Page 40 of Carver’s Craving

“That’s amazing. How did you get her?” The black dog appeared—to me—to be a poodle something. But then I didn’t know dogs all that well.

“We f-found her on the road in a snowstorm.” Simeon crossed his arms. Almost as if he were cold. “We almost h-hit her. Ryan saw her. We b-brought her here. Turned out she’d b-bolted from her home. L-long story, but she needed a n-new home. She chose us. Or w-we chose her. I don’t know which.”

“But it all worked out.” Ryan held a mug for me. “Silly for me to say—but careful, it’s hot.”

I grinned. “I’m a little chilly, so this is appreciated.”

“D-do you want me to turn on the f-fireplace?” Simeon moved that way.

“Oh no.” I held the mug gingerly. “This is going to warm me right up.”

“He needs a warmer jacket.” Carver joined us. “It’s the one I use for the autumn. But hell, it’s nearly winter.”

“Yep.” Simeon grinned. “I c-can see if we have something that m-might fit him.”

I kept my voice from going sharp. “He is appreciative, but he is fine.”

“Yeah, he sort of is.” Carver uttered the words.

Simeon and I turned to him.

“Oh.” He winced. “I said that out loud?”

A laugh burst out of Simeon. “You s-so did.” He continued to chuckle. “I’m g-going to help Ryan.” With that, he headed toward the kitchen.

“I didn’t mean to say that.” Carver rolled his eyes.

I’d have wagered money that he was blushing. “Hey, nothing wrong with honesty. I’m flattered. I just…didn’t realize you saw me in that way.”

He looked away and ran a hand over his head. “A person would have to be blind not to see your beauty. Your grace and elegance. You have tons of fans who tell you all the time that you’re gorgeous.”

Yeah…but I’m coming to realize you’re the only one who matters—and I think it’s been that way for a very long time. I sipped my hot chocolate. “Are you mad at me for accepting the invitation?”

He pursed his lips.

“That’s fair.” I gestured to the dogs. “I think they’re appreciative.”

“To be honest, they’re always appreciative.” Carver sipped his hot chocolate. “It’s like they understood I was rescuing them and would take care of them for the rest of—” He frowned. “Well, they don’t understand life as humans do. Or I don’t think so. But I can say they’re…wonderful.”

I nudged him gently. “Appreciative is the right word. Walter looks at you with adoration.”

“The same way he looks at his food.”

I burst out laughing. “Yes, that’s true.”

Ryan and Simeon entered the room with mugs.

“Maybe we’ll eat in an hour or so?” Ryan eyed the various couches and chairs. “Couch or chair?”

Without being offered an invitation, I nabbed the seat next to Walter on the couch.

Simeon sat next to me.

Ryan gestured for Carver to take the recliner. Which he did—with some obvious reluctance.

To my surprise, though, Ryan plopped down on the floor next to Poppin.

Who opened one eye, apparently decided all was well, and went right back to sleep.