Bruno squirmed between us, and I drew back hurriedly. “Sorry I don’t have any samples to share as a thank-you this time. We were catering a dinner, so no extras for us.”
“You don’t have to thank me,” Hank said easily, setting Bruno down and giving Lady a fond stroke on the top of her head. “These two are sweethearts.”
“Even Tramp?” I asked skeptically.
But actually, my troublemaker dog was sitting on his rump, tail wagging, looking so well-behaved that I barely recognized him.
“We had to set some ground rules,” Hank admitted. “But he’s a good boy as long as he gets enough playtime.”
I winced, nodding. “You probably think I’m totally irresponsible, having a dog that needs so much attention when I work so much.”
“No, I didn’t mean that,” Hank said, alarmed.
“My brother adopted him originally, before he had his daughter. She was allergic. They really didn’t want to surrender Tramp at the shelter, so I took him in.”
Hank started toward the kitchen, gesturing for me to follow. “Did you already have Lady?”
“No.” I took a seat at the bar while Hank dished up plates of chicken and roasted vegetable medley. “When Tramp was so hyper and mischievous, I thought a friend would help. I adopted Lady. Probably not my brightest idea, but he seems happier to have another dog around.”
Hank nodded thoughtfully. “Lady’s a calming presence. She’s a good influence on him, even if it doesn’t totally solve his need for activity.”
The dogs begged shamelessly while Hank prepared our food.
“Where’s your brother?” I asked, startled. “I don’t want to intrude…”
“He’s eating in his room. He’s been on some sort of gamer campaign on his computer.”
“Oh.”
He rolled his eyes. “How he’s the one with the beautiful girlfriend, I’ll never understand.”
I laughed, even as my stomach clenched at the reminder. “Sorry I can’t be that for you.”
The words were out of my mouth before I could think twice. Hank shot me a look.
I lifted my hands to my blushing cheeks. “Oh my god. I didn’t mean that how it sounded.”
He leaned across the counter and tugged my hands down. “Don’t hide your face.” His eyes met mine. “I’m glad you’re here, even if you’re not a date, okay? I didn’t mean to make it seem like I wished you were something else.”
“Still…” I murmured.
He stroked my upper cheeks with his thumbs, seeming thoughtful. “Your skin is very smooth for a guy.”
“Uh…thanks?”
He dropped his hands hastily and leaned back. His gaze went over my shoulder. “Hey, Corey.”
“Hi.”
I turned on the barstool to catch a glimpse of Hank’s brother. He was slim where Hank was broad, but he had the same coppery hair color, minus the beard. I could see the similarity in their features, especially around the eyes.
Corey carried his mostly empty dinner plate over to the sink. “I didn’t know you had someone over.”
“This is Jamie,” Hank said.
“Hi, Jamie.” Corey’s gaze grew more intense. “Isn’t that the name of the date you had a few weeks ago?”
“Funny coincidence,” Hank said before I could confirm or deny. “Jamie’s just a friend.”
