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As he turned away to go take another look at those pictures, the front door burst inward toward Jack. Jumping back before it clocked him, he lost his balance as the female that followed quickly through the door did clock him in a soft collision of breasts against his chest.
“Ohmygosh, I’m so sorry.” Standing in front of him, a pretty blush spread on her lightly tanned cheeks.
“No problem…miss?” He backed up to give her space, shoving the front door closed.
“Lizzie Moran.” She held out a hand. “And you are?”
“Jack Clark.” He shook her hand, just skimming her knuckles with his fingers, a pleasant connection. So this is the famous Lizzie, now he was sorry for not meshing.
Beguiling smile, tender eyes, legs even better close up. On the skinny side, but appealing curves where it counts. Plus she obviously cares about Charlie and that means a great deal.
“Oh. Jack finally.” She brushed her bangs out of her eyes. “Mari told me so much about you. Nice to meet you.”
She bent her head and surveyed the floor.
“Looking for your dog?” He turned toward the back of the house joining in the search.
“Ah, yes. Marty. Marty!” she blasted.
Good lungs. His ears vibrated. The dog tore from behind him toward Lizzie with jubilant owner worship yips. Lizzie scooped up the little dog and let her lick the side of her cheek unhindered. Made Jack want to be a Boston terrier.
“Cute dog.” He couldn’t help but look at those legs.
“Thanks. Where’s Charlie?” She looked around nudging the dog away from her face.
“Taking a shower.” Finally getting Charlie up and about brought a smile to his face.
“No kidding?” Her deep green eyes widened twice their size. “What did you do, club him and prop him up under the water?”
Jack laughed. “No. But it crossed my mind.”
She turned toward the open door. “I have to run. Tell Charlie I came back for Marty?”
“Sure,” he agreed following her toward the door.
“Nice to finally meet you, Jack. And, thank you for whatever you did to make the difference with Charlie. I’ve been knocking my head against the wall trying to get through to him.” She smiled and turned slowly toward the street.
“Same here.” He stood and watched her walk the dog down the block. Mari, bless her heart, might have been on to something.
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Unaware they share the same goal, Lizzie and Jack motivate Jack’s brother Charlie out of his despondency after the death of his wife. Lizzie and Jack both understand loss. Liz was jilted by her fiancé the same day her parents died ten years ago and Jack’s mother abandoned her small sons to life with a father who never recovered from the separation.