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Pepper lets out a bark of approval.
“Hand me your keys, Rowan.”
I try to find more argument but it avails me. Why shouldn’t I hang out with two good-looking men and an adorable dog?
“Dinner is on me. Who likes Chinese?”
For the first time since I walked in, I’m awarded a pair of smiles that send a rush of happiness through me.
“Whoa, girl, give this old woman a break.” I tug at Pepper’s leash.
“You’re hardly an old woman. It’s the hangover,” Cruz corrects.
“I am the walking dead.”
“That’s why we’re out enjoying the fresh air. It does wonders for curing the booze blues.”
“You have experience in this?”
“Plenty.” He winks, throwing his arm around my shoulders and tagging me to him.
“Plus, you need a clear head for what we want to talk to you about,” Alex says.
I stumble at the conspiring glance they share.
“Calm, Rowan, it’s nothing worth face-planting.”
“Is another ambush coming on?”
“No ambush, we have a favor to ask.”
“Okay.”
“Alex and I are heading out of town next week. We planned the vacation before we adopted Pepper.”
All apprehension fades and a thrill takes over. “Do you need a dog sitter?”
“We do.”
“I’d love to.”
As if she senses my excitement, Pepper does a little hop.
“There’s more. We’d like you to stay at our place. It’ll help with getting her used to being in her home. Taking her to Ember’s or Mom’s may set her back.”
“Oh, I understand that completely. She needs to have consistency. But are you sure you want me to stay at your home? You don’t know me that well.”
This time, the look they exchange is easy to read. Exasperation.
“Why don’t you sleep?” Alex’s question surprises me.
“Sleep?”
“You mentioned several times last night you don’t sleep at night. Why?”
Unease washes through me and I shrug. “I’m a night owl.”
“Bullshit. We got sloshed, danced to Britney, and passed out watching Magic Mike. The initiation is complete. You are one of us now. Try again.”
