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Foster slung an arm around his waist and placed a kiss to his husband’s temple. “Be nice.”

“I’m always nice.”

The doorbell rang.

The two dogs, who had been snoozing on respective beds, leapt up, started barking their heads off, and tore off toward the front of the house.

Arnav pointed at Foster. “You’re the bad influence.”

“You’re really going to try that with me?” He grinned. “I blame Taffy.” He turned to me. “My neighbor is on her honeymoon with her new bride. As a gift, we offered to watch the holy terror.”

“Hey.” Arnav called over his shoulder as he walked down the hall. “Taffy is a sweetheart. Aren’t you, darling? Now, can you please stop barking?” All said in a very sing-songy voice.

“Queenie? Taffy? Treats.” Foster winked.

Nails clacked on the hardwood floor as the two dogs raced into the kitchen. Both dogs dropped to their butts.

Foster removed the jerky, split it in two, and eyed them.

They vibrated with excitement.

“It’s just this way.” Arnav’s voice carried.

Foster gave each dog her treat.

“Oh.” A startled exclamation had me turning.

And facing Jai.

Who appeared stunned.

“You two know each other, right?” Arnav moved to the fridge. “You still like root beer?”

“You remembered? Uh, yeah. Thanks.” Still Jai held my gaze.

“We should’ve probably told you Demetrius would be here.” Foster took the can from his husband and poured the drink into a glass. “Sorry, I wasn’t thinking. You don’t have some kind of conflict of interest or something, do you?”

“They’re not dating.” Arnav snagged a strawberry.

“It’s, uh, fine.” Jai shook his head.

But didn’t look the least bit at ease.

“I’m Foster.” The man stuck out his hand.

Jai shook it.

“I’m looking forward to hearing about all the shit my husband got into during his misspent youth.”

“Hey. My sisters have shared all.” Arnav gazed at me. “Seriously. Six sisters. Zero secrets.”

Slowly, Jai smiled. “I can think of a few—”

“Oh no, you don’t. We’re heading out to the barbecue. I have chicken marinating. Grab a strawberry.”

Jai complied and let himself be ushered out the back door.

“We can join them.” Foster offered a smile. “I told Arnav surprising each of you wasn’t a good idea.”