Which he licked. And licked.
And licked.
“It’s getting a little gross, dude.”
Disagreeing, Maybelline sighed in bliss, closing her big brown eyes and accepting all the affection, both from him and the little dog.
“You two are quite the pair. What are we going to do when someone separates you?” He hated that thought so damn much. When you found someone you loved, who loved you back, you shouldn’t let them go. Ever.
Didn’t matter if they matched or made up the oddest pair ever.
“If only I was home a little more.”
Maybelline did that deep rumbling thing that sounded like a cross between a blender full of rocks and a cat purr. If the cat was a pissed-off lion.
“You’d like my friends.” Pretty sure they’d love Maybelline, too. Rock-solid guys, that’s what they were. And the women . . . He really enjoyed having female friends, gaining a new perspective on everything.
Probably what he felt for them was similar to what a brother would feel for a sister. Protective, affectionate, and caring without the slow burn of lust. It was comfortable.
Stroking the dog’s neck, softly playing with her ears, Ford imagined doing this every night. Maybelline would greet him when he got home from work. They’d have dinner, take a nice long walk, maybe a swim.... Did dogs swim in pools?
Maybelline would. And if not, she could sprawl on the deck.
Then they’d crash in front of the TV for a movie or something. “You’d take up the better portion of the couch, but I can get a bigger couch, no problem.”
The smaller dog made a noise, almost like a warning, and with a half grin of amusement, he stroked the little rat. “You’d both like Rebel, too. He’s my friend’s dog.” Absurd, but his throat got a little tight at the way the rat leaned into his hand. “No one wanted him either, but now he has a great family.”
Stop drawing comparisons, he ordered himself—and he didn’t mean comparisons between the dogs.
“Family isn’t everything though. Good friends are the best.” As if deciding Ford was okay, the rat got into his lap and half curled around Maybelline’s head, then burrowed his face under her loose lip, using it like a blanket. “See, like that.” Both dogs appeared content to sit in the sunshine with him, as long as they were together. “You two are damn cute—do you know that?”
What would happen when Knox settled down? After seeing the way Marcus and Bray had embraced the commitment of marriage, he knew it was only a matter of time. They were at that age. The age when a man’s thoughts veered away from the latest bar scene to . . . Well, hell. Doing what he was doing right now. Contemplating the future. Putting down serious roots. Understanding what was important in life—and it wasn’t the pool in his backyard.
“I always wanted a dog like you. I know, that sounds odd. You’re not much of a chick magnet, and pretty sure you’ve had some rough experiences.” He lightly traced a scar on Maybelline’s head where the fur would never return.
It filled him with fury. She was a big but gentle animal. However she’d gotten hurt, it was unforgivable. In a quiet whisper, he asked, “Were you a bait dog, baby? God, I’d like to find the bastard who mistreated you.”
Maybelline tilted her head just a little to eye him. “You’re still beautiful. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
She gave an answering grumble, and damn, it felt as if she wanted to reassure him. “Thanks, girl, but I’m fine.”
Shifting, she leaned against him more fully, turned her head to better see him, and almost crushed his junk in the bargain.
“Hey, careful around the jewels.” Wincing, he adjusted, straightening one leg. And that had both dogs quickly adjusting, too, until he was back in nearly the same position.
The little dog gave him a look of disdain, making him smile. “Yappers are annoying, but I don’t mind your yapping because it’s usually warranted. I mean, I get it. People can be jerks . . . me included. If I wasn’t a jerk, I’d have already stepped up, right?
While he stroked both dogs, his thoughts continued to riot. “I hate the idea of you guys being separated.” He bent over them, encompassing them in a hug. “If I had any family to help out . . .” But he didn’t. “Knox is busy enough already, and with Marcus and Bray married, I can’t impose on them. What if I had a twelve-hour day? I get those, you know.”
Unsure whether he was trying to reason with the dogs or himself, Ford continued. “Much as I’d love to take you home, it wouldn’t be fair to have you cooped up all day. I’m trying not to be selfish here.”
“I don’t think you’re selfish.”
The intrusion of that soft voice jolted all three of them. Ford jerked upright, Maybelline swung her big head around, and the rat went fiercely bonkers. He leapt off the bench, turned two circles, and gave Skye hell.
“How long have you been there?” Yes, his tone reeked of accusation. He’d just had a lengthy, maudlin,dramaticconversation with two dogs. He’d thought he was alone, and there she’d stood, daring to eavesdrop. “Why did you sneak up on me?”
“I saw you talking.” Dark blue eyes met his, and in their depths he saw amusement, but also sensitivity. “To the dogs.”
