How to Lose a Groom in 10 Days by Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock Page A

with fleece and one that was lined with microfiber.
    “You pick,” he said, the game suddenly losing some of its fun as he thought about the sadness in the lonely woman’s eyes.
    “This one,” Melanie said, holding up the microfiber bed, “is much softer. Oh, the decisions we have to make for you, Polly.”
    At the mention of her name, the dog surged forward, against her newly fitted collar.
    Grady couldn’t take his eyes off Melanie. She was beautiful. Nurturing. Everything he wanted. Everything he needed. Even when she was trying to push him away.
    “Maybe we should let Polly choose. We’ll take whatever she sniffs first. But let’s do it quickly. I have a surprise.” He yanked at his phone and went to work.
    *
    A quick Internet search had revealed the location of the local dog park where Grady insisted on taking Polly. Melanie still tried to wrap her brain around how quickly he’d gotten on board with the doggy parenting outing. Now, he insisted he wanted to make sure the pup was properly exercised. This didn’t fit with the party animal image she’d had of him as a pro athlete.
    What game was he playing? Or was this the real man and she hadn’t noticed before?
    They were the only ones at the wooded park. It was a perfect retreat with shady trees and benches. Away from reality. From the pressure of anything outside of caring for this adorable puppy.
    She watched Grady intently as he made sure Polly had water. His broad back was to her, and his shoulders were relaxed. The fresh air was doing them all some good.
    “You know, for never owning a dog, you’re practically a natural,” she called to him. Grady had been working with Polly for the better part of a half hour on the sit command.
    “Thanks, I was even careful to find a less visited park so she wouldn’t be exposed to germs from other dogs since she’s so young,” he said, a smile widening across his face as he turned to face her. Polly’s tail wagged in anticipation of the training treats. She twitched her feet in anticipation but stayed sitting. “Good girl.”
    He rewarded her with the treat. The pup chewed it happily.
    “What a good puppy,” Melanie cooed as the dog pranced up to her.
    Those warm cinnamon eyes met hers, twinkling with a compassion and love that she had never quite noticed before. Without question, he was thoroughly enjoying this low-key day. She’d misjudged him on this point.
    And what other things might she have mistaken?
    Melanie turned her focus back to Polly. “Here you go, girlie,” she said, tossing one of the newly purchased toys – a braided rope ball – out into the still-vacant dog park.
    “And you don’t have a bad throwing arm,” he observed, still smiling at her. Polly took off at a near-gallop after the toy, kicking up dirt and grass as she went to the edge of the park.
    “I can thank my dad for that. He thought it was an important skill for me to have. Probably because it was a way for him to still enjoy the game.”
    He nodded thoughtfully at her.
    The dog returned with her roped ball, tail wagging all the way back to them, clearly proud of herself. Polly dropped the toy in front of Grady, ready to go again. He sent the ball flying and she took off again. They did this routine five more times and he never once seemed annoyed.
    He was patient, reassuring. Everything that was important in a pet owner.
    Or a future father, a small voice inside of her called. How she wanted that to be true. A lump formed in her throat.
    She couldn’t let herself think like that though. It was too soon for her to go that far in her thoughts.
    She hitched her purse on her shoulder. “I’m ready for some dinner. Maybe we can get room service again?”
    He raised his brow, scooping up the ball and puppy. “Yeah, of course. A night in will be just what we need. Besides, I think Polly is exhausted. She’d probably appreciate some downtime as well.”
    Tucking Polly against his chest, he opened the park gates on their