Mistletoe Match (No Match for Love)

by Lindzee Armstrong

  “Excellent,” Mark said. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. We don’t have to be liked to do our jobs, but it makes things a heck of a lot easier.”

  “I’ve been thinking about that,” Austin said. “Now might be the perfect time to ride this wave and consider implementing company-wide changes that will improve our test animals’ quality of life. We could even begin exploring options to eliminate animal testing completely.”

  Mark gave a harsh laugh. “Yeah, that’s not going to happen. Okay, let’s hear from operations.”

  Austin sank back into his chair, not surprised his suggestions had been brushed off so easily. Wellsprings Pharmaceutical had been brushing off a lot. Now he understood what had enticed Michelle to steal Bella from the cosmetic company. That bunny had looked so pathetic in his dirty, dank cage. If Michelle had seen that lab room, he had no doubt she would’ve tried to set every animal free. Was he wrong to not be doing the same?

  He wondered how Michelle was really doing without Bella. He’d never owned a pet, but her grief over losing the dog had been real and run deep. She stuck to her convictions in a way that was more than admirable … it was attractive. After seeing that test lab, he appreciated her dedication to her cause even more.

  No one could ever replace Bella. But he hated the thought of Michelle being all alone.

  After work he drove to the animal shelter, a dilapidated building with peeling paint and a faded sign. An employee smiled brightly from behind the reception desk when he entered.

  “Hi,” she said. “What can I help you with today?”

  Austin stuck his hands in his pockets. “A dog.”

  “We have lots of those.” The perky blonde walked around the desk, ponytail swaying with each step. “Let me guess—a Christmas present for someone special.”

  “Something like that.”

  She pulled a key ring off a hook on the wall. “Are you looking for any specific breed?”

  Austin scratched his chin. Bella had been a beagle. Would Michelle want a dog that reminded her of Bella, or someone completely different? “I’m not sure. I think I’ll know when I see it.”

  The girl unlocked a door and pushed it open, motioning Austin inside. He stepped into a large room lined with cages and was instantly struck with how clean the room smelled. The scent of animal was definitely present, but disinfectant and cleaner layered on top of it. He peered inside a cage. A beige cat looked back at him, a cone around its head. The cat snarled and walked to the back of its cage, revealing a stitched wound on its side. The cat was thin but clean, the wound obviously healing well. Austin looked into the next cage. A fat tomcat slept near a bowl brimming with water. The bedding inside the cage was clean and fresh, the water crystal clear.

  “The dogs are over here,” the girl said, motioning him toward the end of the row. “We have volunteers come in the morning and that’s when we let the animals into our fenced yard to stretch. We’re a no-kill shelter, and we’re very proud of that. Every animal finds a home.”

  “Looks like you’ve got a great operation here.”

  “Thanks. Our CEO, Ruth, is the president of Their Only Voice as well. Maybe you’ve heard of them? She’s very passionate about animals.”

  Austin ran a hand through his hair, surprise settling over him. Ruth owned this shelter? He remembered reading that in the dossier of information he’d been given on the group, now that he thought about it.

  “Here we go,” the girl said. She walked over to a cage. “This collie has been with us for about a week. Our vet estimates she’s six years old, and she’s got a bit of a limp. But her temperament is very mild, which makes her the perfect dog for a family.”

  Austin peered into the cage, admiring the golden hair of the large dog. “She’s nice,” he said.

  A small yip sounded from a few cages over.

  “She’s a sweetheart,” the employee agreed. “Her owner actually passed away, and no one in the family wanted to deal with her. We’ve also got a Dalmatian here, which is pretty rare. I think he’ll go quickly.”

  Another yip came, this one louder than the first.

  “Are you thinking a puppy or older dog?” the girl asked. “That’ll help us narrow down our search.”

  The yipping turned into a weak bark.

