Her hands fly to her lap as she gasps. “You gave me a hard time just now, and you told Wyatt? You hypocrite!”
I chuckle, enjoying the way her cheeks flush with frustration. “I had to. He’s my best friend. I figured you told Chloe. I might as well even the playing field.”
Lainey narrows her eyes at me, her arms crossing tightly over her chest. “That’s not funny, Zach.”
“It’s a little funny.” I glance at her again, her arms still folded and her lips pursed in annoyance. With a quick movement, I lean over and plant a quick kiss on her lips just as the light turns green.
“Zach!” she exclaims, her hand flying up to cover her mouth as I straighten and pull forward.
“What?” I say, feigning innocence, though I can feel the warmth of her glare.
“I can’t believe you just did that!”
I glance at her out of the corner of my eye, catching her flush deepening. “Apologies for messing with you, baby.”
Her response is a light smack to my arm, though the corners of her mouth twitch as if she’s fighting a smile. “You’re insufferable.”
“And you like it,” I tease, steering us into the parking lot of the event.
The “Pucks & Pups” event is pure chaos. Kids chasing each other with balloons, volunteers hauling crates of supplies, and the occasional bark punctuating the hum of chatter and laughter. Banners bearing the LA Knights logo and the shelter’s name flap in the breeze above tables stacked with adoption papers and bowls of dog treats.
Lainey adjusts her sunglasses as she steps out of the truck, her gaze sweeping over the bustling parking lot. She looks like she’s trying not to organize everything in her head, but I can see it in the way her lips press together.
“This is great,” she says, her voice tinged with excitement. “I love seeing events like this come together.”
I grin, leaning against the truck. “You’re not running this one, so don’t even think about taking over.”
“I’m not here to take over,” she says, lifting her chin. “But if they need help, I’m more than happy to jump in.”
Of course she is. I shake my head, stuffing my hands in my pockets as we head toward the entrance.
“Uncle Zach! Aunt Lainey!”
Jasper’s voice rings out over the crowd, and before I can turn, he’s sprinting toward us. His eight-year-old energy is off the charts, and his smile could power the event all on its own.
“Hey, buddy!” I crouch to catch him in a hug, ruffling his hair as he clings to me.
He turns immediately to Lainey, throwing his arms around her waist. “You’re here! You’re the best at picking dogs!”
Lainey crouches to his level, laughing softly. “Well, I know you, so I think we’ll find the perfect one together.”
He beams at her before grabbing both of our hands and tugging us toward Wyatt and Chloe, who are standing by a nearby pen. Chloe’s got a golden retriever puppy squirming in her arms, and Wyatt is keeping a wary eye on Jasper like he’s waiting for his next move.
“Took you long enough,” Chloe teases as we approach.
“I’m fashionably late,” I reply, letting Jasper drag me closer to the pen.
Chloe’s green eyes narrow, but there’s a mischievous glint in them. “So… how’s dating life?”
Lainey freezes for a second, her hand tightening on Jasper’s. Then she straightens, her voice cool and composed. “Zach knows.”
Chloe’s smile falters, her face falling into a pout. “You told him? I had so many plans for messing with you two!”
I laugh, leaning casually against the fence. “Don’t feel too bad. Wyatt knows too.”
Chloe turns to Wyatt, her eyes narrowing. “You knew? And you didn’t tell me?”
Wyatt raises his hands, his expression innocent. “Guys have to have each other’s backs. It’s a rule.”
