Page 71 of Carver’s Craving

“Gifts, Styx. These are gifts. There’s no paying me back.” He shifted from foot to foot as I stared him down. “I bought them at the pawnshop. So no guarantees if they even work. I’m assuming you can tune them—”

“Uh…yeah…”

“Great. So we’re good.” I moved to the front door. I unlocked it, opened it, and barely caught Poppin by the collar as she attempted to barrel past me. “Hey little escape artist. Let’s put your coat and leash on.”

Styx relieved me of the second guitar and stepped inside. He put both on the bench, grabbed Walter’s coat, and went in search of the little guy. As expected, my pooch was passed out on the couch.

By the time Styx carried his precious bundle to the front door, I’d wrangled Poppin into her coat and attached her leash. I grabbed my headlamp, and we headed outside.

“Oh damn, flashlight.” Styx hustled back inside and returned a moment later. He put Walter on the grass and, while the little guy did his business, snagged the wagon.

Poppin peed and then began her sniffing routine.

“This will be her fourth walk today.” Styx pulled the wagon. “She’s not hard done by—no matter what she tells you.”

I laughed. “There’s no such thing as too many scritches, treats, or walks in Poppin’s life. Hell, much of the time she expresses actual gratitude.” Perhaps I was exaggerating—but I did get extra kisses when I gave her wet food. That had to mean something.

Styx snorted. “They’re characters, Carver. I love that you give them such an amazing life.”

I swallowed hard. “I try, you know. They won’t always be with me—and that makes me sad. But I promised them that they’d be able to live their best lives as long as I could make that last.” I sniffed. Cold air, I told myself. “I had a long talk with Dr. Zephyra. Mostly about Walter. I don’t want to do anything extraordinary. He’s had a good life. As long as he’s comfortable and not in pain, then we’re good. If that changes—” I swallowed again.

Styx pressed a hand to my back. “Yeah. And I’m sure he appreciates everything you do for him. Also, that you’ll do right by him when the time comes. I can’t imagine…”

He didn’t finish that thought.

I understood.

Since the night was fucking freezing, and Poppin just wanted to sniff, we turned back before we got to the end of the driveway.

Once we were all inside, I gave the dogs some wet food.

Styx, who’d just removed his boots, arched an eyebrow.

I shrugged. “I’ve learned they sleep a bit later if they’re fed just before bedtime. They have good digestive systems, so this won’t hurt them.”

“But…?”

“It means I get to sleep in on Saturday and Sunday mornings. If I want to. Sometimes, I just get up and take them out at the normal time. Depends on my mood.”

“Oh-ho. Now I find out the real reason for the wet food.” He laughed. “You want to be slothful.”

“Is that even a word?”

“I think so.” He rubbed his nose. “I gotta piss. I drank a lot of root beer.”

“You could’ve had a beer, you know.” Some of the guys had one or two.

Styx shrugged. “Sure. I guess. I don’t love the taste of beer…and I kind of want to be completely sober when I come to your bed tonight. And I am coming to your bed tonight…right?”

I grinned. “Well, no.”

His face fell.

“We’re going to be in your bed. I don’t have the heart to turf my two. So, once they’re settled, I’m joining you. If that’s okay.”

“Uh, that’s more than okay.” He moved to me and pressed himself against me so our chests touched. “Don’t take too long. I mean, as long as they need—but not a moment longer.”

I kissed his cheek. “I promise.” Then I scooped Walter into my arms and walked him over to the laundry room where he could enjoy his wet food. Poppin was all in on that action, and within about ten minutes, they’d reached the point of satiation.