Puppy Love!. Sienna Mercer

probably from the stoop-walking.’ Daniel shrugged as he pulled on his own shirt again. ‘Mine’s probably creased, too. So what?’

      ‘But no one can tell with yours.’ Justin shook his head and did his best to smooth down his shirt. ‘Whatever. I’m just glad to be heading back where I belong. Seriously, dude, don’t ever ask me to do that again.’

      ‘I won’t.’ Daniel grimaced. ‘Trust me. But look!’ He held out his arm. ‘I’m all back to normal again. No fur! So, thanks – you really did save me.’

      ‘Yeah,’ Justin said, doing his best to look confident. ‘Saved you. That’s what I did. Yep. Although, I think you should start talking about your favourite bands – Debi seems really keen for some recommendations.’

      ‘Awesome – that’s conversation I’m actually good at!’

      By the time he slid back into the seat across from Riley a minute later, Justin was more than ready to call the not-a-date over. ‘Hey, do you want to get out of here?’

      ‘What?’ Riley’s head jerked up from the stack of clipboards she’d been studying. While Justin had been gone, they’d somehow multiplied from two to four. Now she ignored them all to stare at him in open shock. ‘You want to leave already? I thought we were having dessert. Your stomach was rumbling just a minute ago – and they make the best ice cream in town here!’

      ‘Uh . . .’

      Justin’s stomach gurgled warningly. Warning! Warning! Explosion imminent!

      Riley’s brown eyes were fixed on him. He swallowed hard, fighting back a groan. He knew how much she loved ice cream.

      ‘Of course,’ he mumbled, and sank down in the seat, giving up. ‘I just forgot.’

      ‘Oh, good!’ Riley said.

      Justin put on his best fake smile as he signalled for the waitress. ‘Two sundaes, please!’

      ‘Large ones,’ added Riley.

      Riley went back to doodling quickly on one of the clipboards, while Justin tried to prepare himself for more food.

      This was what sappy singers meant every time they sang ‘love hurts’.