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The grin on Ian’s face dies instantly. “Absolutely not,” he snaps, all the teasing gone. “You don’t get it, man. That pig lost his damn mind when you left last time. He paced the living room all night, making these pathetic little sounds, like his soul was dying. Every time a car drove by, he’d run to the window and whimper. It was brutal. I almost called you at midnight.”

I stare at him, shocked. “Fuck. I didn’t think he’d be that upset.”

Ian fixes me with a dead-serious glare. “Mom had his favorite pancakes ready when I dropped them off this morning. He took one sniff and lay down in the corner like he was dying.” My fucking animal is so goddamn dramatic, but I love the little shit. “I’m not dealing with him again. You’re going to have to take him with you.” I groan and press the heels of my hands to my eyeballs. This is what I get for spoiling the pig rotten. Now, the little shit has separation anxiety.

“Fine,” I mutter, half to myself, half to the universe at large. “I’ll pick them up after shift.” My brothers immediately start up again with the commentary, but I block them out, grab my coffee, and stalk to my office.

Once the door closes behind me, I finally take a deep breath. No way in hell am I ditching Pork and Beans again. Elsie’s right—I treat my animals like family because they are. I’ll just text her and see if she minds switching up the plan tonight.

My fingers hover for a second, nerves zapping through me like a live wire.

Me

Hey, can we do dinner at my place tonight instead? I don’t want to leave Pork and Beans another night.

I hold my breath as three little dots dance across the screen.

Hot Doc

No biggie. Are we planning on another sleepover?

Hell fucking yes. I consider my response.

Fuck it.

Me

Hell yes. I can’t imagine sleeping without you.

Hot Doc

Can I bring Mr. Snugglebutt?

Hell fucking yes. I fist bump the air as things fall into place.

Me

Bring him. I’m sure he’ll love Pork and Beans.

Hot Doc

I wouldn’t go that far. The only things he loves are food and toys.

Me

I’ll have both for him.

Hot Doc

See you tonight.

Hell fucking yes. Tonight, I get Elsie, my crazy pig, my drama queen wiener dog, and the world’s angriest orange cat under one roof. I’m not even gonna pretend I’m not thrilled.

My brothers are still yapping in the kitchen, but I’m on a mission. I have paperwork to fake, a dinner to plan, and a sexy-as-hell woman to drive completely out of her mind. The rest of the day can suck it.