" He shifted uncomfortably. “No. I inquired after you when you did not appear at dinner.” She could have giggled with poorly contained glee. Yes! A successful invasion indeed! “You missed me!” she crowed. “The wretched dog missed you,” he said. “I don’t believe he let go of my waistcoat the entire meal.” “Poor Jock. "

― K.M. Shea , Beauty and the Beast (Timeless Fairy Tales, #1)