Unexpected Love Read Online Free PDF Page B

way.”
    “If you say so.”  He didn’t look at her but he was grinning.
    She was about to retort back but a woman walked by with her tiny dog at the end of a leash.  Taylor stopped and exclaimed, “He’s so cute.”
    The dog wagged his tail at her and his owner beamed, “Thanks.  His name is Jack.”
    Taylor bent over to reach the little dog whose front paws were on her leg and almost lost her balance but Sean put an arm around her waist to steady her. 
    “Hi, Jack.”  She rubbed the dog’s neck and back.  She pretended like she had not been about to kiss the pavement. Or that she didn’t feel his warm body pressed against her side.  She hoped it was not obvious to the woman at least.  Sean had been paying attention.
    His owner said, “He really likes you.  He’s spoiled rotten.”
    Taylor was still bent over, rubbing his head, “Of course you are.  That’s because you are too cute.”  She was barely able to stay where she was, if it hadn’t been for Sean holding on, she was sure she would be on the pavement.  Her legs were starting to get shaky.
    “It was nice to meet you both.  Bye, Jack.  Take good care of your momma.”
    The woman laughed, “Oh he does.  Have a nice day.”  She turned and continued down the street with little Jack trotting in front of her.
    She looked sideways at Sean and whispered, “Help.  I’m stuck, can’t straighten up.”
    He put his free hand under her shoulder and she grabbed his arm as he helped her stand upright.  He shook his head at her, “Did you forget you can’t do that?”  One eyebrow was raised at her.
    She nodded her head.  She blushed in embarrassment and Sean felt bad for saying anything.  He said softly, “That’s okay.  You made the dog and his owner happy.  Besides, I got to be useful too.”
    She giggled, “As the man who kept me from kissing the pavement?”
    He smiled back, “Sure.  Everyone needs to feel useful.”
    “Well, you definitely are.”
    Sean thought about her last remark as they walked to his truck.  
     
    As they crossed the parking lot, a woman and her little girl got out of the car next to Sean’s truck.  The pigtailed girl looked about three years old and she smiled and waved shyly at Taylor.  Taylor stopped and started to bend down, but Sean grabbed her arm and forced her to stand at least mostly upright.  She tried to ignore him and spoke to the little girl, “Hi.  What’s your name?”
    Her mother smiled at her and nodded so the little girl answered, “Susie.”
    “I love your pretty dress, Susie.  I love butterflies.”  Her yellow dress was covered with brightly colored butterflies.
    “I love butterflies too.  Guess what?”
    “What?”
    “I got a reward for cleaning my room.  We are going there.”  She pointed at the diner.  “I’m going to get some ice cream too.”
    “Wow.  Good job.  Ice cream too.  I love ice cream.”
    “Me too.”  The little girl giggled.
    “Congratulations on doing such a good job.”
    Susie giggled again and threw her little arms around Taylor’s neck, pulling her down towards her.  Sean reacted quickly and grabbed Taylor’s waist to keep her from falling as she hugged the little girl and said good bye.  Her mother took her hand and led her into the restaurant.
    Sean hugged her tightly to his side and put an arm under hers to help her stand upright.  Goose bumps broke out all up and down her arms.  She could feel the electricity charged air.  She glanced at the blue sky half expecting gray stormy clouds overhead.
    Taylor sneaked a peek at Sean who was staring at her, “It’s impossible for you to stay out of trouble, isn’t it?”
    “You have the totally wrong impression about me.  I’m very boring and never get into trouble.”
    “I doubt that.”
    “Doubt what?”
    “That you are boring.  The trouble part is definitely true.”
    “I’ll have you know that I’m not a trouble maker.”
    “If you say so.”
    She laughed, “Thanks