“Because some asshole scares the shit out of you in the middle of the night.”
I shake my head, nod, then shake it again. “No. I mean, yes, but that was little. Honestly not as bad as finding out my former BFF had her baby when my mother texted me to ask why I didn’t tell her first, and then realizing I can’t put off telling my mom that we’re not friends anymore.”
He studies me like he doesn’t believe me.
“I would’ve been throwing up yesterday morning regardless of what did or didn’t happen the night before.”
Jessica trots up the stairs and growls at Holt through the screen door.
“You’d think I didn’t feed her and walk her and buy her seven different doggy beds,” he mutters.
“Clearly, she needs eight. Plus a play set in the backyard.” I get up and let her into the porch.
She trots to Holt, turns her back on him, and aims her butt like she’s farting at him.
“Jessica,” I chide.
She gives me thewhat? He deserves itlook.
“He pays for your food,” I point out.
She snorts.
“I must’ve murdered dogs in a former life,” Holt mutters.
“It’s not you—” I start, but the plumber interrupts me.
“Mr. Webster? I gotta run out and pick up a part. Should have everything installed by the end of the day though. You got a preference on grout color?”
Holt rises, giving me a clear view of his gray cotton shorts, andfuck.
Look away, Ziggy. Look. Away.
He’s not wearing underwear.
I swear, he’s not wearing underwear, and the movement under his shorts is?—
Stop stop stop, Ziggy.
Jessica snarls at the plumber, and I barely grab her collar in time before she takes off running at him.
There’s a solid reason the dog stays outside while the plumber’s here.
“Doggie park?” I say to her.
She’s still growling at the men.
“Your dog doesn’t much like me,” the plumber says to Holt, whose butt cheeks are perfectly displayed by the stretch of his shorts.
Good god.
The man’s legs are thick as tree trunks and his ass?—
STOP IT, ZIGGY.
It doesn’t matter who sculpted his ass or how broad his shoulders are or that he’s been incredibly kind about me puking nearly every time I see him.
It matters that he’s giving me a place to stay for a few more weeks.
