV.” Jack’s cynicism came through loud and clear.
    â€œYou aren’t going to run that, are you?” Kat asked.
    â€œNot miked, and Anthony wouldn’t do that,” Jack replied.
    Anthony shook his head.