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“I noticed. That means you have a lot to say, so say it.”

“Seems to me that anybody, man or woman, who survived that hellhole, is pretty damn strong and is capable of making their own decisions about things. I know that Lainey would kick me in the balls if I tried to take a decision like that out of her hands.”

“So, what? You say I should just be coming onto her like some Neanderthal?”

“I know you, Brax. You don’t have a caveman bone in your body. I’m just saying that while you’re spending time with the woman, don’t put up roadblocks where they’re not needed.”

Brax let out a deep breath. “Are you sure?”

“I’m positive. You’ll be able to read the signs.”

“Right now, she needs a friend.” And maybe some hugs and kisses.

“Then be her friend. Bring her over when you pick up Faith. If she’s not a dog person, then this whole conversation is moot.”

“This is true,” Brax agreed.

I really hope Jenny likes dogs.

He heard the shower turn off. “I’ve got to go.”

“Are the two of you coming over?” Mateo asked.

“Yes.”

“When? Lainey will want to cook something.”

“How about a late lunch. Say three o’clock?”

“Perfect.”

“I really don’t remember someone named Mateo,” Jenny said for the third time. “Can you describe him?”

“Big guy, dark skin. He emigrated from Argentina when he was five.”

“All of you were big guys. And it was dark, so all of you looked dark.”

“Honey, don’t worry about it. It’s no big deal.”

“It’s rude.”

Brax threw back his head and laughed and Jenny scowled at him. He’d been laughing almost non-stop since he’d told her they were going to visit his friend and his fiancée.

“Quit laughing at me.”

“I’m laughing with you,” Brax said as he looked over at her when they pulled up to a stop sign.

“I’m not laughing, therefore, you’re laughing at me.”

“Jenny, you’re cute as a button. Please don’t worry. You liked last night, didn’t you?”

“Yeah,” she eventually admitted. “But you said that Mateo was one of your best friends.”

“I did. That’s why I know he’s going to love you.”

“Yeah, the woman with the panic attacks that you’ve been babysitting. The one who made you sleep on a tiny couch.”

“I slept on the floor. The couch was too small.”