Chapter 11

I followed behind her, confused at who could be here, when I caught sight of a familiar dark head through the window. I picked up the pace and opened the door. Jason smiled with his eyes, his mask covering the lower part of his face, and stomped snow off his boots. Pippa pushed her face into the reusable grocery bag he was carrying, and we both ignored her to stare at each other.

“Can I come in?” he asked softly after a moment.

“Oh! Of course, yes. Pips, go lay down.” She ignored me, which she hardly ever did, so I grabbed her collar and gave her a gentle tug. She backed up, but kept her body between me and Jason. She was on alert, but not being overly protective. She’d met Jason before, but it had been a long while ago.

Jason stepped into the small hall, set down the bag, and pulled off his gloves. After shoving them into one pocket of his navy wool pea coat, he held out a hand, loose and relaxed, for Pippa to scent. She did with great enthusiasm, then gave me the side-eye.