Page 23 of My Favorite Hero

“So,” he said, ignoring my presence, “like I said, Wednesday night. Wing and beer night at Dusty’s. You interested?”

I gripped the box spring a little too hard, yanking it my way. Cal stumbled a little. “Not so hard, man.”

I shook my head. “Sorry, man.”

“I’ll have to see,” Casey said. “I’m starting with a new client on Monday.”

“Ha,” I laughed silently.

“Saturday is karaoke.”

“Oh, that sounds like fun.”

Dammit.

I lifted the mattress, not waiting for jerk Cal to take his end. I slid it onto the box spring. “There. Done. You can go,” I said to him.

He frowned. “I need the delivery slip signed, and I need my girl’s number so I can call her.”

I saw red. His girl.

I glared at Casey. “I’ll go get your cat. Then we need to talk.”

I stomped down the stairs, crossing the backyard.

What the hell was wrong with me?

Casey could date anyone she wanted, although in my personal opinion, she could do better than a delivery boy who invited her for beer and wings. I snorted. Or karaoke.

My steps faltered as a thought occurred to me.

What if that no overnight guest thing happened?

I hadn’t expected that so fast.

I walked into my place and headed to the living room. As Casey had said, Barney and Miller were curled up on the sofa, the cat asleep on Miller’s paw, his other front leg draped over him like a protective shield.

I blinked. Jesus. I go to work and come home to find my tenant already dating and my cat-hating-dog in some sort of bromance with one.

What the hell else happened while I was gone?

I wasn’t sure I wanted to find out.

Chapter Six

JESSE

Isat nursing a beer when I heard the quiet knock at the back door.

“Come in,” I called, knowing it was Casey.

She walked in, carrying a plate. “Hi.”

I nodded, not bothering to get up. “Finally coming for your cat?”

She set down the plate and came into the living room. She grinned when she saw Barney and Miller curled up together. “You said Miller didn’t like cats. Look at them!”

I shrugged. “Apparently not all cats.”