I scratched his scalp. “Yes, of course. Whatever you like. We can watch television tonight.”
“Oh, do you have that Canadian streaming service?”
I considered. “I have a number of services—in truth, more than I need. I was actually thinking about canceling some.” That had been Marty’s thing, not mine. I was more inclined to read a book. “Look, if we don’t have what you’d like then I’ll subscribe. We can watch whatever you’d like.”
His eyes lit. “Well, there’s one show in particular…but I’d also like to watch a movie with dogs.”
“A particular movie?”
He nodded.
“Then, as long as we can rent it, we’ll do it. All good, okay?”
Slowly, he bobbed his head again. “I don’t like asking for things. Especially things that cost money.”
I stroked his cheek. “I’m comfortable, Andre. I have a good job that pays an excellent salary. Maybe I shouldn’t be telling you this…but my mortgage is paid off, and I still have money from Marty’s life insurance. He made certain I was well set up. Taken care of. As he would’ve been, had I passed first.”
Andre blinked. “That was really nice of him.”
“It’s what partners do. At least ones who care about each other.”
“I’ve never—” He swallowed.
I held his gaze. “Never…?”
“Any of it. I just…yeah…none of it.”
I caressed his cheek again. “Well then, you need to tell me if I’m overstepping. You need to ensure I’m respecting the boundaries we’ve agreed to. I mean, I certainly plan to—”But with you, that’s really tough.
“And if I want you to cross boundaries?”
I swallowed. “Maybe we can open a dialogue. But you’re vulnerable right now, and I have…basically agreed to take care of you. At least when you’re a pup.” I fingered his ears.
“If I want more? Because—” Then he shook his head. “Never mind. I’ll put the toys away.”
“While I prepare dinner? That would be best.”Because otherwise I’ll want to kiss and cuddle and even head into the bedroom down here.Which was all kinds of wrong.
When Andre rolled off me, a feeling of being bereft enveloped me—especially where his head had rested on my lap.
It’s for the best. You need a bit of distance. Both of you.
So I left him to organize and put away all the toys while I headed upstairs.
Daphne leapt up from her bed and came barreling over.
I chuckled. “Yes, my sweet. I amveryaware it’s dinnertime for you.”
She danced around on her hind legs, which just made me laugh more. Soon enough, she had her dinner of kibble mixed with gravy to munch while I set about reheating leftovers.
By the time the second plate was warm, Andre appeared. He sniffed the air. “Oh God, I love leftovers.”
I laughed. “Yes, me too. Even though it’s just me, I often cook enough to last me several days. I don’t mind eating the same food over and over.”
Andre got us both glasses of water as I put the plates at our spots.
“I don’t cook as often as I should. Mom taught me—and I inherited all her bakeware and her recipes and—” He drew in a breath. “It’s just not the same without her, you know?”
“Yes, I do know. I enjoy cooking and so was always doing it for Marty. It took a long time before I was able to step foot in the kitchen. Lots of fast food during that time, I must say.” I was pleased when Andre dug into his food, and I left him to it as I relished my meal as well.
