Page 5 of The Naughty List

I don’t point out the fact that the diner being across the street isn’t karma’s doing, or that this town is small enough that everything is within pointing distance. She wants to believe in karma? I want that for her, too. I want her world to be as magical and pure as possible.

“I can introduce you to the—"

“Walker Evans, what are you doing without a coat on?” Mable Thatcher interrupts me, her voice carrying over to us from across the street. “And why is the office still locked up? I’ve got an awfully suspicious mole that needs looked at.”

Indie giggles, the sound traveling through me and settling somewhere deep in my chest. I swear I feel it warming me up from the inside out, though I know that’s not possible. I have a feeling my pixie is going to challenge everything I thought I knew to be true.

“I’ll be right there, Mrs. Thatcher,” I call back and wave.

“Oh my! Who are you talking to?” She cranes her neck forward and shields her eyes from the bright winter sun to get a better look. “Well, are you going to introduce me to your lady friend?”

I groan internally at the old woman. She means well, and she hasn’t been subtle about wanting me to settle down and find a nice woman. I look back at Indigo, who is grinning from ear to ear. “Yeah, are you going to introduce me?” she asks playfully.

“Whatever you want, pixie.” Indie smiles and blushes again, letting me know she likes my endearment for her.

I take her gloved hand in mine, leading us across the street to the nosey but well-meaning Mable Thatcher.

“Mable, this is Indigo. She just moved here from—"

“Yes, yes, from California with her sister and nephew,” Mable finishes for me, waving her hand in the air as if to dismiss my introduction. Typical Mable. She knows more about my girl than I do. The old woman has her hand in pretty much everything around here, including the latest town gossip.

“Hi,” Indigo says, not missing a beat. “Mable, is it?”

“Yes, Mable Thatcher, dear. Where is your coat?” she asks Indie before glaring at me. “Where is her coat? Why is she wearing yours? Get your woman a coat for goodness sake!”

My face heats up with embarrassment, which is something new for me. I don’t usually care what anyone thinks. “I’m working on it,” I mumble, running my fingers through my hair. Indie squeezes my hand, causing me to turn my head and look down at her. She’s still got that adorable grin on her face with a hint of mischief in her eyes.

“Good,” Mable says with a nod of her head before returning her attention to Indie. “Now, tell me what you’re doing wandering around out here in the snow. And in nothing more than sneakers! Don’t worry, Walker will fix that, too.”

I have to chuckle at that. She’s not wrong.

“I’m looking for a job. Walker said the Snow Angel Diner might be hiring.”

“Excellent! I need some breakfast, how about you? My treat. I know everyone who works there. I’ll put in a good word for you.” Mrs. Thatcher loops her arm through Indie’s and starts walking to the diner a few doors down.

“I have to give Walker his coat back,” Indie says, turning her head to look at me over her shoulder.

“I work right here,” I tell her, pointing to the door of my clinic. “You can give it back when I take you out for lunch later today.”

“Well, isn’t that so sweet!” Mabel swoons as she tugs Indie along. “I’ll have her back to you in no time,” she calls out

“What about your suspicious mole?” I ask, trying unsuccessfully to hide my smirk.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m fit as a fiddle.”

I grin and shake my head. Mable is in good health for being seventy-seven, but she's in my office more than anyone in this town, always complaining about one thing or another.

“Of course. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

Indie giggles, and then Mable leans over and whispers something in her ear, making her laugh even more. The sound rings in my ears, sweeter than anything I’ve ever heard before.

It’s official. I’m falling for the bright, bubbly Indigo Wright with teal eyes and a smile I feel from head to toe.

CHAPTER FOUR

INDIE

“And then my husband, God bless him, wrapped bright colored lights around the cactus and covered it with golden tinsel. Christmas was saved!” Mable laughs and shakes her head at the memory.