  “I’m sorry,” the girl said. She walked over to a cage and unlocked it. A puppy with hair the color of dark chocolate nearly tumbled out of the cage. “Whoa! Hold on, girl. Let’s get you some food.” The employee scratched the dog behind her ears. “Sorry, this girl only came in last night. Someone found her in a park and brought her in. She’s half-starved but the vet said she’ll be just fine with a little food and love.”

  The dog looked up at Austin with large, soulful eyes—eyes that reminded him of Michelle’s. The dog let out a bark, louder and stronger than her previous ones.

  “She’s female?” Austin asked, holding out his hand for the dog to sniff.

  “Yes. A chocolate lab mix we think. She was pretty quiet last night, but after a few square meals her puppy energy seems to be returning. She’s about eight weeks old.”

  The dog licked Austin’s fingers, her rough tongue tickling his skin.

  “I’ll take her,” Austin said.

  Forty minutes later he parked on Michelle’s curb and reached inside the box, gently coaxing the puppy into his arms. He knocked on the door, worrying this was the worst idea ever. What if Michelle thought he was trying to replace Bella? What if she didn’t want to house train a puppy? What if she simply wasn’t ready to welcome another dog into her life?

  The door swung open, and Michelle’s eyes immediately wandered from staring up at Austin to the dog in his arms. “Hi,” she said, her eyes glued to the puppy.

  “Hi.” Austin tightened his hold and the puppy growled, struggling to get free. “I thought I’d come by and see how you’re doing.”

  “I’m doing okay.” She reached out a tentative hand, scratching the puppy behind the ears. “Is he yours?”

  “She. And I thought you might want her.”

  Michelle’s eyes widened. “You got me a dog?”

  The puppy scrambled up his shoulder and Austin snagged her just in time. “I know. As soon as I drove up, I realized how stupid it is. I didn’t even stop to think whether you’d be ready for a new dog, or if you liked labs, or even wanted a puppy—”

  Michelle placed a gentle finger on his lips, silencing him immediately. She slowly withdrew her finger, leaving a fire that couldn’t be dowsed. “Can I hold her?”

  “Oh. Sure.” Austin transferred the dog into her arms. The puppy let out a yip, but Michelle rubbed behind her ears and cooed nonsensical words. The dog instantly calmed down. She let out a happy bark and settled in Michelle’s arms.

  “She’s a sweetie,” Michelle said. “But she looks so thin and so young. Is she big enough to be away from her mama?”

  “She doesn’t have a mom. Animal control found her shivering and hungry in a city park last night and brought her to the shelter. They told me the vet estimated she was eight weeks old.”

  “You poor thing,” Michelle crooned. But the dog’s eyes were already closed, fast asleep.

  “Do you like her?” Austin asked, his heart in his throat.

  Michelle looked up, her eyes ringed with tears. “I didn’t think I was ready for a new dog. But the second I saw her, I knew I was wrong. Thank you.”

  “I’ve been imagining you lonely and sad, and I didn’t want that to be the case for even one more night.” When had he taken a step closer? Michelle’s green eyes were luminous and her teeth gently pulled at her bottom lip.

  “How did you know I let Bella sleep in my bed?” Michelle asked.

  “It just seemed like the kind of thing you’d do.”

  She opened the door wider and stepped back. “Would you like to come in?”

  “I’d love to.” Austin stepped inside and closed the door behind him. Michelle’s home was just as he’d imagined it. The walls were
painted a cheery butter yellow, and garland hung between the sconce lights. She led him into a living room with a rich white shag rug that contrasted beautifully against the dark wood floors. A Christmas tree sat in one corner of the room, decorated entirely in doggie treats. He sat down on the love seat, pushing aside a few throw pillows to make room.

  “I can’t believe you got me a new dog,” Michelle said. “No one’s ever done something so nice for me.”

  “The second I saw her I knew you two were made for each other. What are you going to name her?”

  “Lola, I think.” The dog gave a large yawn, then settled back in her arms. Michelle smiled. “Yes, Lola suits her perfectly.”

