Pawsitively Improvised

Busybody

Chapter 11

She was distracted on her nightly walk with Renaldo. He got away with so much more than usual because of it. The only time her attention was on her dog was when he thought he could take advantage of her wandering mind. Several times he jumped up on her leg only to be deterred. As they neared home, he tried once again.

“What did he mean?” Her tone was more snappish than usual, and she suspected it was starting to scare him a little. He gave her a wide berth, side eyeing her the entire time. He was the only one she could ask though, as she didn’t want to openly admit it was bugging her. If Jude’s intentions had been to get under her skin, he succeeded.

She barely paid attention to the elevator doors opening. If it hadn’t been for Renaldo pulling her by the leash, she might never have entered. Absently pressing the button for their floor, she leaned against the wall staring off into space.

“What does it mean? What was the point in telling me that?”

“What does what mean?” She hadn’t been expecting a response to her ramblings and had jumped at the sound of another person.

“Huh?” Was her intelligible reply as she found herself looking over at Chase.

“Weren’t you talking to me?” It took a moment to process that she had been speaking out loud. She cringed as her face heated up.

“Sorry. I didn’t realize I wasn’t alone.” Chase waved her apology away, turning his full interest on her.

“No big deal. What’s got you spacing out?”

“Just a puzzle.” It was the only thing that came to mind on short notice. Chase brought his hand up to tap his chin.

“Why not tell me what it is, and I’ll help solve it. Believe it or not, I’m actually pretty good at puzzles.” The temptation of being able to unburden her mind almost had her blabbing. The only way to distract him was to redirect him.

“Really? I would have thought Lewis would be the puzzle solver.” This earned her a frown as he squinted at her. Just as quickly, his face cleared as a sly smile slid into place.

“I’m not simply a pretty face, you know. Nice distraction, by the way. You almost had me.”

“I don’t know what you’re referring to.”

“Oh, this must be something really good. Come on tell me already.” Her mouth dropped open as she stared at him. Before she could say anything, Renaldo jumped on Chase’s leg. She supposed there were more effective ways to counter his curiosity.

“Renaldo no. Bad boy. Get down.” She shortened the leash while they worked together to get her dog back on all fours.

“You really need to teach him better manners, Kira.” Couldn’t the same be said for him? Chase didn’t always have the best of manners either, as far as she was concerned.

“Instant karma for trying to gossip.”

“Kira. You wound me.” Snorting, she rolled her eyes.

“I don’t believe that for a second.” Straightening, he brushed the nonexistent dirt on his clothing. Sniffing, he changed the subject, bringing things back around.

“Don’t think you’re getting off that easy. Something has you worked up. Or is it someone?” A Cheshire smile broke out across his features. He thought he had figured it out. Well, honestly, he had, but she wasn’t about to tell him that.

The elevator dinged its arrival at her floor. It opened to the view of her hallway. It was her turn to smile broadly.

“You’re welcome to come over and discuss this further.” Chase’s smile fell as he looked down the hall. The horrified look that covered his face had her laughing hysterically. Renaldo took off running to greet her unexpected visitor.

“I’ll pass.” He deadpanned at her. She grinned, thoroughly enjoying his discomfort.

“Chicken.” She teased, knowing there was no way their conversation was continuing now.

“Absolutely.” He admitted without shame. She couldn’t really fault his cowardice though. Not many had the patience to deal with her grandfather. When she had lived at home she really hadn’t either. Time away from his antics had made her miss his particular brand of crazy. The feeling probably wouldn’t last long, however. Giving Chase a teasing wave, she made her way over to her door. She was surprised her phone wasn’t blowing up with frantic calls from her aunt yet. Judging by the worn suitcase at his feet, she was sure he had run away from home again. Heaven help the poor geriatric women in her building because grandpa was moving in.