“So … Knox?You aren’t in it for the long haul?Because if not, you really need to tell him that.”
This had to be a novel experience.A female friend warning her not to use Knox?Didn’t that usually go the other way around?Except … Laylee knew her own rep and the impression she often gave.
She stepped out of her ruined romper, then decided to change her panties too since everything had been soaked in the creek.She’d really like a shower, but didn’t want the others to have to wait for her.
After tossing her rumpled clothes in a corner, she stepped into her underwear.“Before Knox, I never wanted anything serious.”
“And now?”
“Now, with Knox, I’d really like it if it never ended.You can’ttell him I said that, though.Promise me.I don’t want him pressured into anything.”
“I won’t say a word, but I’m relieved.He’s a family-oriented guy.Marcus says Knox has always been looking for the real deal.”
“That was all of them, right?From what I understand, Marcus had to chase you down.”
Lucy’s smile went crooked.“Not that I fought him that hard.”
“And Bray was hung up on Karen for a while before she gave in.”
“True.She was dealing with a lot and was worried about dragging anyone else into her problems.”
“And I know my sister started an arrangement with Ford, but it wasn’t supposed to be a romance.Just convenient.Like neighbors helping neighbors.”
“All true.They really are a super-great group of guys.”Lucy grinned and said, “Welcome to the club.”
She knew Lucy was teasing, but it was still an awesome feeling to be accepted.“Let’s hope Knox feels the same.”Aware of Lucy’s avid attention, she finished changing and held out her arms.“What do you think?Casual enough for the group?”
“Casual, sure, but you still look like a supermodel.I bet it drives Knox wild.”
Laylee burst out laughing—until Knox tapped at the door.
“Food’s on the table and the animals are cuddling if you two want to join us.”
“Food,” Laylee said dramatically.“I’m starving.”She opened the door, got caught up against Knox’s chest, and was treated to a warm kiss.
“How are you feeling?Better?”
“I wasn’t feeling bad, but yes, it’s nice to get changed.I need a shower, but I’m too hungry to wait.”
Lucy followed them out.“I’m sorry, I didn’t make anything new.I kept your chicken and biscuits warm, and I’d just reheated the potatoes when we saw Knox’s truck pull in.”
“It’ll be perfect,” Laylee promised her.Right now, a bowl of cold cereal would have thrilled her.
Both women came to an abrupt halt when they reached the kitchen.Maybelline was sprawled out on her massive doggy bed near the patio doors, with Tank curled up near her chin as usual.The big surprise was that River had crawled right up on top of her and was busy kneading her scruff with his claws.
“Aww,” Lucy breathed.
Speaking just as quietly, Laylee said, “Maybelline seems to like it.”
Marcus pulled out a chair for his wife.“You don’t need to whisper.None of them are budging.I think they’re settled in for a while.”
Knox explained that while Marcus had taken out the dogs, he’d put the cat box in the utility room and made sure River knew where to find it.“Maybelline acted like we were torturing her by not letting River out in the yard too, and as soon they did their business, they ran back to each other—Tank included—and got into that pile.”
“Huh.”Laylee smiled at him.“Guess I—or rather we—have a forever cat.I wonder how he’ll be when Maybelline and Tank go next door.”
“My guess is that Ford and Skye need to get a cat box.”
They were all amused by the inside joke.Initially, Skye had adopted Tank and Ford had adopted Maybelline, but the dogs were inseparable, so they took turns, always together, first at one house and then at the other.Each house had accommodations for the animals—beds, food, treats.Skye and Ford had even fenced their yards together to make it easier.
