Page 80 of Carver’s Craving

Chapter Twenty-One

Carver

Styx was far more relaxed than I was by the time Ryan and Simeon arrived for dinner. Eventually, Thursday, I’d called him out on the invitation he’d issued without consulting me first. He admitted he’d worried I might be pissed. He admitted he knew he was wrong. Finally, he admitted he hadn’t had the courage to ask if he could stay and he’d known I wouldn’t kick him out if the dinner was pending.

I’d been forceful that he couldn’t do something like that again in the future.

He’d agreed.

This morning, we’d awoken and had sex—because why the fuck not—then showered and taken the dogs out. The dogs who truly appeared unperturbed by all the changes. Almost like they’d figured out Styx was staying before I had.

After morning walkies and breakfast, Styx and I ran into town and did a ton of shopping. Not just for groceries, but for nice cutlery, cloth napkins, and a couple of poinsettia plants that would be up and out of the way of curious canines.

Because we were in the Christmas season, Styx argued.

Which just made me realize I had no decorations or anything else even vaguely festive. As I’d told him—I’d been alone last year. Doing something out of my normal routine felt pointless. Well, the dogs had gotten extra treats. As well, Poppin and I played in the snow. Walter had chosen to stay inside by the fire. Will we have a big snow dump this year? I had no idea. But given the holiday season was just a month away, that was something I needed to consider. My pantry was well-stocked in case of an emergency. But really just for one person and with basic staples. I needed to determine Styx’s favorites and stock up on them as well.

He pressed a kiss to my temple before heading to the front door.

Poppin was barking her head off.

Walter raised his head above the arm of the couch—better known as his parapet—clearly decided nothing was going on and lay back down.

Styx assured himself that I had Poppin well in hand, and opened the door. “Welcome.”

A gust of wind blew in along with the men and Chia.

Ryan grinned. “Perfect night to stay in with friends.”

His words warmed me in a way that was completely unexpected.

“Let me take your coats.” Styx extended his arms. “And Poppin, we greet our guests gently.”

My girl’s ears perked and, for a fraction of a second, she stopped the racket. Then, clearly not happy, started up again.

Ryan gestured to Chia.

I nodded.

He unclipped her leash, and she made a beeline for Poppin. For her part, Poppin stopped her vociferous objection to strangers and started that butt-sniff thingy.

Simeon chuckled. “P-predictable.” He handed me a salad bowl.

Styx hung our guests’ coats on pegs. “She is that. Today was the first time she didn’t bark at me when I stepped inside the house. Oh wait, not last night either.”

“You’re being accepted?” Ryan removed his boots, then headed straight for Walter. “Hi, buddy. I’ll bet you get less attention because you’re not as loud.”

Walter snuffled and was clearly happy to receive the pets.

I moved with the bowl into the kitchen area. “What can I get you to drink?”

“It’s probably too early in the season for eggnog…” Ryan met my gaze hopefully.

I laughed.

Styx gagged. “I told him no one would want that, uh, shit. He said he did and bought a big carton. I’m grateful he has someone to share it with. Now, anyone want a hot chocolate with me?”

The couple was split—so two of us had eggnog and two had hot chocolate.