Page 59 of Carver’s Craving

“Oh, I wanted to let you know I’d like to put on my pajamas. I’ll cuddle with the dogs, but would you mind taking them out after dinner? I’m wiped.”

“Of course.” I nodded like a fucking bobble head.

“Great. I’ll be right back.” He sauntered back toward the bedrooms.

I swallowed my tongue. Then gave the dogs a stern look. “Y’all behave.”

Poppin snorted.

Walter closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

I put the dish of beef stroganoff on the table along with a green salad. I figured ice cream for dessert if he had any room left.

“This smells delicious.” Carver put his hand on my forearm before sitting at the table.

“Water or milk? Or something else?”

“Water’s perfect, thanks.”

“Go ahead and serve yourself. I’m never certain how much you eat.”

“A lot.” He chuckled. Then spooned a ton of food on his plate. He eyed me.

“Don’t wait.” I flapped my hand. Then went to the cupboard to retrieve glasses. “Ice?”

“Sure, thanks.” He dug into his food with obvious relish and I kept watching him for a few moments before I set about making the ice water.

I joined him at the table, served myself, and surreptitiously enjoyed seeing him devour his food while I ate a bit slower. “You really are hungry. Was lunch not enough?” I’d made ham sandwiches, cut vegetables, and sliced cheese for him last night. He’d obviously found it this morning as it all had disappeared.

He shook his head. “Lunch was perfect. Just…I usually eat dinner around five-thirty. So I can let the food settle before I go to bed.”

“Ah. Yeah, that’s logical.” I ate another bite. “So, uh, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

His fork, poised over the beef, stilled. “Oh.” He gazed at his food. “I guess you’re moving on, eh? Did Baxter come back? You know he’s welcome to stay here as well—”

“No.” I winced as the word came out more forcefully than I intended. “Uh…Baxter’s not back. His van is at Spike’s. It’s fixed, but Spike hasn’t been able to track Baxter down either. So I, uh, called the police. A nice constable came to see me. Seth? So, like, he’s going to ask around.”

Carver nodded. “That’s great. I mean, not that Baxter’s missing, but that the cops are taking this seriously.”

I nodded. “It’s just been too long. Not with him knowing I’m alone with very little money.”

“Do you need more?”

“Huh?” I squinted. “Uh, no. It’s not like I have anywhere to spend it. Except I should be giving you some. For the roof over my head and the food in my belly and—"

He put his hand over mine.

I shut up.

“I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again—you’re welcome to stay as long as you want. As for food? You hardly eat anything. And you’re cooking for me. That’s so appreciated. I think I would’ve grabbed a sub for dinner on the way to the ranch if not for you.”

“Oh, how did that go?” Casual-like. I was curious…but I wouldn’t push.

His smile was a little shy. “No great breakthroughs. But I’ll share a bit. Maybe after dinner?”

“Yeah.” I cleared my throat. “But I have something to ask you.”

“Oh?” He cocked his head.