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The night was his.
He lifted his hand as Lisa wished him a goodnight. Seeing his pal leaving, Eddie padded over to Jackson and lay his head down on Jackson’s thighs, looking wistfully up at him.
“I’ll take you for a walk in half an hour, buddy,” Jackson told him. “Promise.”
Eddie let out a little whimper.
“I’ll even take you on the beach. And I won’t complain if you get wet.”
Satisfied, Eddie curled up on the floor by the chair, while Jackson started to run the program.
As the data scrolled across his screen, he picked up his phone and scrolled until he hit Lydia’s number. Before he could think better of it, he hit the call button, his jaw ticking as he waited for it to connect.
“Hey,” Lydia answered, her voice breathless. “How are you?”
She sounded pleased to hear from him. It was strangely gratifying.
“I’m good. Still in the office, about to head out and walk Eddie.” The dog opened one eye at the sound of his name, before closing it again w
hen he realized he was being talked about, not to. “And I was thinking after that we could head out for your driving lesson. If you’re still up for it.”
“Oh.” Lydia’s voice fell. “I can’t. I’m on my way out right now. I assumed you were busy.”
It was on the tip of his tongue to ask her where she was going, but he swallowed that question down. It was none of his damn business.
“It’s girls’ night,” Lydia added, as though he’d asked the question out loud. “Autumn and I are heading over to Ally’s. We’re having cocktails.”
His shoulders relaxed. “In that case, let’s take a raincheck.”
“I’m free tomorrow,” she suggested. “I could come over and take Eddie for a walk, and after we could go for a drive.”
“Sounds good.” He was glad Lisa wasn’t there to see his smile.
“I promise I’ll stay dry this time.”
He chuckled. “I don’t care if you get wet.” And damn if that didn’t make him think about a different kind of activity altogether. One that involved finding exactly where her cherry blossom tattoo ended.
Over the phone he could hear the car door slam.
“Jackson?”
“Yeah?”
“I’ve got to go.” She sounded reluctant. “We’ve just got to Ally’s and she’s already handing Autumn a cocktail. She’s not even reached the doorstep yet.” Her voice lowered. “Last time I saw her drinking cocktails she ended up buying a pier. I need to keep an eye on her.”
“Why do I think it’s the other way around?” Jackson asked her, his voice teasing. “I’m pretty sure you’re the one who needs keeping an eye on.”
“Is that an offer?” she asked lightly.
“It’s whatever you want to take from it.” The corner of his lip quirked. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow. Seven okay?”
“Seven’s perfect. Oh and Jackson?”
“Yeah?” He was getting used to her parting shots. They made his muscles feel tight and full.
“Maybe tomorrow I’ll show you the other tattoo I have. The one on my ass.”
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