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“What, like a mess?”
He took her closed mouth with a smacking kiss. “A beautiful mess.”
“Just because you add flattering words does not change the fact that you called me a mess.”
“You called yourself a mess. I just didn’t disagree.”
Violet climbed to her feet and winced at the pinch in her back. “Sleeping on the couch was a bad idea.”
“Is this you angling for another back rub?” he asked as he slid his shoes on.
“Well, if you’re offering . . . ”
Laughing, he finished tying his shoes and stood up. “Tell you what. You teach me how to make an amazing meal, and I’ll give you a deep-tissue massage that will turn your bones to jelly.”
“That’s a tall order you’re trying to serve me. How do I know you can deliver?”
“Hey, I’ve only ever had your breakfast. How do I know you can really cook?” he asked.
“Well, I guess I can show you my skills tonight. Casey is getting out today. Anything in particular you want to eat?”
“I’ll eat anything you put in front of me.”
“Yes, I remember your fridge contents. How about Dr. Pepper pulled-pork tacos? It’s Casey’s favorite,” she said.
“I’m drooling already, but are you sure you wouldn’t like to be alone with him?”
“Actually, I was hoping maybe you’d bring him home for me. I’m afraid to leave Daisy.”
He seemed surprised but pleased. “Sure, I can do that. What do you want me to tell him?”
“Just that Daisy was hurt but she’s okay, and I’ll explain everything later.”
“All right.” He grabbed Dilbert’s leash from the floor, and when the dog stood up, he immediately leaned against Violet’s legs, and she jumped.
The soft, short hairs of his fur tickled her palm as she found his ear, rubbing it in her hand tentatively. Dilbert leaned harder into the love, moaning, and Violet laughed.
“See, I told you that you were going to like my dog. He’s a lot like me.”
“Pushy? Tenacious? A pain in my—”
“You know, I was gonna kiss you, but now you’re just hurting my feelings,” he said. Then, with a shrug, he laid
one on her anyway. “What the hell, right?”
Before she could respond, he was heading for the door, with Dilbert reluctantly following. Just before he stepped outside, he tossed her a tired smile. “I’ll see you tonight.”
As the door closed with a click, Violet realized that she wanted to keep hearing that.
Chapter Twenty-Two
VIOLET WOKE UP hours later to the sounds of grunts and groans coming from the stairs. Sitting up on the couch, she found Daisy trying to carry a box downstairs, but her face was beaded with sweat and laced with pain.
“Are you crazy?” Violet shouted.
Daisy put down the box, breathing hard. “I have to pack up. I start school on Monday.”
“You little idiot, you took a beating last night.” Violet got up and grabbed the box from the floor, thankful that it wasn’t as heavy as it looked. “You are supposed to be taking it easy.”
