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Lexie
“We’ll give you a ride home.”
My eyes bulged as Eric volunteered us for a task I didn’t want to do. No way could I be in a confined space with Lincoln.
“We don’t have room,” I said quickly before I snapped my mouth shut. Had I offended Miss Adeline? Because of course we had room for her. “For you, I mean.” I pointed at Lincoln, as if that needed clarifying.
Miss Adeline linked arms with him. “We’re a package deal.” She grinned.
I frowned. She was such trouble. But she had also been one of the most supportive people I knew. Allowing me to feed her dogs. Allowing me into her life.
“Are you meddling, woman?” Pepper’s voice was a cross between scolding and amusement.
“How many times are we going to go through that?” Miss Adeline threw up her hands, then focused on me. “I always meddle.” Then she held out her arm to Eric so she was flanked by him and Lincoln. “Gentlemen, let’s do this.”
“I’ll take a ride too,” Beau said as she glided toward the van. “It’s a little too lovey-dovey for me over there.” She motioned to Pepper and Teague. “No offense. Love you both.” She blew them kisses.
“Aren’t you forgetting someone?” Pepper asked innocently, holding up Sadie’s leash.
A flash of panic set in. I adored Muffy, Sadie, and Ash, but I had a van that smelled like dog food. Who would blame them for going berserk? There were probably some stray treats in the back too.
“They can come with us?”
Oh no.When Eric looked so hopeful, I couldn’t ever say no.
I let out a long breath and forced a smile. “They can come with us.”
He beamed, and whatever aggravation this caused me—because of Lincoln—would be a small price to pay.
Muffy yanked to get to Lincoln. Sometimes it seemed like the dogs could understand human conversations.
“Mind seeing about him?” Miss Adeline asked as Pepper brought Muffy and Sadie closer.
Lincoln appeared uncertain for only a second. “I’d better not—”
Pepper thrust the leash at him, which abruptly shut him up. I’d have to remember that trick. If I ever saw him again. Which I had no intention of doing.
Muffy jumped, those massive paws landing on Lincoln’s suit jacket. Lincoln snapped and pointed and the greyhound sat statue still as he stared up at him.
“He wants a treat,” Pepper whispered. Discreetly, she pulled one from her pocket and offered it to Lincoln behind her back.
He didn’t immediately take it. Muffy looked at Pepper’s hand and got antsy, yet still didn’t move.
If Lincoln didn’t give this dog that treat, I would.
Reluctantly, he accepted it, though he didn’t give it to Muffy.
From what I’d seen of Lincoln Hollingsworth, everything revolved around him. This sweet dog had done what was asked of him, so why wasn’t he giving him the treat? Was he so used to getting his own way that he didn’t consider anyone else? Arrogant ass.
“Oh, for Pete’s sake.” I snatched the treat and tossed it to Muffy who caught it and chomped happily.
“I wasn’t ready to give that to him.” The tone with which he spoke the words was low and even, making them far more intimidating.
“The poor thing did what you wanted.” I jangled my keys. “Let’s go.”
“He needs to learn patience.” Lincoln was on my heels with Muffy in tow. “As do you.”
I wheeled around and ran into a solid brick wall of chest muscle. Mistake. Mistake. Mistake. I thrust my finger at him. “You don’t know anything about what I need.”
