When it came to Wyatt, they acted like this big, strapping guy was the new kid in town and they had taken him under their little wings. As for their uncle, he seemed happy to play along.
Sam got a completely different impression from him than he had from his brother the few times he had seen him. Where Lloyd Hayes had been kind of stiff, stern, and acted older than his age, Wyatt was looser, easily falling into step with everyone. He was at ease, joking around with the kids, and they didn't say "yes sir" to him like they did with their dad.
Still, they must miss both their parents. To lose them at such a young age, Sam really felt for them. Hopefully they would find in their uncle the family Sam was never able to have after his mom and dad died.
While Sam was lost in thought, he noticed that the boys were pointing out to Wyatt what was on the walls. They were decorated with photos, newspaper clippings and advertising posters all featuring Vegas showgirls. The boys called them "fancy dancing ladies."
"Mrs. Del Rio was a showgirl," Sam told him.
"Wow. Impressive," Wyatt said and shot Sam that seductive grin. Of course that was probably his regular way of smiling. He just couldn't help being sexy.
"Are you guys ready to order?" he asked.
"OK. You guys know this place. What should I have?" Wyatt asked his nephews.
"The chicken sandwiches are really good," DJ told his uncle.
"Then I'll have one of those, and you guys?" Wyatt said and snapped his menu closed.
"Me too," both boys said.
"Three chicken sandwiches. And I heard something about a peach pie and a chocolate pie, but we better get those to go," Wyatt told Sam. "We don't want to take advantage of our kind dog sitter. I'm not sure what we're going to do with Barney when we go to the store. We can go to the store some other time I guess." Wyatt looked doubtful about that idea, and the boys were instantly disappointed.
"No frozen waffles?" Riley asked sadly.
"We'll get them soon," Wyatt said.
"Umm, if you need to leave the dog with someone, I can dog sit while you shop. I'm supposed to go on lunch break soon," Sam said though he hardly believed the words that were coming out of his mouth. He didn't mind dog sitting, but he knew his offer wasn't about the dog. It was all about how good looking and charming the owner of that dog was.
"Really? That would be great. I need to buy something to feed these guys, or we'll end up eating every meal here," Wyatt said.
Sam smiled at that. "I don't think Mrs. Del Rio would object." He didn't tell Wyatt that he wouldn't either.
"But I promised frozen waffles. I have to deliver," Wyatt said.
"OK. I'll get your order then I can go and sit with Mr. Jasper and Barney until you're done eating. How is that?" Sam asked.
Everyone agreed to that, and Wyatt gave Sam a bright smile. "Thank you, we really appreciate it."
As he went to get their food, Sam didn't know what came over him offering to dog sit like that. Not that it was a chore or anything. Both Mr. Jasper and Barney were nice.
A little later, both of them proved to be good company while Sam hung out with them until Wyatt and the boys were done eating. The three of them came out and the boys rushed over to Barney.
"We're ready to shop," Wyatt announced with a grin. He then thanked Mr. Jasper for his help.
"We have a peach pie for you," Riley said, and DJ handed over the takeout container.
"Barney will try to eat it, but don't let him," DJ said.
"Mrs. Del Rio said it was your favorite," Wyatt said to Mr. Jasper.
"Thank you. You're nice boys," Mr. Jasper said.
They left Mr. Jasper with his pie and went down the street to Monty's Grocery with Sam and Barney. Stopping in front, Wyatt turned to Sam.
"Barney is all yours, and we'll make sure not to be long," he said and handed the leash over to Sam.
There was only the briefest contact of their fingers as Wyatt passed the leash to him, but it was enough to make Sam shiver. "Take your time," Sam said, finding his voice thick.
