Page 3 of Carver’s Craving

I attempted to keep my expression neutral.

He turned back to Dickens. “I’m fine, but thanks. I can’t wait to meet Sunshine.”

Dickens snickered. Then appeared to catch himself. “Uh…she’s a lovely woman. One of my old friends. See you soon.” With that, he pivoted and headed down First Avenue toward the Tim Horton’s.

Styx turned to me. “You don’t have to buy me the book. I can afford it.”

I arched an eyebrow.

A blush stole across his cheeks.

He always had a tough time hiding his emotions. Whatever his situation was, he clearly wasn’t flush with cash. “Let’s go see Sunshine. Have you met her?”

Styx shook his head.

“Well, you’re in for a treat.”

“Should I ask?” He eyed me dubiously.

“Nope. Just…enjoy the experience.” With that, I headed toward the bookstore—wondering if the gorgeous rock star would follow.

I needn’t have worried—he was hard on my heels. I opened the door and gestured for him to enter first.

He did and stopped short. “Hi, Ari. It’s been a whole day. How are you?”

As I squeezed in past him, he scooped up a huge cat into his arms and nuzzled the damn thing.

Said cat eyed me.

I said, “Yes, hello, Ari. You seem to be in good health.”

“And sucking up to all the customers.” Sunshine poked her head out from behind a bookcase. Her black hair caught in a ray of sunshine coming in through the window, making it appear almost a dark blue. Speaking of blue—her light-blue eyes sparkled with evident joy. If her smile was anything to go by. “Carver! How lovely to see you again. And who’s your friend?” She had started to walk toward us, but then hesitated. “Or did you two just randomly come into the store together?”

“Friends,” Styx offered her a wide grin. “From way back. Just reunited.”

Damn kid never did know when to keep his mouth shut. Sunshine was a Dixon sister. The most notorious. Well, the most notoriously known for gossiping. I knew two of her older sisters. Zephyra was the local vet, and Torah was a dog trainer. Although my two rescue pups had some training before I adopted them, they still needed a refresher. And since I’d never had a dog, I needed major training.

All had gone well, and we were now a happy family.

Who are about to have their space invaded by a stranger.

No, not a stranger. Just a dude I was inappropriately attracted to for years.

But that story was for another day. Right now, I had to ensure Sunshine didn’t misinterpret my relationship with Styx and what we meant to each other.

What do we mean to each other?

Another question for another day.

“We’re just hanging out.” I bumped biceps with Styx. “We ran into Dickens, and he said something about a book of Mission City history? Styx was reading it yesterday.”

“Styx? What a cool name.” Her eyes flashed. “You must be new in town, because I haven’t met you yet.”

I didn’t roll my eyes—but it was a near thing. “Styx just arrived. He’s staying with me.” Which was way more information than she needed—but I also needed to both stake my territory and ensure he didn’t reconsider Dickens’s generous offer of the apartment above the shop.

“Oh?” She gave Styx her megawatt smile. “You lucked out there. Carver has the sweetest dogs.”

Styx chuckled. “So I’ve heard. I can’t wait to meet them.”