Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by JoAnn Durgin

Author:JoAnn Durgin [Durgin, JoAnn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: christian Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-61116-230-1
Publisher: Pelican Ventures Book Group
Published: 2012-11-26T05:00:00+00:00

10

“Did you start a war in here?” Dylan stood in the middle of Jake’s living room early that evening. He raised his hands in the air, making a slow circle as he surveyed the mess. “You need a housekeeper something fierce, man. At least I know what to get you for Christmas.”

A knock sounded on the front door. “Who could that be?” Jake mumbled.

“It’s Jules.”

A low growl escaped from between Jake’s clenched teeth. “It’s embarrassing enough to have you over here. Did you invite her?”

Dylan shrugged. “You obviously need guidance, and I have a family to get home to. My sister loves to help the wounded and the clueless. Go open the door and don’t leave her waiting. It’s cold out there.”

Jake scowled and rubbed a hand over the five o’clock stubble on his jaw as he marched toward the front foyer. His feet touched wetness on the carpet near the desk, and he released a groan of frustration. Throwing open the door, he motioned to Julia with one hand. “Come on in, but enter at your own risk.”

The way Julia’s mouth twisted, it appeared she tried not to grin as she came inside the house and closed the door behind her. “Hello to you, too.” Her eyes grew large as she took in the chaos. “Dylan thought you might need a little help, and I think he’s right.”

Jake’s shoulders slumped. “It’s official. I’m a failure as a dog owner. I bought her a ton of toys, but all Bailey does is shred stuff and do her business whenever I turn my head.” He led Julia into the living room and waved a hand toward his mother’s favorite throw rug with its newly-minted stain. “Mom will kill me when she sees this if Dad doesn’t finish me off first.”

“Yeah, and no way will any female want to come near you smelling like you do at this moment,” Dylan said.

Jake could only stare at Dylan. What a thing to say.

“Other than you, of course, Jules. But you’re like a sister to Jake.” Dylan trained his gaze on him. “Right, buddy?”

Jake’s scowl deepened. “It’s eau de puppy, man.” As much as he hated to admit it, Dylan was right. He needed a good, long shower and a powerful deodorizer for the entire house. He purposely chose to ignore the rest of his comment. “Is it too much to ask to get a little affection, even from a dog?” He blew out a sigh. “You could have warned me, you know.”

Dylan scoffed. “Yeah, right. I’m still getting used to kids of the human kind. I’ll learn from your mistakes, thank you very much.”

“Well, I’m making enough of them.” Jake tossed squeaky chew toys in the basket by the hearth. He’d spent a small fortune, but so far, Bailey seemed more interested in chewing the bottom of the couch or trying to get at the toys waiting to be fixed. “In some ways, I think a baby might be easier. At least they sleep a lot and don’t wander all over the house leaving little legacies.

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