A Dog and a Diamond Read Free Page B

there.
    â€œI don’t understand what they were looking for,” she said, surveying the mess. It would take her days to clean this up, but her first priority was finding Muffin.
    Callum came up behind her. “Probably just kids, but either way, we should call the police before you move anything.”
    â€œI need to do up some notices about Muffin and hang them around the neighborhood.” She glanced over at her little desk—or rather where her little desk was usually set up in the corner—and promptly burst into tears. They hadn’t taken her laptop or her printer but the desk had been upturned, her laptop looked to be broken in two and her printer lay in a number of smashed up pieces.
    Callum cursed as he followed her gaze. Two seconds later he was right beside her. “Here.” He offered her a crisp white handkerchief. She took it, surprised—she didn’t know men still carried such things.
    â€œThank you,” she whispered and then used it to wipe her eyes.
    As if a mind reader, he said, “My mom makes me carry it. She says you never know when you’ll need one and I’d never admit it to her, but it does come in handy every now and then.”
    She almost smiled. “I’m Chelsea Porter, by the way. And tell your mom thanks.”
    â€œI will. I’d tell you my name but I think you already know it. Can I fix you a drink? A coffee or maybe something stronger? I’d offer you a whiskey but I left in a bit of a hurry and didn’t bring any.”
    Wasn’t she supposed to be the one offering him a drink? She shook her head. “Thanks, but all I care about right now is finding Muffin.”
    And she didn’t drink—not that he needed to know that.
    â€œI know you’re concerned about your dog,” he said, his tone soft and understanding, “so let me call this in to the cops and then I’ll help you work out what to do about Muffin.”
    She sniffed and looked up at him properly. Lord, he was delicious, but she didn’t even know him. “You’re being very kind to me, considering...considering what I did to you.”
    He shrugged. “I have two little sisters. I’m used to female hysterics.”
    She noticed he made no comment on his now ex -fiancée. “I can guarantee I’m not usually like this.”
    His lips curled up at the edges and she couldn’t help but smile a little too. “Besides, my mom would have my guts for garters if I left you alone to deal with this.”
    â€œI like the sound of your mom.”
    â€œShe’s not bad. But if you’d prefer, I could call a friend to come and be with you.”
    She should tell him that he could go and she would call a friend herself, but the truth was she hadn’t made any real friends in her time in Bend. Acquaintances yes, but no one she’d call on in an emergency, and however pathetic it made her, she didn’t want to be left alone right now. This burglary had shaken her up, reminded her that no matter how hard she worked to achieve the things she wanted, she still didn’t have complete control over her life. “I haven’t been in town long enough to make many friends.” Then she added, “But you don’t have to babysit me. I’m a big girl.”
    â€œYou are tall,” he said. “I haven’t met many women who are up to my chin without wearing heels, but I wouldn’t call you big.”
    He’d noticed she was wearing flats? She couldn’t help being impressed—in her experience most men noticed nothing unless it was naked—and also a little flattered. Which was ridiculous. He’d just been dumped by his fiancée and Chelsea’s priority right now was finding Muffin. Her heart rate quickened again and she swallowed, trying to halt another wave of tears.
    â€œBut,” he continued, hopefully oblivious to her thoughts, “you shouldn’t have to deal