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“Elizabeth puts on a monthly dinner where we all bring something. She fixed lasagna, and it was the best I’d ever eaten. I hope it won’t disappoint everyone when it’s my turn to do the main course. Maybe you can grill something when it’s your turn.”
“I’ll think on that.” He followed her to the checkout.
“Thanks for doing this. J.R. knowing where I’m living has me freaked out. I probably wouldn’t have slept last night if you weren’t next door. Just show your military ID, and you get ten percent off.”
“Once I get these up, you’ll feel even safer.” He wasn’t a big believer in coincidence. Elizabeth adopting his dog and him being at her place when J.R. showed up had to be divine intervention or good karma. Britney worked on the charity auction because that was her job; however, Elizabeth clearly didn’t help women like Wren and Ariana for recognition. Whatever her motivation, he found a woman like Elizabeth Carroll, rescuer of dogs and people, pretty damned appealing.
ChapterTen
HOUND DOG – Elvis Presley
When Elizabeth got homethat night, Boss loped over.
“Hey, boy. Did you have a good day with John?” She rubbed Boss’s head. He flopped onto his back, legs up. “Are you not getting enough love and attention?” She dropped to one knee and rubbed his belly.
“Not enough attention from pretty ladies, maybe.” John strolled up.
From her vantage point, he loomed over her. She froze. Couldn’t draw in a breath.
John knelt next to them. “I suspect he’s part hound dog because he can never get enough attention from beautiful ladies.” He smiled at her, then dropped his gaze to Boss and rubbed his neck. “I’m surprised he hasn’t ditched me for you entirely.”
“He wouldn’t do that.” With John on her level, she could breathe again. She pushed to her feet anyway. “I got the money transfer for the rent. You didn’t have to pay for the whole month upfront.” Everyone else paid her weekly.
“If you kick me out before a month, you can refund the overpayment. The Army gives me a monthly housing allowance, and it more than covers what you’re charging. We’re good.”
“But you’re doing security without being paid for your time.”
He motioned to Boss. “Yeah, but you—”
“I know,” she stopped him. “You think you have to pay me back, but if it wasn’t Boss, I would have gotten another dog. I’m not out any money that I wouldn’t have spent.”
John hitched up both eyebrows.
“Okay, maybe a little more for food than a smaller dog, but I like big dogs too.”
“And we’re glad you do.” He stood. Boss got to his feet at John’s side. “Lights are up, and I’ll test them after dark.”
“Do you have the receipt?”
“He does.” John pointed to Boss. “He ate it. Bad dog.”
Boss hung his head.
“You expect me to believe that?”
“It was only thirty-eight and change.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“I’m hurt.” He didn’t quite suppress that innocent grin. “They were on clearance, and I get a military discount. Anytime you want to feed me, I hear you make the best lasagna.”
“Ariana told you about the dinners?” How had that come up?
He nodded. “I’m always up for food.”
That wasn’t surprising. “The dinners are to help instill confidence in social situations.”
“A potluck dinner is a socialization exercise?” he asked with an amused chuckle.