  Austin steepled his fingers, staring at the ground before looking back up at Michelle. “What’s going on between us, Michelle?”

  Her cheeks turned pink and she looked away. “I don’t know. But what I do know is that today I quit Their Only Voice, an organization I’ve been dedicated to for years, because they wouldn’t stop insulting your character. And I didn’t feel the least bit of remorse as I walked away.”

  All the air left his lungs. “I’m … I’m sorry. I never meant for our association to cause problems for you.”

  Michelle smiled, gently scratching behind Lola’s ears. “I’m not. If they can’t see what a good man you are, then I don’t want any part of their organization.”

  “Michelle—”

  She held up a hand. “I’ve been burned a lot by relationships in the past. Every time I get closed to a man, he decides that I’m too young, or too serious, or too animal-obsessed. The basic facts still remain—you work for a company I hate, I’m your daughter’s teacher, and a slew of other complications could arise. But this is the most alive I’ve felt in years.”

  “Me too,” he whispered, letting his fingers gently caress her cheek. Her skin was as smooth as silk, and a delicious ache welled inside him.

  Michelle leaned into his hand, then pulled away. And that was okay.

  “I would very much like to take you out on a date,” Austin said.

  Michelle smiled, her entire face softening. “Okay.”

  Austin left Michelle’s, resolve filling him. He wanted to be like her—strong in her convictions even when the cost was high. After the kids were in bed, he sat in his home office and looked over all the information he’d collected on Wellsprings Pharmaceutical. Those documents had to have been altered. Information didn’t add up, and the pit in his gut told him that he’d stumbled across something big. Something life-changing.

  He picked up a picture frame near his monitor, staring into the face of his three children. Would he want them to take the safe route that promised job security, or do the right thing, no matter the consequences? Which man did he want to be?

  He pulled out his phone and looked at the picture he’d snapped of Michelle and Lola, memorizing the lines of her face. She’d stolen Bella knowing she’d have to quit her job. She’d left Their Only Voice because they were slandering him. She always made the hard choice. And so could he.

  Michelle floated through the next few days. Lola was an energetic puppy with a playful personality, and Michelle poured her love into the dog. She still missed Bella, but Lola helped fill the void. She couldn’t believe Austin had done something so kind for her. He invaded her thoughts at the most unexpected of moments, and she found herself looking forward to their nightly texts with an anticipation that scared her.

  She saw him briefly during the second grade Christmas program, sitting on the front row with a proud smile as he watched Sydney sing. Michelle was distracted all through the program, but the children didn’t seem to notice and sang their songs beautifully.

  Michelle dismissed the students, and Sydney ran down the stage steps, throwing herself into Austin’s waiting arms.

  “You were amazing!” Austin said.

  “I didn’t forget any of the words,” Sydney said.

  “I know. I’m so proud of you.” Austin straightened, giving Michelle a smile that had her stomach doing cartwheels. “We’re still on for tomorrow?”

  “Seven o’clock,” Michelle confirmed.

  “I can’t wait.” He wrapped an arm around Sydney and motioned to the refreshment table. “Let’s go get a cookie before I have to head back to work.”

  “Chloe said there are chocolate cookies,” Sydney said as the pair walked away. Michelle watched them, her attraction toward Austin growing by the second.

  The next day the children were rambunctious, eager for the final bell to ring so they could start their vacation. Michelle wasn’t much better than her students. She couldn’t wait to go out with Austin that night.

  School let out with a burst of excited laughter and calls of “Merry Christmas!” and “Happy Holidays!” Michelle cranked up her favorite local radio station on the drive home, enjoying the holiday music and the excitement of the season. She loved Christmas and everything about it. Maybe Austin would invite her over during the break. She’d love to spend another evening making caramel popcorn and watching Christmas movies with his family.

  The song ended, and the radio announcer came on. “Good afternoon,” he said. “Schools are out for the holiday break and parents everywhere are wondering how they’ll survive the next few weeks.”

  Michelle laughed.

  “It’s not going to be a Merry Christmas for everyone, John,” the female announcer said. “The much-discussed Wellsprings Pharmaceutical just announced this morning that testing of a new anti-seizure medication has been halted due to adverse effects on test animals. The FDA has sent them a cease and desist letter. All twenty rabbits in the trial have suffered neurological damage due to the effects of the drug.”

  Michelle’s ears started buzzing, and her chest felt tight.

  “That’s unfortunate timing for Wellsprings,” John said. “But I still think they’re the good guys. They donated all that money to send students to the San Diego Zoo, for crying out loud.”

  “Unfortunate timing for them? What about the bunnies?” the female announcer demanded.

  Michelle’s fingers curled around the steering wheel. Those poor rabbits. She wanted to rush home to Lola and spend the rest of the evening holding the puppy close.

  “Oh, it’s awful what’s happened to those animals, no doubt about it,” John said. “But think how much more tragic it would’ve been if they tested the drug on people. Rabbits don’t have families to support or people at work depending on them.”

  “It wouldn’t be more tragic,” Michelle yelled at the radio. “Life is life.”

  “The new marketing director seems to feel the same way you do,” the female announcer said. “A new ad campaign has already been launched on both the company’s website and social media platforms using the hashtag #worththerisk. The photo shows a dog looking up into the eyes of a small child and basically playing the martyr card. It’s disgusting.”

  “Why not a rabbit?” the male announcer asked.

  “I guess dogs are more sympathetic.”

  Michelle’s blood ran cold. A new ad campaign would have been approved by Austin. She barely heard the rest of the news report. Once home, she raced into her office and flipped on the computer, Lola nipping at her heels. An image filled the main page of the company’s website, exactly as the radio announcer had described. A small boy, perhaps two, sat on the floor laughing as a dog licked his cheek. A thought bubble from the dog’s mouth said, “I’m happy to submit to animal testing so that he never has to deal with the side effects. #worththerisk.”

  Michelle ran to the trash can and dry heaved, but nothing came up. She stumbled into the living room and sank onto the couch, her knees trembling. Austin had approved this campaign? It was revolting. Disgusting.

  She thought around and around the issue for an hour, trying to find a scenario that didn’t put Austin in the wrong. But any marketing campaign would need his okay.

  Lola let out a little bark and hopped up onto the couch, curling next to Michelle. She
placed a hand on Lola’s back, needing the reassuring rise and fall of her breath. How could the man who’d given her Lola be the man who approved that ad campaign? Which Austin was the real one?

  The clock ticked closer to seven, but Michelle didn’t bother changing clothes or reapplying makeup for her date. She wouldn’t be going out with Austin tonight. Her heart cracked, pieces scattering across the floor as her chest heaved with cries she couldn’t release. She should call him and cancel, but she wanted to see his face when she confronted him about the ad.

  When the doorbell finally rang at seven, it echoed through the apartment like a death knell. Lola jumped up and barked frantically.

  “Shhh,” Michelle said, pulling the puppy close. She opened the door and her heart caught in her throat, nearly choking her. Austin looked beyond dashing in a maroon button-down shirt and sports coat. Nothing like an animal hater who didn’t care if dozens of bunnies suffered brain damage as long as his company made money. How had she been so wrong about him?

  “Hey,” he said, giving her wrinkled skirt and blouse a quick once-over. “You ready to go?”

  “I saw the ad campaign.” Michelle forced the words out through tight lips. “How could you?”

  His face turned ashen. “You heard about the recall?”

  “Yes. And your opinion on the matter has come through loud and clear.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “The ad campaign!” she screamed. She brought a hand to her face and pinched the bridge of her nose. Lola struggled to get down, but she clutched the puppy even closer. “I can’t date someone who believes those things. Who will make money off the pain and suffering of others.”

  Austin ran a hand through his hair, shifting his weight from foot to foot. “I didn’t approve that campaign. An intern went over my head to the CEO. Mark loved it and the ads started running without my approval.”